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Best Time to Visit North East India

The best time to visit North East India is from October to mid May, which are the relatively dry months. But even in these months you do get occasional showers in the region.

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North East India mainly has a subtropical climate, influenced by the Himalayas to the north, the Meghalaya plateau to the south and the hills of Nagaland, Mizoram and Manipur to the east.

Ziro valley in October

Best Season to Visit North East India – Month-by-Month Breakdown

January to February (Ideal Time)

  • Best Places to Visit: Meghalaya, Assam, Nagaland, Gangtok (Sikkim), Arunachal Pradesh (lower areas)
  • Average Temperature:
    • Plains: 18°C
    • Hills: 14°C maximum, sub-zero at higher altitudes
  • Why Visit:
    • Clear skies and dry season make it perfect for exploring scenic landscapes and cultural experiences.
    • You can experience snow in high reaches of Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim.
    • Wildlife sightings in Kaziranga National Park begin to improve.
  • Tips:
    • Pack warm clothing, including woolen sweaters, scarves, gloves, and a winter jacket.
    • Don’t forget to carry moisturizer and lip balm to protect your skin from the cold.
    • Visit Roing and Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh for a stunning winter experience.
    • Early booking is recommended for wildlife safaris, especially in Kaziranga National Park.

March to April (Trekking Season)

  • Best Places to Visit: Sikkim, Darjeeling, Kaziranga National Park
  • Average Temperature:
    • Plains: 20°C
    • Hills: 13°C to 23°C
  • Why Visit:
    • Excellent time for trekking with clear skies and pleasant weather.
    • March is ideal for visiting Kaziranga National Park due to grass burning, improving wildlife visibility.
  • Tips:
    • Carry trekking gear and comfortable shoes for hikes in Sikkim and Darjeeling.
    • Layer clothing for cooler mornings and evenings but prepare for warm days.
    • Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat for outdoor activities.
    • Early booking for safaris and trekking tours is highly recommended.

May (Warming Up)

  • Best Places to Visit: Nagaland, Meghalaya, Gangtok (Sikkim), Arunachal Pradesh
  • Average Temperature:
    • Plains: 30°C to 33°C
    • Hills: 15°C to 20°C
  • Why Visit:
    • The weather is warming up but still comfortable in higher regions.
    • The pre-monsoon period is good for sightseeing, with lush green landscapes.
  • Tips:
    • Pack light cotton clothing for the plains and layer up for the cooler hills.
    • Carry sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat to stay protected from the sun.
    • This is an ideal time for outdoor activities like hiking and exploring, so plan ahead for any adventure sports.

June to September (Monsoon Season)

Avoid travel during this time unless you wish to experience the monsoon!

  • Best Places to Visit (Only for Monsoon Enthusiasts): Meghalaya – famous for heavy rainfall across the state.
  • Average Temperature:
    • Plains: Low 30°Cs
    • Hills: Mid 20°Cs
  • Why Avoid:
    • Heavy rainfall makes travel difficult, especially in hilly areas where landslides can occur.
    • Kaziranga National Park is closed from June to September.
    • July and August are the peak monsoon months with intense rainfall, particularly in Meghalaya (Cherrapunjee receives over 1,000 cm of rain annually).
  • Tips:
    • Prepare for storms and road blockages by carrying an umbrella, raincoat, or windcheater.
    • Use waterproof backpacks and pack extra dry clothing.
    • Protect electronic gadgets by keeping them in plastic bags.
    • Mosquito repellent is a must in areas prone to bugs during the rainy season.

October to November (Best Time to Visit)

  • Best Places to Visit: Entire North East India (Meghalaya, Assam, Nagaland, Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur)
  • Average Temperature:
    • Plains: 30°C to 33°C
    • Hills: 15°C to 20°C
  • Why Visit:
    • Dry weather returns, making it ideal for trekking and sightseeing.
    • Kaziranga National Park reopens in October.
  • Tips:
    • This is a perfect time for trekking and wildlife safaris, so book activities early to avoid crowds.
    • Pack light layers for the plains and warmer clothes for the colder regions.
    • Perfect time to explore off-the-beaten-path areas like Ziro Valley and Dawki River.

December (Cultural Festivals)

  • Best Places to Visit: Nagaland (Hornbill Festival), Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Meghalaya and Assam
  • Average Temperature:
    • Plains: 14°C to 18°C
    • Sub-zero in higher elevations
  • Why Visit:
    • Hornbill Festival in Nagaland is held in the first week of December.
    • Cold but clear skies make it perfect for cultural experiences and scenic beauty.
  • Tips:
    • Plan early for the Hornbill Festival, as accommodation fills up quickly.
    • Bring warm clothes, especially if visiting higher regions like Sikkim or Arunachal Pradesh.
    • Experience the unique cultural festivals and explore winter landscapes in Tawang and Roing.
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Snowy peaks of Kangchenjunga range

Temperature Differences in North East India

Due to its varied geography , the temperatures differ drastically between the valley regions of Assam and the hilly areas of Sikkim, Arunachal, Meghalaya, Manipur and Nagaland.

While the mean January temperature in Assam is around 18°C, the temperatures in the mountainous region of Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya and Nagaland hover around a maximum of 14 °C and a sub-zero minimum temperature.

The summer temperatures in the plains vary between 30 and 33 °C, while the hills have a mean summer temperature of around 20 °C with a mean minimum of 15 °C.

You will find snow only in the higher reaches of Sikkim and Western districts of Tawang and West Kameng in Arunachal Pradesh.

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Monsoon in Meghalaya

Monsoon Season in North East India

The main monsoon season which coincides with the summer season is from June to September.

In these months it rains very heavily in most part of the region, with some places receiving as much as 10,000 mm of rain in a day.

Hence these months are not a very good time to visit north east India, except if somebody wishes to experience the rains.

 

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. What is the season to avoid travel to the North East?

Avoid traveling during the monsoon season, from June to September, due to heavy rainfall, road blockages, and potential landslides.

Q2. How many days are sufficient to visit North East India?

Around 10 to 14 days are sufficient to explore the major highlights of North East India, but longer stays are ideal for a more immersive experience.

Q3. Which is better, Sikkim or Arunachal Pradesh?

It depends on what you’re looking for. Sikkim is more accessible, known for trekking and monasteries, while Arunachal Pradesh offers a more rugged, remote experience with stunning landscapes and tribal cultures.

Q4. What is the best time to visit Seven Sisters?

The best time to visit the Seven Sisters (North Eastern states) is October to May, when the weather is pleasant and dry, making travel easy and enjoyable.

Q5. Which is the most beautiful state in North East India?

All states have unique beauty, but Meghalaya is renowned for its waterfalls, caves, and lush landscapes, making it one of the most beautiful.

Q6. Can I visit North East India during the winter?

Yes, winter (October to February) is a great time to visit for snow and cool temperatures, especially in Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh.

Q7. Is Kaziranga National Park open year-round?

No, Kaziranga National Park is closed from June to September during the monsoon season and reopens in October.

Q8. How can I practice responsible tourism in North East India?

Support local businesses, respect indigenous cultures, avoid littering, and follow eco-friendly practices like reducing plastic use and conserving water.

Q9. Are there any guidelines for interacting with local tribes?

Yes, always seek permission before taking photos, respect local customs, dress modestly, and be mindful of cultural sensitivities when visiting tribal villages.

Q10. What should I avoid doing in North East India’s natural areas?

Avoid disturbing wildlife, stay on marked trails while trekking, and refrain from picking plants or flowers. Be cautious with campfires and avoid leaving behind any waste.

Q11. How can I contribute to the local economy while traveling?

Buy local handicrafts, stay in homestays or eco-lodges, and hire local guides for tours. This supports local communities and promotes sustainable tourism.

 

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