You’ve possibly heard different people giving different answers to this question. However, if you really want to decide and come to one conclusion to plan your trip, then we can help you out.
In reality, Meghalaya is beautiful and fun all year round. However, this simply varies from season to season. So, the best time for you to go to Meghalaya will depend on the temperatures you’re comfortable with and the kind of beauty you want to see.
For your convenience, we’ve divided the time frame into 4 seasons, each of them having its own specialty and beauty.
Summer in the hills is nothing like what you have in the cities. In Meghalaya too, it is pleasant, breezy and sometimes a bit cloudy. The temperature here at this time would be around 16°C-31°C. This makes the weather perfect for going around and exploring the state. This is because along with the surroundings the temperature of the water is perfect too for swimming.
The water in the rivers, lakes and falls in Meghalaya is crystal-clear and blue. It actually reflects the colour of the sky and its surroundings. This is one of the reasons why cliff jumping is a common adventurous activity here. If you get a water-proof camera, you can get the best underwater shot while you’re swimming.
Another reason why summer can be an excellent time to visit Meghalaya is the festival of Shad Suk Mynsiem. This festival is celebrated for 3 days in the month of April by the Khasi tribe. The entire region is filled with music, dance, colours and joy, making the place even merrier.
During March or April, there’s another festival that is celebrated in the Jaintia Hills in Meghalaya – the Chad Sukra, where everybody prepares for the spring season to sow new crops. This is also a joyful time there filled with dance and music.
If you’re really going to Meghalaya to see the waterfalls, the “Abode of Clouds” and lush greenery, the monsoon is the time for you to go there. During these months, the temperature is between 24°C-33°C, though it does get a little chilly when it’s raining.
If you love getting wet in the rain, there is no better place for it than Meghalaya. This is because people here actually enjoy trekking in the rain. When you wear a raincoat and start walking, you’ll see the surrounding trees dancing, the waterfalls and rivers gushing with water and streams of water creating a waterfall almost everywhere you go.
In fact, even just before the rain, if you’re at a good height, you’ll see clouds floating at the level of your feet. Now, who wouldn’t love to see that?
While we all love greenery, how about we add a little pink colour to it? Autumn is the time when cherry blossom trees start blooming in Meghalaya. The temperature is pleasant, between 22°C-29°C. Since this is right after the monsoon, the waterfalls and rivers will be at their maximum volume.
So, in this season, what you’re truly getting is greenery enhanced by flowers, blue waterfalls and rivers completely filled up and pleasant weather that encourages all adventurous activities. And if you go to Shillong, there’s a little more to add to your plate. Any guesses?
Yes, it’s the Autumn Festival, which is specially meant for tourists to enjoy. There are plenty of occasions here such as the food & wine festival, beauty pageants, kite flying competitions, flower shows, music, golf tournaments, fishing competitions and rock shows.
If you don’t experience very cold winters, Meghalaya might be a little chilly for you. Temperatures drop till 4°C here, the maximum being around 16°C. The water can be really chilly in the falls, which might be all the more fun to some of you who like winters and cold water.
The fun part about winters is that while the waterfalls are still blue and the hills are still green, you’ll enjoy the sunlight when you’re trekking. The hot tea and Maggi that you’ll get in the stalls feel all the more heavenly due to the cold.
While in December you’ll find some pretty Christmas decorations around you, you’ll enjoy the strawberry festival in February. You even have the Ranikor Festival in the same month where they hold tournaments for swimming, trekking, volleyball, beach soccer and kite flying along with dance & music shows.
No matter what season you’re going in, there are certain things that you need to pack when you’re going to Meghalaya:
The sun can be stronger in the hills, especially during summers. However, with Meghalaya, you cannot predict rain as it might happen at any time of the year. This is why a raincoat is a must. If you’re going in Monsoon, you probably need to pack 2 for each day.
You also need to select your shoes carefully. This is because while trekking in the rain can be fun, it can also be slippery. You can take a stick to ensure further safety. Backpack with rain cover
Nights are always cool in Meghalaya most of the time. They can be really chilly the day it rains or when it’s winter. This is why, even in the summer you’ll need a combination of light jackets and warm sweaters.
Normally, we get our main luggage in a wheeled suitcase as it is easy to carry. However, in a hilly region, where the surfaces are uneven, it is simpler to get a rucksack for your main luggage. Since Meghalaya is a wet region, it will be better to get a rain cover too. Astrophotography
So, now that you know what you’ll get to see and what needs to go in your bag, are you ready to pick a date? You might want to check out some free slots with us here.