In Sanskrit, Meghalaya is also called “The Abode of Clouds”, Meghalaya is also one of the beautiful and most attractive jewels that are hidden in the northeastern part of India. This destination full of beautiful valleys of lush green and waterfalls with intricate designs, serene forests, and wrapped in misty clouds is very beautiful for nature lovers and adventure lovers as well. Meghalaya best time to visit with familyMy family never forget the trip. The temperatures are rarely above 30° C, making it just divine.
Cherrapunjee is also home to its famed Living Root Bridges, the superb Mawsmai Caves, and Nohkalikai, India’s tallest plunge waterfall. Balpakram National Park and Tura in Garo Hills is where one can get an introduction to the wealth of wildlife that the region owns, from leopards to wild cats to many more. With its unique blend of natural beauty and biodiversity, Meghalaya makes for an awe and serenity-invoking family holiday.
Understanding the seasonal changes helps you plan your trip for the best experience possible. Armed with these knowledge and crucial exploring hints, you are going to definitely contain an event you will not ignore. Have an adventure in this magical paradise!
Meghalaya Best Time to Visit with Family
April to June, i.e., peak season it ranges from 16°C to 31°C temperatures making it perfect weather allowing the perfect balance of indoor versus outdoor activity making Meghalaya, the best time to visit for families. Summer season in Meghalaya gives you the best of both worlds, be it a family retreat or an adventure.
Meghalaya during Summer (April to June)
This is one of the best times to visit Meghalaya with family, and spring in here is a welcome change with the day temperature ranging around 20 degrees Celsius, dropping to around 11° C during the night. The time makes it a perfect getaway from International summer heat in most of India. These are the months when Meghalaya features an ideal fusion of overcast conditions with wet sultry afternoons, so you can indulge in adventure treks or sightseeing or exploration of the renowned living root bridges through dense forests.
Check out the gorgeous Elephant Falls in Shillong and the impressive waterfalls in Cherrapunji, too. Drive to Mawlynnong, the cleanest village in Asia, followed by a boat ride through the stunningly clear waters of Umngot River, Dawki. Other attractions include Umiam Lake, Laitlum Canyon and Mawsynram’s misty realms. Tapping on the culture and tradition in April, the Khasi tribesmen, wearing colorful attire dance to rhythmic music at the Shad Suk Mynsiem festival which is celebrated with great pomp and show and is a vibrant festival and a day of homage to the centuries-old rich traditions and cultures.
Monsoon Season in Meghalaya – (July – September)
Meghalaya means “abode of clouds,” and the state is a verdant paradise during the June to September monsoon season. The experience of this state would be 24° to 33° C. And some massive showers are experienced in these months. Cherrapunji and Mawsynram of the state of Meghalaya comprise the five wettest places on Earth. The place is perfect for family relaxation and soaking in hill beauty. Outdoor exploration is limited, but the misty mornings, lush meadows and cascading waterfalls are captivating.
One of the highlights this season is Behdienkhlam, which takes place every July, symbolizing the victory of good over evil. Native people celebrate their cultural heritage with dancing, music, and feasting. Check weather forecasts and pack for rain if it is expected, and continue searching for off-season discounts. And be sure to pack an umbrella, insect repellent and hikeable shoes for the family despite road conditions becoming tricky.
Autumn Season in Meghalaya – (October – November)
A destination that is perfect for families to visit during the post monsoon autumn season between October and November is Meghalaya. Waterfalls and rivers are lush and flowing — courtesy of the now-fading monsoon rains — but the hills are still a beguiling hue of green. Frequent short downpours however continued for some time, but the skies then would clear up with the sun shining brighter on the state making it an ideal time for a sightseeing tour.
Winter arrives with frost in some areas and cooler temperatures in others as autumn ushers in with its harvest. Harvest time is the season and at the same time, the time of numerous festivals to be celebrated, followed traditionally by various cultures. The city of Shillong is a portrait of festivity, right from the Autumn Festival, an annual celebration. It is time to watch the cherry blooms, which is a stupendous site, that represents the natural beauty of the place. With lush natural beauty and rich cultural diversity, this season is sure to be a memory for families wanting to travel to Meghalaya.”
Winter Season in Meghalaya – (December – March)
Winter in Meghalaya is a cool and misty affair from December to March, with temperatures between 4°C to 16°C, so this is the best season for families looking for a quiet getaway since the weather is pleasant for sightseeing and outdoor activities. Similarly mesmerizing is the stormy season in most parts of the country; the light that envelopes start being clad with soft mist in the mornings and evenings; the afternoons mellow and idyllic, giving a lifetime opportunity to traverse Uttarakhand attractions like the Double Decker Living Root Bridge, Mawlynnong Village, and Umiam Lake.
January and February see cooler temperatures, so it is a good time to enjoy the outdoors in peace and admire the gorgeous scenery around Meghalaya. Winter offers travelers some peace and quiet with its smaller crowds so families can appreciate how charming this place is. Be it trekking, sightseeing or just relaxing, winter is one of the best times to visit with family including the great experience of fog-covered hills of Meghalaya.
Food to Try in Meghalaya
There is a plethora of unique and flavored dishes which may put a food lover’s taste buds to the test, such as local cuisines that one must try Jadoh – A Khasi dish cooked up of rice, tender pork or chicken, and a splendid medley of fragrant spices and Tungrymbai, the fermented soybean which may be spicy and savory and the aroma hits all the right notes of Meghalayan cuisine. Bamboo shoots are an essence of many recipes. Indeed, they make their way into dishes like bamboo shoot fry and bamboo shoot pickle to provide a unique taste in every mouthful.
Their Dream Date: A meal to be followed by a visit to City Hut Family Dhaba, Shillong known for Indian and Chinese and Jiva Veg Restaurant, Cherrapunji- a paradise for your vegetarian friend.
Whether huddled over a family spread or delving deep into the local appetites, Meghalaya’s gastronomical culture is bound to add a flavor to your travels. During the Meghalaya best time to visit with family, it is a great way to taste the flavors of this magical state.
Popular Events and Festivals in Meghalaya in Winter
Shillong Winter Festival (December)
Host: Meghalaya Tourism Development Corporation
Highlight: Celebrates the state’s cultural heritage
Attractions: A variety of vibrant cultural events and activities
Chad Sukra Festival (December)
Community: Pnar Tribe
Significance: Marks the harvest season
Traditions: Rituals, sacrifices, and ancestor worship
Major Attraction: The lively Chad Sukra dance performed by young Pnar men and women
Wangala Drum Festival (January)
Community: Garo Tribe
Annual Celebration: A grand event in January
Focus: Celebrating the rich cultural heritage of the Garo tribe
Major Attraction: The exhilarating Wangala drumming, with 20-30 musicians performing
Laho Dance Festival (February)
Community: Jaintia Tribe
Annual Celebration: A February festivity
Focus: Showcasing the cultural vibrancy of the Jaintia tribe
Showcases: Traditional dances and cultural rituals
Strawberry Festival (February)
Location: Sohra (Cherrapunji)
Purpose: A celebration of the strawberry harvest
Unique Feature: Known for its high-quality strawberries
The best time to visit Meghalaya with family happens between October and April when cool and dry weather becomes prevalent. November to February has been proved to be ideal in that regard because of the cool temperatures with few rainy days, offering perfect opportunities for outdoor activities and sightseeing.
Clear blue skies and pleasant weather during this period enable you to explore the beautiful landscapes and cultural treasures of the state. It’s always helpful to know about the weather conditions prevailing throughout the seasons, as it would greatly affect travel.
If one plans a family vacation that is calm and enjoyable with their family, then this time period is most favorable with minimal humidity and crowds. Trekking through the picturesque hills, visiting waterfalls, or getting acquaintance with the best places in Meghalaya can be best done during this time and, sure enough, will have a memorable family trip. So, plan your visit between the months of October and April for the best experience in Meghalaya.
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