The short answer
When to go to Kalimpong
October and November, then February and March, are the best months, with dry air, clear mountain views and gentle temperatures for walking the bazaar and monastery grounds. December and January can be clear but are noticeably cold. June to September brings very heavy monsoon rain that makes paths slippery and reduces visibility, and April to May adds heat and haze, so both stretches are best avoided.
Month by month
Kalimpong weather by month
| Month | High | Low | Rain | Verdict | What to expect |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 16°C | 7°C | 16 mm | Cold, clear mornings | |
| February | 17°C | 8°C | 20 mm | Cool, dry and clear | |
| March | 21°C | 11°C | 27 mm | Mild and pleasant | |
| April | 24°C | 14°C | 86 mm | Warming, occasional haze | |
| May | 25°C | 15°C | 153 mm | Warm, monsoon building | |
| June | 26°C | 16°C | 350 mm | Heavy monsoon rain begins | |
| July | 25°C | 17°C | 628 mm | Heaviest monsoon rainfall | |
| August | 26°C | 18°C | 458 mm | Monsoon continues, very wet | |
| September | 25°C | 16°C | 330 mm | Monsoon still heavy | |
| October | 24°C | 14°C | 63 mm | Dry, clear, excellent visibility | |
| November | 21°C | 11°C | 5 mm | Dry, crisp and clear | |
| December | 18°C | 9°C | 6 mm | Cold but clear |
Temperatures and rainfall are long-term monthly averages. Check the forecast a few days before you travel.
Seasons at a glance
Kalimpong seasons for families and seniors
The easiest months: February, March, October and November
- February: Cool, dry and clear
- March: Mild and pleasant
- October: Dry, clear, excellent visibility
- November: Dry, crisp and clear
Good, with small trade-offs: January and December
- January: Cold, clear mornings
- December: Cold but clear
Possible, with planning: April and May
- April: Warming, occasional haze
- May: Warm, monsoon building
Best avoided with parents or children: June, July, August and September
- June: Heavy monsoon rain begins
- July: Heaviest monsoon rainfall
- August: Monsoon continues, very wet
- September: Monsoon still heavy
Useful answers
Best time to visit Kalimpong: FAQs
What is the best month to visit Kalimpong?
February, March, October and November are the best months to visit Kalimpong, with January and December also good. October and November, then February and March, are the best months, with dry air, clear mountain views and gentle temperatures for walking the bazaar and monastery grounds. December and January can be clear but are noticeably cold. June to September brings very heavy monsoon rain that makes paths slippery and reduces visibility, and April to May adds heat and haze, so both stretches are best avoided.
Which months should I avoid in Kalimpong with elderly parents?
June, July, August and September are the months to avoid with older travellers. Heavy monsoon rain begins Heaviest monsoon rainfall
When does it rain most in Kalimpong?
July is the wettest month, with about 628 mm of rain on average. The hottest month is August, with average highs around 26°C.