Assam is one of the most beautiful states in Northeast India, promising spectacular landscapes, teeming wildlife, and the charm of the mighty Brahmaputra River. With aromatic tea gardens, wildlife sanctuaries, and serene villages, Assam presents a refreshing retreat for every traveler. And with that, Meghalaya enchants visitors with living root bridges, misty hills, and cascading waterfalls, making it a perfect duo for exploration.
While Assam and Meghalaya can be visited all year round, many people say that the winters are the best time of the year to visit these destinations. The winters bring pleasant and clear skies, which make the lush tea plantations in Assam and the rolling hills of Meghalaya look attractive. In the summer seasons, there is moderate heat, making it a nice time for tourists. Unfortunately, during the monsoons, heavy rainfall causes flooding, making travel difficult in some parts.
Each season offers a unique experience, ensuring something special for every traveler exploring these stunning states.
Table of Contents
Best Time to Visit Assam and Meghalaya
Summer Season (April-June)
Summer in Assam will be quite a great time since it falls during a short period, mostly from April to June. During the period, the climate becomes amenable for touring Assam’s tourist attractions, the natural attractions of Assam. Not more than 37 degrees Celsius at day times permit comfortable travelling. When these hot times come, occasional rain is there, and so, your travel pleasure is not compromised in a significant manner.
It is an excellent time for indulgence in Assam’s green tea gardens, abodes of teeming wildlife, and scintillating landscapes. Extended daylight hours also provide the chance to delve into the rich culture and history of the region. Summer in Assam is indeed a delightful season for a refreshing break.
Monsoon Season – (July to September)
Assam is not recommended to visit during the monsoon because this region experiences heavy rainfall in most parts of the Brahmaputra River, which flows across the state. During June to September, this region witnesses some of India’s highest rains, which makes traveling and sightseeing very difficult. Landslides in the hill areas make movement frequently hampered, creating risks and disrupting plans. While rain enhances Assam’s lush greenery, it can spoil your vacation because, during rains, the roads get water logged and infrastructure damaged. This makes the visit un-enjoyable due to the intense rains associated with the monsoon season. Therefore, travelling during dry seasons would be the best.
Assam in Winter – (October to March)
The best time to visit Assam is from November to May, although the best season in terms of weather is the winter season from November to March. Cool breezes from the Himalayan foothills reduce heat and humidity, thereby creating an ideal climate for sightseeing. During this season, Assam becomes a colorful destination with blooming orchids and cultural festivities such as Bihu, which is the harvest festival.
Assam Winters is a sensory indulgence of misty mornings, sunny days, and cool nights that are comforting yet cool. Light showers may come in very rarely to break into your plans. Most of the major attractions include Kaziranga National Park, Sualkuchi, Guwahati, and Majuli. It is also when honeymoons get an extra dose of romance and fun from the adventure activities during this time of the year.
Best time to visit Meghalaya
Peak Season (April-June)
The peak season in Meghalaya is from April to June, with temperatures ranging between 16°C and 31°C. The weather, during this time, is ideal for deep explorations of the great sights in the region and outdoor activities. Summer in Meghalaya is perfect for a calm family getaway or an adventurous break.
Shoulder Season (November-March)
These months between November and March are quite similar in delightness cool, comfortable, with lovely weather. This season allows for people who have a yearning to enjoy Meghalaya in the silence and serenity with a few hordes and hassle-bugs of the busy seasons, to get immersed with all their leisure. Hills, valleys, waterfalls-the traveler has ample opportunities.
Low Season (July-October)
The monsoon season from July to October has a lot of heavy rainfalls, thus causing much disturbance in traveling and restricting access to the tourist spots. Lush greenery and misty landscapes are the characteristic features of this season that would appeal to people who love a tranquil, rain-drenched atmosphere.
Meghalaya in Summer (April– June)
Unlike much of India, Meghalaya has great summer weather, with temperatures usually not crossing 25°C, even on the hottest days. Thus, it makes an ideal destination for a family holiday because the conditions remain comfortable to explore attractions and enjoy outdoor activities. Bright yet mild days allow for sightseeing, while cooler evenings provide a refreshing end to your adventures. Summer is another season adding to the charm of Meghalaya. Vibrant cultural festivities abound during summer, and the best time to experience the state is during the lively Shad Suk Mynsiem and Chad Sukra festivals in April. Summer truly stands out as the best season to visit Meghalaya with its ambient weather and rich cultural heritage for an unforgettable experience.
Meghalaya in Monsoon (July – September)
During the season of monsoons in Meghalaya, the temperature experiences variations from 24°C up to 33°C thereby bringing cool and refreshing air with itself. The region receives severe rainfalls, especially over the wettest cities within the world, Cherrapunjee and Mawsynram. Though this keeps the outdoor explorations challenging; yet the rain brings mysterious beauty to the landscape at times, when mist covered the mornings, green valleys were lush, and when the waterfalls cascaded all along the rocks.
The season’s main attraction is the Behdienkhlam festival in July, during which local people assemble to feast and enjoy the music and dances of the olden times. The monsoon is perfect if you are looking to escape crowds seeking a quiet retreat to sit and relax in the beauty of Meghalaya. Check the weather before traveling, dress accordingly with waterproof clothes, mosquito repellents, and sturdy shoes.
Meghalaya in Autumn (October – November)
During autumn in Meghalaya, the temperature is usually between 22°C and 29°C, making it a cool and refreshing climate. It is generally wet, cold, and humid, and cherry blossom trees are spread across the landscape in full bloom. The state begins to experience the start of winter with temperatures cooling down.
The prime event during this season is the Autumn Festival in Shillong, which takes place in October. This celebration of rich culture in the region hosts food and wine festivals, live musical performances, and flower shows. Autumn is the most ideal time to see this state in full glory: the cherry blossoms set a beautiful scenery for the spectators. As the tourist season begins, booking your tickets before time and wearing light woollens may be ideal since winter knocks in quickly.
Meghalaya in Winter (December – February)
Winter in Meghalaya brings comfortably cold weather. The temperature ranges from 4°C to 16°C. During the daytime, the sun makes the temperature warm, but cool winds make the nights quite chilly. December is comparatively milder than the extremely cold months of January and February, with clear skies making the weather pleasant.
The season brings Christmas and New Year celebrations, and an annual Strawberry Festival that advocates local farmers and the cultivation of the fruit in the region. Winter is apt for exploring the landscape and the foggy mornings, engaging in trekking, etc. Popular destinations like Shillong, Tura, Guwahati, Balpakram National Park, and the Living Root Bridge are aptly visited during this time. Be sure to book tickets ahead of time and pack warm clothes for your comfort.
Must-Try Food in Assam
If you enjoy food and are looking forward to the discovery of new cuisines, Assam is for you. The reason for the difference is that the fresh herbs, fruits, and vegetables add different flavors when used in Assam’s foods. Bengali traditions seem to have influenced the local cuisine, making it somewhat delicate yet bold, exciting to taste. Some of the must-try dishes are Khaar, a signature dish with raw papaya and pulses; Masor Tenga, a tangy fish curry; and Duck Meat Curry, a flavorful delicacy. Do not miss the opportunity to indulge in the authentic food of Assam during your visit.
Culture of Assam
Assam’s Culture is a vibrant blend of various ethnic groups, with Aryan, Indo-Iranian, Indo-Burmese, and Mongoloid, integrating into a rich, diverse, and colorful cultural fabric. Some of the classical music compositions that have greatly influenced leading musicians like Bhupen Hazarika, Utpalendu Choudhury, and Nirmalendu Choudhury are still making eternal contributions to the music of Assam. The state’s craftsmanship has deep roots in history, with its traditional arts being pottery, terracotta work, and brass crafts. Further, Assam is noted for its weaving of silk and cotton, along with woodcraft, which remain integral parts of the region’s cultural heritage and are still practiced today.
Festivals of Assam
The most prominent festival in Assam is Bihu in April, which brings together people of all castes, creeds, and religions. Bihu is celebrated in three phases throughout the year, which is full of great celebrations, colorful dances, and happy festivals. All those who participate in it have their spirits lifted by the euphoria of the locals. Other festivals in Assam include Me-Dum-Me-Phi, Baishagu, and Ambubachi Mela. All of these festivals are important to many tribes in the state. Together, they illustrate that Assam does not have a culturally homogenous population but rather keeps holding its culture together in the most beautiful way.
Assam, in the north eastern part of India, remains a hidden treasure for many. Set against the backdrop of Himalayan foothills, the state of Assam stands at par with the world as epitomizing natural beauty and cultural richness. Be it the serene Brahmaputra River or the lush tea gardens, Assam will take over your senses and leave you asking for more. Assam is a ‘must-visit’ destination should you be looking for an off-the-beaten-path site promising peace, adventure, and beauty.
For full appreciation of the charm Assam has in store, visit during the Best Time to Visit Assam and Meghalaya when the weather is most delightful and conducive to exploration. Whether it is the plush greenery of the rains or the cool crisp air during winter, Assam makes sure that there is something for everybody. So add this hidden treasure to the bucket list and take one journey that will remain with you forever.
Read Next
10 Unique Places to Visit in West Bengal | Famous Things in West Bengal
10 Tourist Places in Coorg | Best time to Visit Coorg
Top 10 Tourist Places in Sikkim
English