The Best Time to Visit Shillong: Explore Every Season’s Unique Charm

The best time to visit Shillong depends on your personal preferences and the type of activities that you enjoy most. Every season offers something memorable and unique to its visitors, which is why it is a year-round tourism destination. 

If you want outdoor activities and a clear sky, explore the city in autumn and spring. If misty landscapes and greenery attract you, visit during the monsoons, or love cold and foggy evenings, then December is the best time for a Shillong tour. This TripzyGo guide provides a detailed seasonal guide to help you decide when to visit Shillong for the best time of your life. 

The Best Time to Visit Shillong: Monthly Weather

If you are wondering what is the best time for a Shillong tour, then here is a monthly breakdown of Shillong weather to give you an idea so that you can plan your trip accordingly:

Months	Rainy Days	Season
January	6	Cold
February	3	Cold
March	8	Pleasant and Cool
April	15	Pleasant and Cool
May	26	Pleasant and Cool
June	29	Pleasant and Cool
July	31	Heavy rainfall
August	31	Heavy rainfall
September	30	Heavy rainfall
October	19	Cold
November	4	Cold
December	3	Cold

Shillong in Summers (March-June)

Shillong is one of the best places to visit in Meghalaya due to its pleasant and mild summers. Summers are characterized by clear skies, gentle and calm breezes, and occasional rain, which make the overall weather pleasant and soothing. 

Unlike other places in India, summers in Shillong are quite pleasant, making it the perfect escape from the scorching heat. You can enjoy trekking and other outdoor activities. A peaceful and adventurous atmosphere makes summer the best time to visit Shillong. 

1. Why you should visit during the summer: Summers are great for sightseeing. You can also enjoy a local Thanksgiving festival called Shad Suk Mynsiem, which features dance performances and delicious food. 
2. Things to know before your visit: Summers are enjoyable, and the city becomes quite crowded with tourists. So, it’s always best to book hotels in advance. You can also explore tour packages, like Cheerful Shillong and Cherrapunji Tour packages, which are great options because they offer a smooth stay while exploring the city. 
3. Additional Tips: Although summers are enjoyable here, you should still carry sunscreen to protect your skin against the sun and wear comfortable trekking shoes. 

Shillong in Winters (October-February)

The cherry blossom festival season in Shillong will make your winter more memorable. It is a celebration of the annual beauty of cherry trees when the entire city transforms into a pink wonderland. The cherry blossom trees bloom across hillsides, streets, and parks, giving its visitors the best experience of their lives. 

Winters are quite dry here, so you can explore the city without any inconvenience. There is no doubt that winter can be the best time to visit Shillong, and the absence of heavy rain will allow you to enjoy outdoor activities. 

1. Why visit during winter: You will enjoy different festivals, such as the Wangala Festival, the Nongkrem Dance Festival, and the Autumn Festival. What else can you expect from this best time to visit Shillong? 
2. Things to know before your visit: During winter, the weather in Shillong is quite unpredictable, and you may experience rainfall once in a while. So, before visiting, make sure to check the weather and then book your tickets. 
3. Additional Tips: Pack warm clothes, such as caps, jackets, and sweaters, and make sure to carry a moisturizer and lip balm to hydrate your skin in harsh weather. 

Shillong During Monsoon (July-September)

Shillong literally transforms into a small piece of heaven in monsoon with its lush green mountains and foggy surroundings. If you are a nature lover and want to get lost in the lap of nature, the Monsoon season can be your best time to visit Shillong. Outdoor activities become limited during the monsoon, but you can still enjoy the beauty of lakes, waterfalls, and forests in all their glory. 

1. Why you should visit during the monsoon: It is one of the cleanest seasons of the year and is ideal for people seeking romantic getaways. Festivals like the Tribal Festival of Behdienkhlam take place during this season, making it one of the best times to go to Shillong. 
2. Things to Know Before Your Visit: If you love rain, you will have the best time in Shillong during the monsoon. Sightseeing may not be possible, but you can still go to cafes and markets. You can also enjoy the beautiful views from your cozy hotel rooms while enjoying live music performances, which are quite common during this season.
3. Additional Tips: It rains very heavily in Shillong, so before visiting, carry all your essentials with you, including waterproof backpacks, shoes, and jackets. 

How to Reach Shillong

You can reach Shillong using any of these three routes.

By Air

The Umroi Airport is located near Barapani. It is a small airport with limited Air India flights from Kolkata and Jorhat. After arriving here, you can take a taxi or a local bus to Shillong. 

By Train

A train journey to Shillong will only take you to Guwahati Railway Station, which is about 104 km away. This station is connected to the rest of the country, and trains like Chennai Express and Rajdhani Express are good options for big cities in India. 

By Road

If you are adventurous, this is the perfect route for you. Shillong is well-connected from Guwahati through N-40. The route from Guwahati is 4 hours long and quite popular due to its beautiful scenery. 

The Best time to Visit Shillong is Year-Round

The best time to travel to Shillong is your choice. Summers are ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing, while in winters, you can enjoy the city’s Cherry Blossoms, and monsoons are ideal for romantic getaways. Regardless of the season, Shillong’s cultural heritage, festivals, and beauty make it a must-visit travel destination. 

So plan your trip thoroughly, pack essentials, and explore this beautiful city’s waterfalls, landscapes, and cultural heritage. Whether you are a nature lover, an explorer, or a romantic couple, you can enjoy everything Shillong offers. Pick your best time to visit Shillong and plan a trip with Tripzygo for a seamless experience.