Best Time to Visit Meghalaya: Right to the Abode of Clouds

To be encapsulated by the mesmerising views of verdant landscapes is exactly what every traveller desires. Meghalaya is the state where you can literally spot diverse shades of green, all thanks to its jaw-dropping forest cover. To plan a vacation in the abode of clouds is as good as treating yourself to a hot coffee on a rainy day. Now that it might start to excite you, checking the best time to visit Meghalaya is equally crucial.

As the state is home to Cherrapunji, it experiences heavy rainfall during the monsoon season. Due to different climatic conditions, Meghalaya becomes a top-rated choice for travellers from all walks of life. Whether you are considering outdoor activities, rejuvenating in your hotel room or a combination of both, plan a vacation during the best time to visit Meghalaya for a soothing experience. 

Understanding Meghalaya’s Climatic Conditions

Meghalaya experiences three different seasons and it is also a famous tourist spot throughout the year. If you are planning for a trip here, the best time to visit Meghalaya surely is a matter of question. 

Summer (March to June)

The state experiences a pleasant climate during the summer season. The temperature ranges from 15°C to 25°C, making it great for outdoor activities.

Monsoon (July to September)

Sometimes, the monsoon can even start from June, depending on the climate changes. As the rain touches the land of Meghalaya, temperatures start ranging from 12°C to 20°C.

Winter (October to February)

October is just the month when the dry season begins. The air is crisp, and the skies look clear. The temperature ranges from 15°C to 22°C; however, it can drop to 4°C to 6°C during nights.

Best Time To Visit Meghalaya for Families and Couples

If you aim to follow a proper Meghalaya trip itinerary with your friends or loved one, you must consider the winter season. The weather is dry and the rains have washed off the entire state around this time. You get an opportunity to bless your eyes with lush greenery, clear waters of the Dawki River and Khasis celebrating festivals. 

This time is ideal for families and couples because you get to decide the vibe of your vacation. You can either opt for adventures, do a proper tour or enjoy local experiences. The gentle sunshine truly makes winter the best time to visit Meghalaya for families. You and your family can see waterfalls in a comfortable way. Similarly, you can also opt for caving, cliff jumping, ziplining across the Mawkdok Valley or boating on the river. 

What Are the Best Things To Do During Winter in Meghalaya?

• Winter, being the best time to visit Meghalaya, invites you to walk through the magnificent Mawsmai and Arwah caves near Cherrapunji.
• Go for the famous treks in Meghalaya, including the Double Decker Living Root Bridge, Mawryngkhang Bamboo Trail and David Scott Trail.
• Enjoy riverside camping at Dawki and Shnongpdeng; you also get to watch unique constellations.

• If you are planning to visit in November, you must witness the Wangala festival and the Nongkrem Dance Festival.
• Winter is also famous for delicious food, including smoked meat, Jadoh and Dohneiiong.
• Photograph the sun-kissed mountains and frosty landscapes of Meghalaya.
• You must visit the Police Bazaar to shop for the best souvenirs of India, along with the opportunity to try local dishes.

What To Expect During Winter in Meghalaya?

• Winter is the best time to visit Meghalaya for the majority of travellers. Hence, you can expect a price hike for flights and hotels. It is best to make advanced bookings for all.
• While road conditions are good for travel, they are winding (twists and turns). It is best to carry medicines if you have motion sickness.
• Winter comes with extremely cool temperatures at night. Hotels with a heater facility and extra blankets are an ideal choice. 

• When travelling to Cherrapunji or Mawlynnong, it is best to have homestays with a fireplace to keep yourself warm.
• The state is filled with fresh fruits, including oranges and guavas, by December. 
• You might also get to try traditional Christmas sweets if you travel around that time.

Best Time To Visit Meghalaya for Leisure Lovers

If you wish to escape the heat, the best time to visit Meghalaya is during the summer season. Unlike other places, this state is comparatively cooler for a getaway. It is best to book hotels in Shillong or Cherrapunji, as the climate is pleasant during this time. This is specifically amazing for leisure lovers, as you can choose to spend the day in your hotel rooms or head out for a soothing walk. The skies are clear, the sun is out, and the waters are crystal clear too.

While you can do most activities during the winter season, too, summer is ideal for an escape. It is more like choosing a refreshing climate where you neither need umbrellas nor sweaters. You get to see the vibrant culture of the state without worrying about extreme travelling or landslides. 

What’s more? Summer is the best time to visit Meghalaya for extreme adventures, too. This is the time when you can explore the living root bridges of Meghalaya, as the weather supports adventure. Similarly, you can also opt for cliff jumping and camping by the river due to low water levels. So, make sure to book your hotels well in advance for a soothing getaway.

What Are the Best Things To Do During Summer in Meghalaya?

• Visit the famous double-decker living root bridge, where next-level adventure and thrill are certain to surprise you.
• Go for sunrise hikes and make sure to hire a local guide to explore hidden trails.

• Head to the Latium Canyons, where you get to see dramatic gorges and valleys.
• Shop for the best shawls and winter clothing at Police Bazaar in Shillong.
• Enjoy the panoramic views of clear skies, as there are multiple viewpoints from Shillong to Cherrapunji.

What To Expect During Summer in Meghalaya?

• While summer is pleasant, the sun can be high at times. It is best to apply sunscreen and wear a hat and sunglasses for protection.
• It is best to stay hydrated while trekking or exploring the caves of Meghalaya.
• The trekking trails are quite different, with various suspension, root and bamboo bridges. Make sure to wear sturdy shoes for exploration.
• Carry an umbrella or a light raincoat in case of unexpected showers in the state.

Best Time To Visit Meghalaya for Offbeat Travellers

It is understandable that not every traveller desires the same experience. The best time to visit Meghalaya is completely different for nature lovers. Choose the monsoon season if you are ready for extreme rainfall, where you literally live with the aroma of wet mud. If you are into crazy experiences that people would not easily choose, you need to check this state during the monsoon season. 

Walking through the heavenly villages covered by lush green trees is therapeutic. Imagine sleeping in a homestay where you can hear the sound of gushing waters as waterfalls cascade beautifully. That’s exactly what you can expect during the monsoon season. Monsoon is the best time to visit Meghalaya if you are looking for a rural tourism experience. That’s when you get to learn how locals here thrive in the extreme weather conditions and still live a contented life.

What Are the Best Things To Do During Monsoon in Meghalaya?

• Monsoon being the best time to visit Meghalaya brings you powerful waterfalls in Cherrapunji and the other cities. You can visit Nohkalikai Falls, Seven Sisters waterfall, Elephant waterfalls and multiple streams around.
• While longer root bridges are not accessible, there are single root bridges near Riwai and Mawlynnong village. 
• Drive from Shillong to Cherrapunji for heartwarming views of mist-covered hills and greenery. 

• Enjoy hearty meals at homestays in Cherrapunji or the remote villages and chat with the locals.
• You must visit the Mawphlang Sacred Forest, as it is in its complete splendour during the monsoon season.
• Rain-drenched roads and narrow pathways of the villages inspire you to take long walks with your loved ones or solo.

What To Expect During Monsoon in Meghalaya?

• Most parts of the state experience load shedding, which means electricity is available only for certain hours during the day. 
• As the nights are cooler, electricity is made unavailable to avoid power outages amidst heavy rainfall.
• If you opt for a homestay in the middle of a village, you might be able to spot a few monsoon bugs or insects outside the room.
• Camping by the Dawki River is not possible during the monsoon season due to the heavy flow of the river.
• Other adventure activities like ziplining and cliff jumping also remain closed.
• Mobile connectivity can be a little weak in certain areas of small villages in the state.

• You need to be careful while travelling, as heavy rainfall attracts landslides (it’s all good if you have a well-planned itinerary in the safer zones).
• Travelling can be time-consuming due to road closures or traffic jams, especially in Shillong.
• Shops, restaurants and small eateries in the villages remain closed during heavy rains. You can definitely rely on the homestay owners for delicious meals.
• While it’s rainy, the humidity can be high, thereby making clothes sticky.

What Are the Best Places To Visit in Meghalaya?

• Shillong – For city vibes, amazing cafes, good hotels and buzzing markets.
• Mawlynnong, Mawphlang, Riwai and Kongthong Village – For rural lifestyle, homestays, cultural essence and hidden gems.
• Cherrapunji and Mawsynram – For heavy rainfall, waterfalls and limestone caves.

• Dawki, Shnongpdeng, Wankhen Village and Jaintia Hills – For adventurous trekking, kayaking and riverside camping.
• Nartiang, Smit, Mawlyngbna, Jowai and Weiloi Village – For monoliths, megalithic stones, fossil sites, rock formations and cultural heritage.

How to Reach Meghalaya?

Meghalaya is not difficult to reach; however, the journey can be time-consuming or expensive. The remote location of the state doesn’t have an airport that functions like the other airports do. Similarly, there is no rail connectivity in the state. Hence, Meghalaya is dependent on Assam for transporting tourists. So, let’s check the best ways to reach Meghalaya. 

By Air

• The state is home to Shillong airport; however, there are limited flights from the metro cities. The airport also runs occasional flights due to more people opting for other transport routes. It is around 30 kilometres from the city centre.

• The next and the best air route is Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport in Guwahati. You can find regular flights from major Indian cities, making the journey convenient. The airport is 118 kilometres from the Shillong city centre.

By Rail

• Guwahati Railway Station is the nearest rail route to enter Meghalaya. It is approximately 98 kilometres from Shillong city centre. You can find regular trains from various Indian cities.

By Road

• The easiest way to reach Meghalaya is via Assam. Hence, you need to first reach Guwahati and then start your road journey. You can hire private cabs right outside the Guwahati station or airport.
• If you wish to save money, go for state-run or private buses to Shillong.
• You can also hire a vehicle to self-drive in the beautiful state.

Your Journey to Meghalaya Begins!

The best time to visit Meghalaya truly depends on the kind of experiences you want to cherish. It is that hidden gem of India which truly offers a blend of everything you can ask for. From hills, valleys and waterfalls to the sacred forests, tribes of India truly flourish in the state. It is indeed your time to discover an offbeat destination that is constantly gaining popularity. The availability of Treebo Club‘s hotels makes it even better to plan a promising getaway. So, pack your bags and say hi to the Khasis, Garos and Jaintias.