If you’re planning a trip to Meghalaya, October to April is the sweet spot.
The weather is cooler, the skies are generally clearer, and roads are easier to deal with. You can spend long days around Shillong, Cherrapunji, Dawki, Mawlynnong, and the many waterfalls without constantly checking the sky.
But Meghalaya changes dramatically with the seasons. And depending on what you want to see, the “best” month can be very different.
October to November: best for waterfalls and clear views
October is when Meghalaya starts shaking off the monsoon.
The waterfalls are still running hard after months of rain, while the weather becomes much easier for sightseeing. Cherrapunji, Nohkalikai Falls, Wei Sawdong Falls, and the surrounding hills look incredible around this time.
November is drier and cooler. Visibility is usually better too, which makes it a good month for viewpoints and long drives.
My pick: October if waterfalls are high on your list.
December to February: best for pleasant weather
This is the easiest season for a comfortable Meghalaya trip.
Days are usually cool and pleasant, while mornings and evenings can get properly chilly, especially around Shillong. Pack a jacket.
December has a nice mix of cool weather and relatively dry conditions. January and February are colder and can have crisp mornings.
This period works especially well if your itinerary includes Shillong, Cherrapunji, Dawki and Mawlynnong.
The catch? Some waterfalls won’t have the huge volume you see after the monsoon.
March to April: best for spring
March brings warmer days and a different look to Meghalaya.
The hills start turning greener, flowers appear, and the weather is still comfortable for exploring. April can be warmer, but it’s generally a good month for road trips and outdoor activities.
This is also a good time if you want to spend more time walking around Shillong rather than chasing waterfalls.
May to September: monsoon season
This is where Meghalaya gets serious about rain.
The state receives some of the heaviest rainfall on Earth, particularly around Sohra (Cherrapunji) and Mawsynram. Roads can be wet and slippery, cloud cover can block viewpoints, and heavy rain can affect travel plans.
But there’s a reason photographers and monsoon lovers come anyway.
The waterfalls are enormous. Rivers swell. Forests turn ridiculously green. Clouds roll through the hills, sometimes making the whole place feel like a different country.
If you’re comfortable with rain and don’t mind changing plans, June to August can give you the most dramatic version of Meghalaya.
For a first trip, though, I’d choose October or November.
Best month for Meghalaya
| Month | Weather | Waterfalls | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | Cold, mostly dry | Low | Shillong, sightseeing |
| February | Cool, dry | Low | Road trips, sightseeing |
| March | Pleasant | Moderate | Spring, outdoor activities |
| April | Warm, occasional rain | Moderate | Nature and road trips |
| May | Wet | High | Green landscapes |
| June | Very wet | Very high | Monsoon, waterfalls |
| July | Very wet | Very high | Waterfalls, photography |
| August | Very wet | Very high | Monsoon scenery |
| September | Rain easing | High | Waterfalls |
| October | Pleasant | High | Best overall |
| November | Cool, dry | Moderate-high | Clear views, road trips |
| December | Cool, dry | Moderate | Comfortable sightseeing |
So, when should you go?
For your first Meghalaya trip: October to November.
For waterfalls: June to September.
For comfortable weather: December to February.
For spring and greenery: March to April.
For fewer weather headaches: November to February.
I’d personally pick October. You get the post-monsoon scenery while the weather starts becoming much easier to live with. And Meghalaya with full waterfalls and blue gaps between the clouds is a pretty good deal.
Quick tip
Carry a light rain jacket even during the drier months. Meghalaya has a habit of changing its mind halfway through the day.
