Meghalaya's Changing Seasons: The Best Season to Visit for Natural Wonders and Culture

Meghalaya offers year-round charm, with each season providing unique experiences. Spring is best for trekking and nature walks, and summer offers vibrant waterfalls and the Behdienkhlam festival. During the autumn season in Meghalaya, there are several cultural festivals, such as Wangala and the Cherry Blossom Festival. Winter offers ample opportunities for sightseeing, adventure sports, and festive celebrations. Each season reveals a unique facet of this enchanting state.

Nestled in the eastern part of the Himalayas, Meghalaya is one of the most scenic states in India. The name literally translates to "Abode of Clouds", and it surely lives up to its poetic meaning. Imagine rolling hills of vibrant green, cascading waterfalls, living root bridges, misty mornings, and valley floors teeming with flowers. The best time to visit Meghalaya really depends on what kind of experience you are looking for: adventure, relaxation, immersion into tribal culture, or leisurely views of nature passing you by. The essence of Meghalaya changes with every season. Whether you are excited about trekking through verdant forests, keen on seeing local tribal festivals, or just want to enjoy what nature has to offer, this comprehensive guide delves into various seasons, helping you choose the best season to visit Meghalaya.

Spring (March-April): The Season of Bloom and Adventure

Spring in Meghalaya enjoys mild temperatures of 15°C - 25°C. Crisp but comfortable weather makes it an excellent time to explore the outdoors. In March and April, the whole landscape bursts in colour with flowers. So, if you want to experience the magic of spring, it is the best time to visit Meghalaya.

Why visit in Spring?

• Good weather for sightseeing, treks, and nature walks
• Less tourist traffic than the peak summer season
• Great to visit places like Shillong, Mawlynnong, and Dawki

What are the Top Activities and Attractions?

• Treks and Nature Walks: The pleasant weather is perfect for exploring one of Meghalaya's famous living root bridges, particularly the double decker bridge in Nongriat.
• Waterfalls: The waterfalls in spring aren't at their peak like in the monsoon, but to see them in a more tranquil state, spring is Meghalaya’s best time to visit, allowing for peaceful picnics and photography.
• Culture: Visiting villages and learning about the cultures of the Khasi, Jaintia, and Garo people is ideal in this season. You'll have time to learn about their culture without being hindered by heavy rains.

Travel Tips

• Pack some light woollens; it can be cool in the evenings.
• Don't forget your rain protection as you will likely get some rain on several days.
• This is the shoulder season, so you can book Meghalaya tour packages at reasonable

Summer (May-June): A Breath of Fresh Air

Summer in Meghalaya is an explorer's paradise. The temperatures remain comfortably warm at around 16°C to 31°C.  The combination of airy, warm temperatures and thick, dramatic clouds hanging over valleys in the state lend to an almost otherworldly feeling. This is the best season to visit Meghalaya as it is the peak tourist season.

Why Visit in Summer?

• Summer is Meghalaya’s best time to visit to enjoy outdoor attractions.
• Great for trekking, picnicking, nature photography or cultural sites.
• Adventure sports like camping and hiking are popular at this time.
• Enjoy the Wangala festival of Garo tribe.

What are the Must-See Places?

• Cherrapunji (Sohra): Renowned for its living root bridges and limestone caves, Cherrapunji is lush and vibrant in summer. Experience waterfalls such as Nohkalikai and Dainthlen.
• Dawki: This border tourist spot is blessed with the clean river Umngot. A boat ride on the transparent water offers the best of Meghalaya tourism, making summer the best time to visit this attraction.
• Mawlynnong: Asia’s cleanest village, Mawlynnong is a lovely stop in the summer with its well-kept pathways, the skywalk viewpoint, and a peaceful environment too.
• Mawsynram: One of the wettest places on the planet, a visit to Mawsynram just before the heavy monsoons will give you a glimpse of its dramatic skies and beautiful caves.

Travel Tips

• Ensure you book your hotels and transportation in advance.
• Pack clothing for summer but leave space for a light jacket and an umbrella.
• Try not to expose yourself too much to the afternoon sun
• Drive carefully on hilly roads that may be slippery from early rainfalls.

Monsoon (July-September): The Monsoon Magic

The monsoon season is what gives Meghalaya its ethereal charm. The relentless rains leave the forests and the mountains drenched, creating dramatic waterfalls and fog-blanketed valleys. It may not be an ideal time for outdoor adventure travel, but this is the best time to go to Meghalaya for a romantic getaway or a peaceful retreat.

Why Visit during the Monsoon?

• Experience Meghalaya in its raw, primal beauty
• Fewer tourists mean quiet in hill towns and bargain rates
• Excellent opportunity for photographers and nature enthusiasts

Which Paces to Visit?

• Seven Sisters Waterfall: Located in Cherrapunji, this seven-segmented waterfall is a spectacular sight during the rainy season. With water gushing down verdant cliffs, the Seven Sisters waterfall Meghalaya is a true marvel of nature.
• Ward's Lake: Situated in the heart of Shillong, the lake is especially serene during the monsoon. The surrounding gardens are alive with fresh plants, and rain-kissed pathways make for a peaceful stroll.
• Elephant Falls: The Elephant Falls is a cascading three-tiered waterfall. The monsoon is the most exhilarating time to observe the Elephant Falls and is one of the best seasons to visit Meghalaya.
• Krem Lymput: Krem Lymput is one of Meghalaya's easiest accessible caves in the Sohra. The interior remains cool and fresh while the surroundings become lush and alive with rain.

Travel Tips

• Do not trek or swim in natural water bodies, safety is paramount
• Always carry waterproof shoes, raincoats, and mosquito repellent
• Check weather conditions before heading outside, as rain and thunderstorms frequently occur
• Some rural areas may be rendered inaccessible on a temporary basis—check on land slides, and plan accordingly.

Autumn (October-November): The Cultural Extravaganza

As the monsoon season fades, Meghalaya transitions into a different world when the skies clear and the cherry blossom trees start blooming. The interim, or shoulder seasons, combine the best of the monsoon and the beginning of the cooler winter season, making it an ideal time to see the best of Meghalaya, India tourism.

Why visit in Autumn?

• Cherry blossoms in November make it the best season to visit Meghalaya
• Ideal time for sightseeing and cultural exploration
• Less crowded than summer

What are the Best Places to Visit?

• Umiam Lake: With its golden hills, Umiam Lake is perfect for serene boat rides and spectacular sunsets during the crisp weather of autumn.
• Police Bazar: Autumn in Police Bazar is an exciting shopping venture, with comfortable weather to explore local crafts and enjoy the local food.
• Mawphlang Sacred Forest: The ancient Mawphlang Sacred Forest is beautiful and splendid during autumn as the misty trails and amazing biodiversity await your adventure.
• Shillong Peak: In autumn, Shillong Peak offers sweeping views of the city, framed by blooming cherry blossoms that paint the landscape pink.

Travel Tips

• Book your flights and hotels early, and November is extremely busy in Meghalaya.
• Bring light woollens and a good camera to capture the magic.
• Enjoy road trips after the rains since the roads are in better shape.

Winter (December-February): Serene Landscapes and Festivities

In Meghalaya, winter brings a cosy chill to the hills. It is considered the best time to visit Meghalaya if you like waking up to foggy mornings, sipping hot tea next to a fireplace, or hiking in the cool and fresh air. The skies are usually quite clear so that you can enjoy star-gazing and sightseeing too.

Why Visit in Winter?

• Perfect for honeymooners and nature buffs
• Great visibility and dry conditions make it the best time for Meghalaya, perfect for trekking and road trips
• Christmas and New Year celebrations bring life to the hills
• Strawberry festival (Valentine’s Day) promoting local farming in the strawberry-growing regions of Meghalaya

What are the Best Places to Visit?

• Umngot River: Winter is the best time to go to Meghalaya’s Umngot River in Dawki, as the river's crystal clear waters have a glassy reflection, making boat rides even more appealing.
• Garo Hills: Winter is the best time to explore the pristine beauty of Garo Hills with enjoyable weather and tribal festivals, like Wangala.
• Mawthadraishan Peak: Winter clear skies offer stunning panoramic views from Mawthadraishan Peak, and a calm trekking experience.
• Mawkdok Dympep Valley: The valley offers foggy sunrises and cool winter breezes, great for scenic photography or short walks/hikes.

Travel Tips

• Pack appropriate clothing (warm - including thermals, gloves, jackets and mufflers)
• Book accommodation ahead of time around the holiday season
• Travel may take longer than anticipated because of fog in the mornings, so keep some buffer in your itineraries.

Meghalaya is a mesmerising state at any time of the year. Whether you are trekking through the misty valleys of Cherrapunjee and listening to the roar of waterfalls during the monsoon, or sipping strawberry wine at a winter festival, there is always something wonderful to experience in any season. The best time to go to Meghalaya depends on what you would like to bring back as a memory. So pack your bags and choose the season that calls to your travelling soul.