The second wettest place on the earth, Cherrapunji is a secluded place located in the East Khasi hill district of Meghalaya. Being one of the wettest places on the planet Cherrapunji get rainfall 12 months of the year which means the surroundings are always wet and the weather stays pleasant. If you’re planning a visit to Cherrapunji then one thing is sure you can’t avoid rain completely.
There are some months when there is rainy consistently and some months when there is rain but not frequently. So, you need to choose the best time to visit Cherrapunji very wisely. And here travel character will help you. In the bottom section, we explained every season in detail so you can choose the best time to visit Cherrapunji depending on your needs and comfort.
Best time to visit Cherrapunji
The best thing about Cherrapunji is the year-round pleasant weather conditions. No matter at which time you visit Cherrapunji weather always seems comfortable and the surroundings always look lush green. If you love rain then March to September is the time you can plan your trip. From March to May the rain of gods is not active much that gives you ample time for sightseeing but from June to September there will be heavy rain so you’ve to move around the town while getting wet. But the consistency creates an aura around the town that will amaze you.
However, the winter season or October to February is the best time to visit Cherrapunji. During these months there won’t be much rain so you’ll have clear views and dry days to explore the town with ease. Therefore, winter is the peak season in Cherrapunji.
Let’s find out every detail about each season before visiting Cherrapunji –
Cherrapunji in Summer (March to May)
After winter summer is the best time to visit Cherrapunji. During summer there won’t be consistent rain so you’ll have enough time to explore the attractions around the town. The temperature ranges between 13 to 23 degrees Celsius which means you can go trekking without breaking out in a sweat. You can take a random walk on the local streets and get engage with locals (Khasi Tribe) to get to know about their culture. Or if you’re willing to try something adventurous then Double Decker living root bridge and Rainbow falls is waiting for you. Overall, summer is the ideal season to visit Cherrapunji.
Top tourist attractions in Cherrapunji in Summer
- Get the picturesque views of Nohkalikai falls and if have enough courage then take a trek to reach the base of the waterfall. The fall changes its colors from blue to green to aqua.
- Take a 3.5 Km trek from Tyrana village to visit the UNESCO world heritage site Double Decker living root bridge. Also, visit the rainbow falls which need 1 and half hour trek from double decker living root bridge.
- Explore the naturally formed limestone cave, Mawsmai cave.
- Visit the wettest place on the earth Mawsynram village and Asia’s cleanest village Mawlynnong.
- Enjoy amazing views at Mawkdok view point.
- Take a bath in clear crystal blue water at Wei Sawdong falls.
- Explore local attractions like Dainthlen falls, Eco park, Seven Sister falls, Arwah caves and Wah Kaba falls.
Cherrapunji in Monsoon (June to September)
Monsoon is the least advisable season to visit Cherrapunji. During monsoon, Cherrapunji receives the maximum rainfall of the year and due to that, it’s hard to move around the town. The temperature varies from 16 to 22 degrees Celsius. The consistent rain creates a magical aura around the town that every rain lover would enjoy. But until you are a true rain lover don’t visit Cherrapunji during this season as it’s rain all the time literally.
You wouldn’t see many tourists around the town as many tourists don’t prefer to visit Cherrapunji during the monsoon. However, the low crowd means low pollution and more space for peace lovers. The tranquility allows you to learn about the amazing local culture. Also, this is the cheapest time to visit Cherrapunji.
Top tourist attractions of Cherrapunji in Monsoon
- Enjoy the spectacular views of full flowing waterfalls like Nohkalikai falls, Rainbow falls, Dainthlen falls, Wei Swadong falls, Seven Sister falls and Wah Kaba Falls.
- Trek to the Double Decker Living Root Bridge.
- Explore the natural caves like Mawsmai cave and Arwah caves.
- Get amazing views of the town from Eco Park.
- Learn how people do their daily household at the wettest place on the earth, Mawsunram village.
- Visit Mawlynnong village, Asia’s cleanest village and learn how a small movement makes the cleanest village in Asia.
- Note: Due to heavy rainfall it is recommended to consult with locals or experts before going for a trek.
Cherrapunji in Winter (October to February)
Winter is the best time to visit Cherrapunji. Just after a heavy monsoon, the surroundings look magical with clear views and the weather stays pleasant. Winter in Cherrapunji is perfect to enjoy outdoor activities like trekking, hiking and wildlife watching. This is the best time for nature lovers as the sun stays warm and the sky gets clear to enjoy the fantastic views. So, be ready with the camera as Cherrapunji in winter gives many opportunities to capture some marvelous moments.
Top tourist attractions in Cherrapunji in winter
- Enjoy the amazing treks of Double Decker Living Root Bridge, Rainbow fall and Nohkalikai falls.
- Soak the amazing views at Mawkdok viewpoints.
- Explore the naturally formed limestone caves like Mawsmai cave and Arwah caves.
- Get clear views of the 4th highest falls in India, Seven Sister falls.
- Visit the Mawsynram village (the wettest place in the world) and Mawlynnong village (Asia’s Cleanest Village).
- Catch amazing views of Bangladesh from Eco Park.
- Enjoy the Nongkrem dance festival. This 5-day dance festival is held in November.
Cheapest time to visit Cherrapunji
June to September is the cheapest time to visit Cherrapunji when most tourists change their plan to visit Meghalaya due to heavy monsoon. Cherrapunji gets heavy rain during monsoon season literally every day. Due to that, it becomes the off-season in Cherrapunji means low crowd and fewer holiday packages. And that’s the reason you’ll the best deals on hotel prices and flight tickets.
Despite heavy rain, Cherrapunji looks surreal in monsoon – the waterfall becomes thunderous, hills turn into folds of green velvet and the road looks magical in between the mist & wet forests. Also, this is the perfect time to learn about the culture of the Khasi tribe as low crowd gives you ample time to enjoy the local culture.
Cherrapunji Weather – Month Wise
| Month | Avg. Temperature |
| January | 5 to 17 degree C |
| February | 7 to 18 degree C |
| March | 11 to 22 degree C |
| April | 13 to 22 degree C |
| May | 15 to 24 degree C |
| June | 16 to 23 degree C |
| July | 17 to 22 degree C |
| August | 16 to 22 degree C |
| September | 16 to 22 degree C |
| October | 14 to 22 degree C |
| November | 10 to 20 degree C |
| December | 6 to 18 degree C |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the wettest month in Cherrapunji?
June is the wettest month in Cherrapunji with an average rainfall of 17 inches.
Which month gets the least rain in Cherrapunji?
January gets the least rain in Cherrapunji with an average rainfall of 0.4 inches.
Which is better Shillong or Cherrapunji?
Cherrapunji is the best place for isolation and relaxation while Shillong is much more developed and has better connectivity. Both Shillong and Cherrapunji have the number of waterfalls but Cherrapunji is better in terms of untouched natural beauty. Also, Cherrapunji has the Double Decker Living Root bridge which is too tourist attraction in Meghalaya. So, if you’re looking to seek peace then visit Cherrapunji but if you’re visiting Meghalaya for a long vacation then stay in Shillong as it has better facilities and connectivity.