The short answer
When to go to Darjeeling
October to November offers Darjeeling's clearest skies, cooler days and the best chance of Kanchenjunga views, while March to May brings mild weather and blooming rhododendrons, though afternoon cloud can build. June to September is the monsoon, with very heavy rain and a genuine landslide risk on the hill roads, best avoided altogether. December to February is bitterly cold, especially at night, so pack warm layers whenever you go, and use a jeep rather than walking the steepest lanes around the Chowrasta.
Month by month
Darjeeling weather by month
| Month | High | Low | Rain | Verdict | What to expect |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 11°C | 2°C | 11 mm | Very cold, often near freezing at night; skies can be clear | |
| February | 12°C | 3°C | 11 mm | Cold but clearing; mountain views start to open up | |
| March | 16°C | 6°C | 26 mm | Mild days, cool nights; good visibility for Kanchenjunga | |
| April | 19°C | 9°C | 89 mm | Comfortable and mostly dry; wildflowers in bloom | |
| May | 19°C | 11°C | 160 mm | Warm afternoons; some pre-monsoon cloud builds later | |
| June | 20°C | 13°C | 419 mm | Monsoon arrives; heavy rain, mist and landslide risk | |
| July | 20°C | 13°C | 648 mm | Peak monsoon rain; hill roads often disrupted | |
| August | 20°C | 14°C | 530 mm | Continued heavy monsoon rain and low visibility | |
| September | 20°C | 13°C | 385 mm | Rain persists; views of the peaks are rare | |
| October | 19°C | 10°C | 79 mm | Rain clears fast; some of the best visibility of the year | |
| November | 17°C | 6°C | 11 mm | Cool, dry and clear; a favoured month for views | |
| December | 14°C | 4°C | 3 mm | Cold and mostly dry, but views can still be excellent |
Temperatures and rainfall are long-term monthly averages. Check the forecast a few days before you travel.
Seasons at a glance
Darjeeling seasons for families and seniors
The easiest months: April, May and October
- April: Comfortable and mostly dry; wildflowers in bloom
- May: Warm afternoons; some pre-monsoon cloud builds later
- October: Rain clears fast; some of the best visibility of the year
Good, with small trade-offs: March and November
- March: Mild days, cool nights; good visibility for Kanchenjunga
- November: Cool, dry and clear; a favoured month for views
Possible, with planning: February and December
- February: Cold but clearing; mountain views start to open up
- December: Cold and mostly dry, but views can still be excellent
Best avoided with parents or children: January, June, July, August and September
- January: Very cold, often near freezing at night; skies can be clear
- June: Monsoon arrives; heavy rain, mist and landslide risk
- July: Peak monsoon rain; hill roads often disrupted
- August: Continued heavy monsoon rain and low visibility
- September: Rain persists; views of the peaks are rare
Useful answers
Best time to visit Darjeeling: FAQs
What is the best month to visit Darjeeling?
April, May and October are the best months to visit Darjeeling, with March and November also good. October to November offers Darjeeling's clearest skies, cooler days and the best chance of Kanchenjunga views, while March to May brings mild weather and blooming rhododendrons, though afternoon cloud can build. June to September is the monsoon, with very heavy rain and a genuine landslide risk on the hill roads, best avoided altogether. December to February is bitterly cold, especially at night, so pack warm layers whenever you go, and use a jeep rather than walking the steepest lanes around the Chowrasta.
Which months should I avoid in Darjeeling with elderly parents?
January, June, July, August and September are the months to avoid with older travellers. Very cold, often near freezing at night; skies can be clear Monsoon arrives; heavy rain, mist and landslide risk
When does it rain most in Darjeeling?
July is the wettest month, with about 648 mm of rain on average. The hottest month is August, with average highs around 20°C.