The Best Time to Visit Meghalaya, India
Trying to figure out the best time to visit Meghalaya for your next adventure?
Meghalaya is known as the abode of the clouds (it’s also the direct translation of the Sanskirt word: “megha” means abode and “alaya” means clouds). As such, the abode of clouds is best enjoyed with the clouds.
When is the best time to visit Meghalaya?
The monsoons in Meghalaya hit different! The rains bring lush green and gushing waterfalls. While rainy season does bring its challenges because its not always enjoyable to explore the outdoors when it rains and the clouds sometimes block the amazing views, it also offers the beauty of cascading waterfalls and flourishing fauna.
There is something to be enjoyed in Meghalaya at all times of the year, but I’d recommend visiting from August to October when the rains bring the landscape to life, but the worst of the torrential rains in July are usually over.
If you visit at the end of them monsoon season from end of September through October, you might get the best of both worlds because rain will still be around but it won’t be in full force.
Best time to visit Meghalaya: FAQs
There’s a lot to see and do on a trip to Meghalaya, so depending on your travel plans, the best months to visit Meghalaya can vary. I have outlined the best Meghalaya itinerary if you are wondering what destinations to add to your agenda.
What month is best to visit the Umngot River?
The clear waters of the Umngot River, best seen from the villages of Dawki and Shnongpdeng, are best witnessed outside of monsoon season from October to March.
During monsoon season, the rains kicks up dirt and muck in the flowing waters of the Umngot River, often making the water too murky to see the bottom.
I visited Shnongpdeng at the end of October and the water was crystal clear, as you can see in the photo below.
What month is best for the waterfalls in Meghalaya?
The gushing waterfalls of Cherapunjee and throughout Meghalaya are best seen during monsoon season from July to September.
There’s a lot of natural beauty to see in Cherapunjee making it well worth a visit during a trip to Meghalaya.
What is the best time of year to visit Shillong?
If you want to avoid the worst of the rains, I’d recommend visiting the capital of Meghalaya from October to April. During this time, the monsoons have ended, leaving the region lush, and the skies are clear, offering splendid views of the landscape. However, if you are venturing down to Cherapunjee, just note that some of the waterfalls may not be as majestic without the rains.
There’s plenty to see and do year round in Shillong.
What is the weather like in Meghalaya?
The average temperatures in Meghalaya are cooler than the rest of India so if you are looking to beat the heat, plan a trip to this northeast state. The summer here is relatively short lived and mild.
Heavy rainfall during the monsoons makes Meghalaya one of the wettest places on the planet. While this adds to the beauty of the state with green landscapes and dramatic waterfalls, landslides can sometimes disrupt your travel plans.
Summer in Meghalaya
April marks the start of rainy season in Meghalaya.
- Average high temperature: 24°C (75°F)
- Average low temperature: 15°C (59°F)
May
- Average high temperature: 24°C (75°F)
- Average low temperature: 16°C (61°F)
June
- Average high temperature: 24°C (75°F)
- Average low temperature: 19°C (66°F)
Monsoons in Meghalaya
July is the wettest month of the year in Meghalaya.
- Average high temperature: 24°C (75°F)
- Average low temperature: 19°C (66°F)
August is the warmest month of the year in Meghalaya.
- Average high temperature: 24°C (75°F)
- Average low temperature: 19°C (66°F)
September
- Average high temperature: 24°C (75°F)
- Average low temperature: 18°C (64°F)
Autumn in Meghalaya
October
- Average high temperature: 23°C (74°F)
- Average low temperature: 14°C (57°F)
November
- Average high temperature: 21°C (70°F)
- Average low temperature: 10°C (49°F)
Winter in Meghalaya
December is usually the driest and sunniest month of the year in Meghalaya
- Average high temperature: 18°C (65°F)
- Average low temperature: 7°C (44°F)
January is the coldest month of the year in Meghalaya.
- Average high temperature: 17°C (64°F)
- Average low temperature: 6°C (42°F)
February
- Average high temperature: 20°C (69°F)
- Average low temperature: 8°C (46°F)
March
- Average high temperature: 23°C (73°F)
- Average low temperature: 11°C (53°F)
TL;DR: Best Time to Visit Meghalaya
Meghalaya is one of the wettest places on Earth, and the monsoon season is an integral part of its charm. While the landscapes are at their greenest and the waterfalls at their most dramatic during these months, traveling can be challenging due to heavy rainfall and landslides. Some trails may be closed, and outdoor activities are limited. However, if you don’t mind the occasional downpour, witnessing Meghalaya during the rains can be a unique experience.