Best Time to Visit Meghalaya – A Comprehensive Guide

The name, 'Meghalaya', literally translates to 'Abode of Clouds,' which gives you enough hint that it is one of the best places to visit in India. If you plan a holiday in this paradise, the best time to visit Meghalaya is somewhere between October and April.

During this time of the year, the weather is pleasant, and as you explore the different places across the state, you will realise that the temperature barely reaches more than 30 degrees Celsius. This means you can be sure that you will have the best and most ambient weather conditions to have a memorable holiday experience. 

Let us look at what to expect and how the weather would be in Meghalaya at different times of the year. This is a comprehensive guide for you that also provides you valuable information on:

• Places to visit 
• Things to do 
• How to reach Meghalaya?

Before we delve into the guide, let us know a little about Meghalaya. 

To say Meghalaya is a heaven on earth would be an understatement; such is the beauty of this stunning land teetering on the far eastern side of the Indian peninsula. A popular tourist destination in the northeast, Meghalaya attracts all kinds of visitors: honeymooners, leisure travellers, adventure seekers, wildlife lovers, and nature enthusiasts. Its natural splendour never fails to impress the tourists, and everyone coming here leaves with a promise to come back again. 

Travelling to Meghalaya during Summer (April to June)

Unlike the rest of the country, which reels under the scorching sun during the summers, the weather in Meghalaya remains pleasant. Even on the hottest days of the year, the temperature hardly goes over 25 degrees Celsius.

If you plan a family holiday during the summers, rest assured that the conditions are ambient all day for you to explore the tourist attractions and participate in outdoor activities. The days are quite bright but not too hot, and the nights get cooler and pleasant. 

Another reason why summer is the best season for a Meghalaya holiday is that during April, you witness and are a part of the Shad Suk Mynsiem and the Chad Sukra festival. During this period, the whole state comes alive with celebrations, and you can see the locals performing traditional rituals, singing, dancing, and making merry!

Travelling to Meghalaya during Monsoon (June to October)

The monsoon season in Meghalaya starts in June, and the state is known for receiving heavy rainfall. Unsurprisingly, it is home to two of the wettest places on earth – Mawsynram and Cherrapunjee. Both these places receive the highest amount of rainfall. 

Although during the monsoon season, the state turns into a green paradise and the swelled-up rivers and the gushing waterfalls make the region prettier than ever, June to September may not be the best months to visit Meghalaya.   

Sure, you can enjoy the natural beauty, but the heavy showers will hinder your outdoor activities. Travelling to different places can be challenging and sometimes impossible. The grey cover of clouds restricts visibility. So, if you just want to relax in the hills and not go outside, you can go to Meghalaya during the monsoon season. 

Travelling to Meghalaya during Winter (November to February)

During the winter months, i.e., from November to February, the weather is even better than the rest of the year. While the days are bright and sunny, you will have a cool breeze blowing across. You can wake up to the foggy mornings, which sets your mood right to have a wonderful day ahead. 

During the day, the weather is extremely pleasant, with temperatures ranging from 10 degrees to 15 degrees Celsius. So, while you are outdoors exploring the places or indulging in adventurous sports, you will not break a sweat. The warm sunlight will feel like a warm hug, and the balmy weather provides the perfect natural filter for clicking some stunning pictures. 

As the sun goes down, the mercury levels dip and the temperature can reach up to two degrees Celsius, meaning you can enjoy snuggling under the blanket with your loved ones. In a nutshell, winter is the best season for the Meghalaya trip. 

Best places to visit in Meghalaya

Now that you know the best time to go to Meghalaya, you must also know the best places to explore there. Meghalaya is a treasure trove of stunning attractions that will captivate your senses. While it is incredibly difficult to choose only a few places to visit, we have picked 10 best places to visit in Meghalaya. You must definitely include these places in your itinerary. 

1. Mawlynnong Village
2. Nohkalikai Falls
3. Mawsmai Caves
4. Umiam Lake
5. Elephant Falls
6. Cherrapunji
7. Dawki
8. Mawsynram
9. Mawphlang Sacred Forest
10. Double-decker Living Root Bridge

Best Things to do in Meghalaya

The travel experiences you get in Meghalaya are unparalleled. From visiting the cleanest village in Asia to kayaking on the cleanest river in India, there are many fun and adventurous things to do in Meghalaya. Here is a list of the best experiences you must have. 

• Trek up to the bewildering double-decker living root bridge and walk across it from one end to another.
• Go camping around Umiam Lake. It is a great way to spend a night outdoors, admiring nature.
• Explore the stunning Mawsmai caves and be in awe of the natural formations. 
• Visit the cleanest village in Asia, the Mawlynnong Village, and admire its beauty. 
• Relish the local food. 
• Indulge in some shopping at the Bara Bazaar in Shillong. 
• Get your dose of adventure and feel the adrenaline as you go mountain biking at Sohliya Village. 
• Visit the Nohkalikai caves and learn about the tragic and soul-stirring legend associated with them. 
• Take a boat ride or go kayaking over the crystal-clear water of the Dawki River. The clean water and the stunning views around is a great experience. 

How to reach Meghalaya?

Although Meghalaya has gained immense popularity as a tourist hotspot in India, it is still largely unexplored. Its riches attract people from all over the country and even international tourists to witness its pristine and untouched beauty. 

So, over the years, the local government has ensured that the state has good connectivity to the rest of the country. If you wonder how to reach Meghalaya, you can easily travel to this beautiful haven by air, rail and road. 

• Travelling to Meghalaya by Air

The easiest way to travel to Meghalaya by air is by taking a flight from your hometown in India to the Gopinath Bordoloi Airport in Guwahati, Assam. It is the closest airport to Meghalaya and has good connectivity to the rest of India. It is located about 128 km from Shillong, where you can take a cab to reach your destination in Meghalaya.

• Travelling to Meghalaya by Rail

Except for the Mendipathar station, there is no other railway station in Meghalaya. If you think of reaching Meghalaya by train, you can reach the closest railway station to Meghalaya, i.e., Guwahati. It is about 120 km from Meghalaya. Once you reach here, you can take the state transport bus or book a cab to reach your holiday destination. 

• Travelling to Meghalaya by Road

Meghalaya is well connected to several neighbouring states by road. The closest major city outside Meghalaya is Guwahati, and it is well-connected to Shillong via NH40. The road is well-maintained, and it is easy to navigate. There are regular buses from Guwahati to Shillong, and also there are taxi services available. 

If you want to drive to Meghalaya, then drive to Guwahati and take the NH37 route starting from Bara Bazaar. Then, drive on to NH40 from Kamrup district to enter Meghalaya. The drive to this stunning state is enjoyable and scenic and will be one of the best road trip experiences of your life. 

If you crave to escape the city chaos, head to this incredible and awe-inspiring state of Meghalaya. The stunning landscapes and the serene vibe will fill your heart with immense joy and revitalise all your senses.