The word ‘monsoon’ traces its origins to the Arabic word ‘mausam’, means season. In Cherapunji, the ‘mausam’ is always wet and cold since this place receives rainfall 12 months of the year. It’s not a question of whether you should visit during the monsoon or not, given the nonstop rain. But with rainfall practically all year through, you ought to plan your trip well. What is the best time to visit Cherapunji?

You will find tourists making a beeline for Cherapunji in all the seasons. While a year-long monsoon is what makes this quaint hill station most popular, there are multiple other reasons why you must add Cherapunji to your bucket list. The weather is pleasant and comfortable all year round. This is what draws the crowds to this town in Meghalaya. The best season to visit Cherrapunji is winter, between October and February. Early summer is not a bad time either to plan your holiday to the north eastern part of India. 

Whichever time you choose to visit, be prepared and allow the destination to overwhelm you with its beauty and many attractions, natural and manmade.

Summer Season (March-May) 

Summer in Cherrapunji begins from early March and continues until the end of May. Monsoon takes a breather in these months and the place receives moderate rainfall during this season. Things start to speed up by May and Cherapunji gets its wettest summer month right then. If you’re making a summer holiday to Cherapunji, avoid the month of May as you will find it difficult to move around.

Monsoon Season (June-September) 

Cherrapunji during monsoon is best avoided as that is when the region receives its maximum rainfall of the year. It starts somewhere around May, as you already know, but the next three months, between June and September, inundate the land with heavy showers. The temperature in this pleasant region goes down further but because of the waterlogging and general mess that is the Indian monsoon, touring becomes near to impossible during the monsoon.

Winter Season (October-February) 

It is always raining in Cherrapunji; the intensity varies depending on which season you have chosen to visit. September to February is the perfect tourist time as the rainfall is minimal and you are free to move about enjoying the beauty of the place without worrying about a sudden shower spoiling your outing.

Cherapunji during March to May – Pleasant Summers 

Temperature: Avg. of 23 degrees high to 13 degrees low

Weather: We shall call it summer for ease of understanding, but it is still the rainy season in Cherapunji between March and May.  Weather in summer of Cherapunji is pleasant with day temperatures never rising beyond 23. You can head out sightseeing without breaking out in a sweat. Once upon a time, this was a quiet town, but with urbanisation, Cherapunji now has the same luxuries (and inconveniences) of a modern city. You will find stores, cafes, restaurants and the occasional traffic jam too. You can meander around the streets of the town and catch a glimpse of the local Khasi people as they go about their daily lives. Or if you are feeling adventurous, you can head out of Cherapunji and see some of the amazing attractions of the land. 

Significant events: The Shad Suk Mynsiem, also called the ‘Dance of Happy Hearts’ is an annual dance festival of the local Khasis. It traces its origins back to 1911 when it was first held at Lympung Weiking. This is a thanksgiving dance and music festival that is held in April. The Khasis show their gratitude to their god for the year gone and seek blessings for the year to come. 

Cherapunji is also loaded with adventure and excitement. You can explore the Khasi Monoliths near the Mawsami Falls that are an underground labyrinth of caves and passages. Head to the Nokrek National Park to try and catch a glimpse of the red panda, the Asian elephant and an abundance of stunning flora. Since it rains all year in Cherapunji, you will always get to witness several breath-taking waterfalls in this region. Of course, the real beauty of these falls is in the monsoon, or just at the start of winter, when the waters are yet to recede.

Why you should visit now: The weather and natural attractions in Cherapunji during summer make for the perfect summer holiday.

Know before you visit: It is summer, but it will rain. That is a given. Don’t say we didn’t warn you. 

Tips: Always carry an umbrella. Wear light, cotton clothes and pack enough spares.

Cherapunji during June to September – The Monsoon 

Temperature: Avg. of 16 degrees high to 12 degrees low

Weather: Unless you really and truly love the rain, the monsoon is not the best time to visit Cherapunji. Trust us, your holiday will be a complete washout. Yes, weather of Cherapunji in monsoon is beautiful and misty, and the hills turn into folds of green velvet. But, you will not really be able to enjoy yourself, as it rains all the time literally. The pleasant climate does turn even cooler and only if you are content to sit by the window and watch the skies pour down, you could consider making a trip to Cherapunji between June and September.

Significant events: You will not find many holiday packages to Cherapunji in this season as not many tourists prefer visiting this part of the country in the monsoon. However, should you decide to make a trip, there is plenty for you to see and explore during these three rainy months. The whole land is gushing with water, literally, and you will find waterfalls almost everywhere. These spectacular beauties are in their full glory during the monsoon and you will be left breathless. 

Why you should visit now: The monsoon season in Cherapunji is the least popular tourist time so that you will have the whole place to yourself. Monsoon is a great time for amazing deals and you will also get to mingle with the locals.

Know before you visit: Carry an umbrella, a jacket, and lots of spare clothes. Stock up on insect-repelling cream too.

Tips: Wear the right hiking shoes if you plan on walking up slippery slopes.

Cherapunji during November to February – Winter Season

Temperature: Avg. of 15 degrees high to 5 degrees low

Weather: The best season for tourists is here. Winter is when Cherapunji comes alive with the hustle and bustle of a tourist town. The weather is just right, the rainfall plays fair (although it will rain now and then), and the place is a nature lover’s delight. If you love the outdoors, this is the time you should be in Cherapunji.  

Significant events: One of the most colourful festivals of Meghalaya, the Nongkrem Dance, is held in November. This five-day dance festival is celebrated to thank the god for a good harvest and to pray for peace and prosperity in the community. Offerings of food are made to the tribal administrative head of the area and to the ancestors of the ruling clan.
Winter is also when you can decide to visit the national park, trek up the mountains and plan a picnic under the blue skies.

Why you should visit now: Cherapunji is stunning during winter. It is perfect for outdoor activities since the sun is warm and a steady companion (mostly).

Know before you visit: Yes, it is winter, but you will need sunblock, and it’s winter, but you should keep an umbrella handy.

Tips: Keep your camera ready at all times. Cherapunji in winter offers you beautiful opportunities to take some stunning pictures.

When was the last time you went to a world-renowned place? Add Cherapunji to your travel bucket list and begin making plans for winter already. Take the time to browse through our Cherapunji Tour Packages. Here you will find answers to all your Cherapunji queries and tips and handy hints on how to make the most of your NE trip. We can help you book your travel tickets and hotel accommodation too.