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The best time to Visit Shillong
Shillong City in Meghalaya is like a paradise when it comes to the beauty of nature. This location is rich not just in terms of nature but also in terms of culture and history. No wonder Shillong Meghalaya Cherrapunji is a favourite holiday destination. Away from the bustling city life, Shillong is like a calm and serene location amidst nature. Visiting a location like Shillong is a must for a nature lover and travel enthusiast. However, due to the area and climate of Shillong, it is essential to know the best time to visit Shillong. It is more than just Shillong; you must know about the various seasons and what they offer before planning a visit to any location.
Shillong enjoys a beautiful climate, and with the change of season, you will experience different things here. The region is culturally enriched with multiple tribes living here, so you can also participate in other festivals and celebrations here. It is essential to know the best time to visit Shillong and Cherrapunji. In this article, I will explain the best time to visit Shillong. This will be a helpful read for you if you plan a trip to this beautiful hill station, Shillong.
How to reach Shillong
- By air
The nearest airport to Shillong is the Gopinath Bardoloi airport in Guwahati, which is about 130 km away. From there, buses and cabs can be taken to Shillong.
- By helicopter
A 20-minute helicopter ride from Guwahati to Shillong is also popular here. The charge for adults is Rs. 1500, and for children, it is Rs. 1000.
- By train
The Guwahati railway station is the nearest to Shillong, 104 km away.
- By road
Bus services are frequent on this route, which is a convenient mode of communication. From nearby areas, you will get buses of Assam State Transport Corporation and Meghalaya Transport Corporation. You can also opt for shared rides or hire a cab to reach here.
Shillong in Summer ( March to June)
From March to June, Shillong experiences the summer season, one of the peak times to visit here. The summers in Shillong are pleasantly cool, which makes it a good time for tourists to explore the area. The temperature during the summer months ranges between 15 degrees to 25 degrees. This comfortable temperature is ideal for a visit to this location. The days are relaxed, while the temperature drops to 15 degrees at night, making it calm and enjoyable. One of the best parts about visiting Shillong in summer is the longer days. So you will get more time throughout the day to explore the various sightseeing spots here.
This weather and temperature are also favourable for various outdoor activities and adventure activities. You can try hiking and trekking here, which are quite popular among the tourists. You can also enjoy a serene boat ride on Umiam Lake. There is also an option for Kayaking at the Kynshi River.
One of the major attractions in the summer is also the Shad Suk Mynsiem festival. This is the very own thanksgiving ceremony of the people in Shillong. It is a dance festival translating to “the Dance of People’s Hearts”. Every year, men and women in Shillong come together and dress up in their beautiful traditional outfits. Then, they dance to the flute and drum tunes, which is enjoyable. If you are visiting around this time, attend the festival. This way, you will be able to understand the culture of Shillong more, too.
Another thing to keep in mind is that this is the peak season for a visit here. So make sure you book everything in advance, from travel tickets to accommodations. As this is a crowded time, the hotel prices will also be steep. This is the best time to visit Shillong when you can enjoy the location to its fullest.
Monsoon in Shillong ( July to September)
Shillong receives heavy rains; sometimes, the average rainfall goes up to 3300 mm. The heavy monsoons in this area make it challenging for visitors. The temperature is enjoyable, nevertheless ranging between 12 degrees to 16 degrees. The heavy downpours and cloudy sky also make sightseeing a bummer. Also, visiting Shillong during monsoon is a strict no-no for adventure lovers. Outdoor activities and trekking can be restricted due to safety reasons.
There are better times to visit Shillong, but the beauty of Shillong during monsoon season elevates a few notches higher. The lush greenery everywhere elevates the beauty of this location—also, the pristine waterfalls cascade in their full glory, which is a beautiful sight. Someone who loves a cosy holiday and rain will enjoy Shillong’s monsoon. You can plan a trip to Shillong during this time, but you will also have to be prepared for the additional challenges and adventures.
One of the famous festivals, the Bahdienkhlam, also takes place in Shillong during this time. This festival takes place in July, and the Jaintias create the festival. To keep away from the cholera outbreak, the celebration takes place here. If you visit around this time, you can witness this festival.
Autumn in Shillong (September to October )
After the rainy season, people start visiting Shillong in huge numbers. The weather starts changing with a slight nip in the air, and after the rainfall, it is like a respite to enjoy the localities here fully. This is the best time to visit Shillong for people who want to explore Shillong between the peak season and off-season. There can be one or two occasional spells of rain, though, but the wait for winter makes it a good time to visit here with moderate temperatures.
Furthermore, the Autumn Festival is held in October every month. This festival reflects the rich traditional cultures of tribes like Khasis, Jaintias, and Garo. So, if you are planning a visit to Shillong during this time, you will be able to witness this festival, too.
Winter in Shillong (November to February)
Winters have a unique charm in Shillong, and that’s why, even after the chill, it is one of the popular seasons. The temperature during this time ranges from 22 degrees to 2 degrees. The days are warmer, making exploring the whole region perfect. However, the nights here can be too chilly, with the temperature dropping to 2 degrees. So it would help if you were prepared for that, too. It can be the best time to visit Shillong as outdoor activities will be delightful. But while packing, you must ensure you are packing enough warm clothing to save yourself from the chill.
Not only that, but the whole region looks beautiful during winter. With misty mornings and the sun peeking through, the ambience is calm and tranquil. Winter in Shillong is also colorful because of the multiple festivals that take place during this time. If you are visiting there around this time, it would be great if you could be a part of these festivals. That way, you would be able to learn more about the culture of the land.
The cherry blossom festival is one of the most beautiful festivals in Shillong, and it takes place in November. Cherry blossoms are beautiful pink flowers that you can spot here in Shillong during this time, and they look perfect. Around this time, the people here arrange many cherry blossom shows and other events, so you can surely check that out.
There is another festival, the Nongkrem Dance Festival, which the Khasi tribe of Meghalaya celebrates. In this dance festival, men and women wear traditional outfits and perform. This is a 5 day long festival in Shillong. It takes place 15 km away from the city centre of Shillong at Smit. So if you are visiting here during this time make sure you attend this festival here. There is also the Wangala Festival, which is as popular as the 100 Drums Festival. This is a celebration of good harvest that takes place in November. As the name suggests, the festival involves 100 drums to begin the festival. This is truly a lively festival in Shillong that reflects the true spirit of the land.
How can we forget Christmas and New Year, anyway? A huge chunk of Shillong’s residents are Christians, so Christmas is like a big festival. There are activities like carnivals and fairs to celebrate Christmas here. It can be one of the best times to visit Shillong.
Wrapping Up!
As a hill station, Shillong offers a variety of things during different seasons. With the variety of festivals and the change in weather and temperature, knowing the best time to visit Shillong is essential. However, the best time to visit Shillong Meghalaya also depends on what suits you the best. It depends on your preference for weather and activities in the first place. While planning a trip to Shillong, you must first consider your choices and expectations. So if you like the chill, you can visit here in winter. Or if you are interested in outdoor activities, summer can be ideal. So you need to plan this trip according to what you are more willing to explore at this location.
So, when are you planning a trip to Shillong? And let me know which season you think is ideally the best time to visit. Also, don’t forget to tell me if this article on the best time to visit Shillong was helpful for you in planning a trip there.
