Best Time to visit Meghalaya for unique experiences : A Seasonal and Monthly Guide!

During Monsoon one can witness enchanting waterfalls and lush green landscapes but during dry season you will get to experience clear skies and pleasant weather. Meghalaya evolves dramatically with the change of seasons and that’s why it is extremely important to find out the best time to visit Meghalaya before planning the trip.

Checking out this blog will help you to draw a conclusion including the best month, season and much more. 

What is the best time to visit Meghalaya?

Before you book your Meghalaya tour package, it is important that you find out the best time. And the best time to visit Meghalaya is between October to April (14.3°C -23.2°C) and average rainfall (211.8mm - 129.0 mm). This is considered to be the best time because of sightseeing, trekking, exploring caves and other outdoor activities. Now, during these months, rainfall decreases which makes sightseeing to spots like Shillong, Cherrapunji, Dawki and Mawlynnong easier. You must know that the monsoon season extends from May to September and it looks appealing.

Travel Choices	Best Time to visit	Temperature
Complete sightseeing	October to April	15°C -25°C
Trekking	November to April (Check out the trail conditions)	9 °C- 25°C
Waterfall	June to September - During Monsoon	17°C - 27°C
Visit Umgnot River	November to February	9°C - 22°C
Photography	Monsoon - June to September Post-Monsoon - October to November	17°C-27°C 9 °C - 26 °C
Comfortable Road Trips	October to April - Check the local conditions	14°C - 25°C
Caves and Outdoor Adventures	Drier months - November to February	9°C - 20 °C
Peaceful Village Experiences	Weekdays outside major holiday periods

Best Season to Visit Meghalaya

Understanding the various seasons would be extremely helpful in finalizing your travel dates. No doubt, you can find amazing spots and innumerable hotels in Meghalaya but the pricing will depend on the month and season as well. So, don’t panic and keep reading to find out the best season to visit Meghalaya. 

Spring in Meghalaya : March to April 

One of the best time to visit Meghalaya for exploration is during March to April. Usually, the weather stays comfortable and you might witness occasional showers. Shillong and its areas are specifically captivating during this period. You would get to explore local markets, scenic viewpoints and spend most of the time around the beautiful Umiam Lake and enjoy driving in the hills. Spring is an amazing season for travelers who are interested in walking trains and amusing village experiences. 

Generally, the weather is comfortable, there is a possibility of occasional rain. Meghalaya and other areas look surreal and because the weather is favourable, you can visit local markets, and other sightseeing points. 

Few of the best experiences during Spring!

If you plan to visit Shillong during Spring, then surely there are certain things that you would experience. 

• You would get to explore Shillong and other nearby places
• You can visit Laitlum Canyons for amusing views but only if the visibility is good
• Spend some time tasting the delicious local food and visit cultural markets.
• Enjoy scenic drives through the Khasi Hills
• You can explore the trails and viewpoints

Undeniably, this is the best season to visit Meghalaya but yes there are certain things that you must keep in mind. First of all, you must carry a light jacket, comfortable shoes, and even a raincoat. 

Summer and Monsoons in Meghalaya (May to September)

The rainy season entirely transfigures Meghalaya into a panoramic landscape of lush green woods, flowing streams, misty valleys and amusing waterfalls. Rainfall starts increasing especially during May and towards June it comes heavier. No doubt this is the best time to visit Meghalaya for waterfalls as it looks surreal and charming. Sohra which is also known as Cherrapunji and Mawsynram also witness intense rainfall. 

For nature fanatics this could be an amazing time to visit as the waterfalls start to look dramatic, the forests look vibrant, and clouds assure a panoramic view. However, the heavy rainfall can also decrease the visibility which makes the viewpoints, roads and trails difficult for accessibility. 

Few of the best experiences during Monsoon!

The rainy season in Meghalaya looks surreal and charming and here are few of the major or amazing experiences of Monsoon. 

• Get to admire waterfalls from safe viewpoints
• Take pictures of Rain-covered forests and misty landscapes
• Witness the attractive Khasi Hills during heavy rainfall
• Get to explore village life
• Enjoy the lush surroundings of Sohra and Mawsynram 
• Witness the beauty of Sohra and Mawsynram 

Before you book your Meghalaya tour package, make sure you check out the list of places that you can visit, activities you can try. Along with that, there are certain things that you must keep in mind such as following the local weather advisories, and other safety tips. 

Post-Monsoon in Meghalaya - October to November 

October and November are the best months for travelers who wish to enjoy the greenery while improving their chances  of comfortable sightseeing. Now, as the monsoon gradually withdraws you can get clear views During this period the photographers can witness scenic views and greenery opportunities for clearer skies. 

Best Experiences during the Post-Monsoon Season:

Unquestionably,  the best month to visit Meghalaya is October. However if you are deciding between the monsoon and the winter, then October to November are the best options. But just make sure you keep a check on the local forecast before booking activities which depend on clear weather. 

Winter in Meghalaya (December to February) : 

It is one of the most famous periods to explore Meghalaya. Usually, the rainfall is lower and skies could be clearer and it is easier to plan outdoor activities in many of the locations. This is the best season to visit Meghalaya for the ones who wish to explore caves, hiking and scenic drives. Indeed, it is one of the best times to visit Dawki and Shnongpdeng. Mornings and evenings could feel a little cold especially in the higher-altitude areas. The travelers must pack warm clothing rather than just assuming the entire state stays extremely pleasant and mild. 

Best Experiences during winters

• You get to explore Shillong’s attractions and Cafes 
• You can visit Dawki and Shnongpdeng for pristine river views and other permitted activities 
• You can try to trek to the Double Decker living root bridge. During this time, the route is open and conditions are suitable 
• Get to discover limestone caves with the authorised local guidance where needed
• You can enjoy picnics and other outdoor sightseeing during the clear weather

Winter is also an extremely busy travel period especially during Christmas, New Year and even on other holiday dates.  Make sure you book accommodation and transport on an advance basis if you wish to plan during these periods. 

A complete Guide on Meghalaya Weather : January to December 

No doubt, there are innumerable places to visit in Meghalaya but one must be sure about the weather conditions first. The weather of Meghalaya keeps on changing throughout the year. Here, you can check out the details and analyse and find out the best time to visit Meghalaya. So, keep reading to find out more. 

January : Cool and Calm Weather x Scenic exploration 

Usually, January is extremely dry and cool which makes it perfect for sightseeing, exploring the caves, trekking and much more. During this time, you can visit Shillong, Dawki and Mawlynnong while you get to enjoy clear views. 

Overall Weather Info : 

• Avg Min Temp (°C) : 5.9
• Avg Max Temp(°C) : 14.9
• Avg Rainfall (mm) : 13.8
• Avg Rainy Days (mm): 1.6

Perfect For : River Visits, Outdoor sightseeing and adventures 

Pro Tip : Make sure you pack for early mornings and evenings specifically if you plan to spend your time in the hills. 

February : Comfortable Days x Outdoor Activities

Surely favourable conditions to explore Meghalaya. It is an amazing month for visitors who wish to explore nature without any challenges associated with heavy monsoon rainfall. It is a good month for the visitors who wish to witness nature without any hurdle associated with heavy monsoon rainfall. 

Overall Weather Info : 

• Avg Min Temp (°C) : 7.5
• Avg Max Temp(°C) : 17.0
• Avg Rainfall (mm) : 19.3
• Avg Rainy Days (mm): 2.3

Ideal for : Trekking, Sightseeing and exploring villages 

Pro Tip : Keep a check on the local accessibility 

March : Road Trips and Beautiful Spring Landscape

No doubt, Meghalaya is one of the best honeymoon destinations in Northeast India and it would be amazing if you plan your trip to this wonderland during March. You can also visit Shillong, and witness occasional showers. The evolving landscape also makes this month extremely appealing for photography and leisure outdoor activities. 

Overall Weather Info : 

• Avg Min Temp (°C) : 11.1
• Avg Max Temp(°C) : 21.0
• Avg Rainfall (mm) : 46.0
• Avg Rainy Days (mm): 4.1

Ideal for : Scenic drives, viewpoints and relaxed dating. 

Pro Tip : Carry your camera always 

April : Amusing Weather x Occasional Shower 

April could be an outstanding month to explore Meghalaya before the arrival of heaviest rainfall. The weather is extremely suitable for outdoor activities. 

Overall Weather Info : 

• Avg Min Temp (°C) : 13.8
• Avg Max Temp(°C) : 23.2
• Avg Rainfall (mm) : 129.0
• Avg Rainy Days (mm): 9.7

Ideal for : Sightseeing, Nature Walks and Family Trips 

Pro Tip : Carry a light rain protection and then keep your plans flexible 

May : The starting of the Rainy Period 

During the month of May, the rainfall keeps on increasing, however the conditions vary as per the location and year. The hills look greener and the waterfall looks astounding. 

Overall Weather Info : 

• Avg Min Temp (°C) : 15.5
• Avg Max Temp(°C) : 23.4
• Avg Rainfall (mm) : 266.6
• Avg Rainy Days (mm): 15.8

Ideal for : Green landscapes, nature photos, and flexible 

Pro Tip : Don’t commit to a trip during the peak and rainy season. 

June : Enjoy watching dramatic waterfalls 

It marks the beginning of the wet period in different parts of Meghalaya. You can find waterfalls and streams. But heavy rainfall may impact. This month marks the beginning of wet periods. 

Overall Weather Info : 

• Avg Min Temp (°C) : 17.4
• Avg Max Temp(°C) : 24.0
• Avg Rainfall (mm) : 428.7
• Avg Rainy Days (mm): 18.1

Ideal for : Monsoon scenery, and waterfall views

Pro Tip : Check the weather forecast before leaving because the rainy season in Meghalataya is extremely picturesque and beautiful. 

July : Witness the intensity of the Monsoon 

You can witness heavy rainfall and you would especially around Sohra and Mawynram. The landscape looked spectacular but the travel conditions 

Overall Weather Info : 

• Avg Min Temp (°C) : 17.9
• Avg Max Temp(°C) : 23.9
• Avg Rainfall (mm) : 496.5
• Avg Rainy Days (mm): 17.9

Ideal for : Travellers

Pro Tip : Trail would be slippery  and so be careful

August : Lush Hills x Misty Views

It is best for monsoon experience, dense greenery and flowing waterfalls. Great month for photography. However, heavy rain could stop you from witnessing the scenery that you traveled to witness. 

Overall Weather Info : 

• Avg Min Temp (°C) : 17.7
• Avg Max Temp(°C) : 24.1
• Avg Rainfall (mm) : 310.5
• Avg Rainy Days (mm): 16.7

Ideal for : Green Landscapes

Pro Tip : Flexible Nature-centric trips

September : A quick transition towards the Post-Monsoon 

The rainfall would comparatively decrease but still the water falls would look impressive and beautiful. The entire place would look surreal and so it is considered to be the perfect or  best time to visit Meghalaya for waterfalls. 

• Avg Min Temp (°C) : 16.7
• Avg Max Temp(°C) : 23.3
• Avg Rainfall (mm) : 276.6
• Avg Rainy Days (mm): 15.7

Ideal for : Green Landscapes

Pro Tip : Flexible Nature-centric trips

October : Greenery x Sightseeing 

This could be one of the most appealing weather. Clear skies, beautiful waterfalls could create amusing opportunities for photography. 

Ideal for : Sightseeing

Pro Tip : Flexible Nature-centric trips

• Avg Min Temp (°C) : 14.3
• Avg Max Temp(°C) : 21.8
• Avg Rainfall (mm) : 211.8
• Avg Rainy Days (mm): 8.4

November : Cultural Trips x Outdoor Exploration

You can combine your trip to destinations like Shillong, Sohra, and other surrounding villages.

• Avg Min Temp (°C) : 10.4
• Avg Max Temp(°C) : 19.1
• Avg Rainfall (mm) : 38.8
• Avg Rainy Days (mm): 2.1

Ideal for : Sightseeing

Pro Tip : Flexible Nature-centric trips

December : Holiday Seasons 

• Avg Min Temp (°C) : 7.2
• Avg Max Temp(°C) : 16.0
• Avg Rainfall (mm) : 12.8
• Avg Rainy Days (mm): 1.1

During this time, because 

Ideal for : Families 

Pro Tip : Book everything on an advance basis because of holiday seasons 

Best Time to Visit Meghalaya for Waterfalls

Meghalaya is extremely popular for waterfalls. And the best time to visit Meghalaya for waterfalls is usually during the monsoon season that is from June to September. The different waterfalls that you can visit include: 

• Nohkalikai Falls
• Nohsngithiang Falls (Seven sisters fall)
• Elephant falls
• Krang Suri Falls
• Rongbangdare falls

Season is the main character here!

Meghalaya witnesses a  major evolution throughout the year. This change also impacts the road conditions and even the appearance of major attractions. To be honest choosing the best month to visit Meghalaya is also dependent on what are your expectations because as per the month, season and weather, Meghalaya keeps on evolving! Hopefully, going through this blog was worth your time and effort. Before planning your trip to Meghalaya all of this information will help you to get to a conclusion. 

FAQs

What is the best time to visit Meghalaya?

October to April is the best time to visit Meghalaya. 

Which is the best month to visit Meghalaya?

November is one of the best choices. 

What is the best season to visit Meghalaya for waterfalls?

The Monsoon, June to September 

Is Meghalaya worth visiting during Monsoon?

Of course as it looks surreal.