The short answer
When to go to Gangtok
October–November and March–April offer the clearest skies and most comfortable temperatures; December–February is cold but usually clear. June to August should be avoided, since this is when monsoon rainfall is heaviest and hill roads are most prone to landslides. The town's steep streets mean dry, non-monsoon months are considerably easier and safer for anyone with mobility concerns.
Month by month
Gangtok weather by month
| Month | High | Low | Rain | Verdict | What to expect |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 12°C | 6°C | 26 mm | Cold but usually clear | |
| February | 14°C | 7°C | 54 mm | Cold, clear mornings | |
| March | 18°C | 10°C | 133 mm | Clear skies; the most reliable month | |
| April | 20°C | 13°C | 333 mm | Pleasant; rain starting to build | |
| May | 21°C | 15°C | 496 mm | Rain increasing ahead of the monsoon | |
| June | 22°C | 17°C | 647 mm | Heaviest monsoon rain begins | |
| July | 22°C | 18°C | 655 mm | Wettest month of the year | |
| August | 22°C | 18°C | 548 mm | Still very wet | |
| September | 22°C | 17°C | 428 mm | Rain easing; mornings often clear | |
| October | 20°C | 14°C | 174 mm | Clear and dry; excellent visibility | |
| November | 17°C | 10°C | 37 mm | Clear, dry and mild | |
| December | 14°C | 7°C | 16 mm | Cold but generally clear |
Temperatures and rainfall are long-term monthly averages. Check the forecast a few days before you travel.
Seasons at a glance
Gangtok seasons for families and seniors
The easiest months: March, October and November
- March: Clear skies; the most reliable month
- October: Clear and dry; excellent visibility
- November: Clear, dry and mild
Good, with small trade-offs: January, February, April and December
- January: Cold but usually clear
- February: Cold, clear mornings
- April: Pleasant; rain starting to build
- December: Cold but generally clear
Possible, with planning: May and September
- May: Rain increasing ahead of the monsoon
- September: Rain easing; mornings often clear
Best avoided with parents or children: June, July and August
- June: Heaviest monsoon rain begins
- July: Wettest month of the year
- August: Still very wet
Useful answers
Best time to visit Gangtok: FAQs
What is the best month to visit Gangtok?
March, October and November are the best months to visit Gangtok, with January, February, April and December also good. October–November and March–April offer the clearest skies and most comfortable temperatures; December–February is cold but usually clear. June to August should be avoided, since this is when monsoon rainfall is heaviest and hill roads are most prone to landslides. The town's steep streets mean dry, non-monsoon months are considerably easier and safer for anyone with mobility concerns.
Which months should I avoid in Gangtok with elderly parents?
June, July and August are the months to avoid with older travellers. Heaviest monsoon rain begins Wettest month of the year
When does it rain most in Gangtok?
July is the wettest month, with about 655 mm of rain on average. The hottest month is August, with average highs around 22°C.