The short answer
When to go to Shillong
October to March is the pleasant season, and November, with its clear air and cherry blossoms, is the most comfortable month of all. June to August should be avoided: this is one of the wettest regions in India, and monsoon downpours make waterfall paths and hill roads genuinely hazardous. Seniors will find the dry season far safer underfoot, since many of the region's best sights involve slippery, uneven terrain even in good weather.
Month by month
Shillong weather by month
| Month | High | Low | Rain | Verdict | What to expect |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 15°C | 6°C | 13 mm | Cool, clear and dry | |
| February | 18°C | 8°C | 15 mm | Cool and mostly dry | |
| March | 21°C | 11°C | 43 mm | Mild; rain starting to build | |
| April | 23°C | 14°C | 131 mm | Showers increasing | |
| May | 24°C | 16°C | 245 mm | Monsoon building; heavy showers likely | |
| June | 24°C | 17°C | 424 mm | Among the wettest months anywhere | |
| July | 24°C | 18°C | 402 mm | Still extremely wet | |
| August | 24°C | 18°C | 328 mm | Very wet | |
| September | 24°C | 17°C | 270 mm | Rain easing but still substantial | |
| October | 22°C | 14°C | 197 mm | Clearing; pleasant days | |
| November | 19°C | 10°C | 25 mm | Cherry blossoms; the most comfortable month | |
| December | 16°C | 7°C | 7 mm | Cold and dry |
Temperatures and rainfall are long-term monthly averages. Check the forecast a few days before you travel.
Seasons at a glance
Shillong seasons for families and seniors
The easiest months: October and November
- October: Clearing; pleasant days
- November: Cherry blossoms; the most comfortable month
Good, with small trade-offs: January, February, March and December
- January: Cool, clear and dry
- February: Cool and mostly dry
- March: Mild; rain starting to build
- December: Cold and dry
Possible, with planning: April, May and September
- April: Showers increasing
- May: Monsoon building; heavy showers likely
- September: Rain easing but still substantial
Best avoided with parents or children: June, July and August
- June: Among the wettest months anywhere
- July: Still extremely wet
- August: Very wet
Useful answers
Best time to visit Shillong: FAQs
What is the best month to visit Shillong?
October and November are the best months to visit Shillong, with January, February, March and December also good. October to March is the pleasant season, and November, with its clear air and cherry blossoms, is the most comfortable month of all. June to August should be avoided: this is one of the wettest regions in India, and monsoon downpours make waterfall paths and hill roads genuinely hazardous. Seniors will find the dry season far safer underfoot, since many of the region's best sights involve slippery, uneven terrain even in good weather.
Which months should I avoid in Shillong with elderly parents?
June, July and August are the months to avoid with older travellers. Among the wettest months anywhere Still extremely wet
When does it rain most in Shillong?
June is the wettest month, with about 424 mm of rain on average. The hottest month is August, with average highs around 24°C.