Northeast India, often called the “Seven Sisters,” is one of the most beautiful regions in India. Northeast India comprises eight states: Assam, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Mizoram, Tripura and Sikkim. Each state has its own culture, festivals, and natural beauty, from snow-covered mountains to green valleys. Each state is rich in unique, offbeat experiences. Before planning your trip to the Northeast, it is necessary to know about the best season to go for a trip.
The season you visit the Northeast makes a big difference—weather, festivals, and even access to certain places change with the seasons. Timing your visit is very important for your trip. The region’s weather is unpredictable, especially during monsoons and pick winter, and access to top attractions often depends on the season.
Here’s a simple guide to help you decide the best time to visit each state in Northeast India.
1. Assam
Best time: October to April (Winter & Spring)
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Winter (Oct–Feb): This is the best season to visit Assam. The weather is cool and comfortable. All national parks like Kaziranga, Manas, Nameri and Pobitora are open for safaris. It’s the perfect time to see one-horned rhinos, elephants, and many birds. Tea gardens are also lush and active during this time.
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Spring (March–April): Days are hot and nights are cold during spring. You can enjoy Rongali Bihu, Assam’s biggest festival, during this time. In this festival, you can enjoy dance, music, and feasts. Birdwatching in places like Dibru Saikhowa is excellent. It is the best time to enjoy the full bloom of orchids in Assam.
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Monsoon (June–Sept): Not a good time to visit. Heavy rain floods the Brahmaputra, and national parks close.
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Autumn (Sept–Oct): Parks reopen, Durga Puja celebrations light up the cities, and the weather starts getting cooler.
2. Meghalaya
Best time: October to April (Winter & Spring) OR June–August if you love rain
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Winter (Nov–Feb): Perfect for sightseeing. Shillong looks magical during Christmas with lights, concerts, and carols. Roads are dry, making it easy to explore caves, villages, best time for trekking.
- Spring (March–April): Great for trekking to living root bridges, exploring caves, and enjoying green landscapes without heavy tourist crowds.
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Monsoon (June–Aug): Best for waterfalls! Cherrapunji and Mawsynram get covered in mist and clouds. All the waterfalls like Nohkalikai, Seven Sisters, and Wei Sawdong waterfalls are at their peak. Just remember to book hotels in advance—this is peak tourist season.
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Autumn (Sept–Oct): Clear skies return, Dawki’s river becomes crystal clear, and Meghalaya hosts the Cherry Blossom Festival in November.
3. Sikkim & Darjeeling
Best time: March to May (Spring) and October to December (Autumn & Early Winter)
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Winter (Dec–Feb): Darjeeling and Gangtok are chilly but beautiful. You’ll get clear views of Kanchenjunga and cozy tea garden vibes. However, North Sikkim (Lachung, Lachen, Gurudongmar Lake) may close due to snow. Don’t forget to carry heavy woollens during this time.
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Spring (March–May): The best time! Yumthang Valley blooms with rhododendrons, Gurudongmar Lake becomes accessible, and the weather is cool and perfect for sightseeing. The atmosphere remains cold and pleasant, and woollens are also required for this season.
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Monsoon (June–Sept): Heavy rain makes roads unsafe, especially in North Sikkim. But Darjeeling and South Sikkim can still be enjoyed if you like peaceful hill stations in misty weather.
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Autumn (Oct–Nov): Excellent visibility, crisp weather, and festive vibes. Great for photography and trekking.
4. Arunachal Pradesh
Best time: October to April (Winter & Spring)
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Winter (Dec–Feb): High-altitude areas like Tawang, Mayodia, and Anini are covered in snow. Perfect for those who want to see snowfall. The Losar Festival (Tibetan New Year) in Feb/March is a cultural highlight in Tawang and Bomdila.
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Spring (March–April): Good time to travel to Arunachal Pradesh and see the snow-capped Sela Pass. Snow-capped peaks, clear skies, and mild weather make this the best time for trekking and festivals like Mopin and Siang River Festival.
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Monsoon (June–Sept): Best avoided due to heavy rain, landslides, and road closures.
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Autumn (Sept–Nov): Excellent weather and festivals like the Ziro Music Festival and Tawang Festival make it a great time to visit.
5. Nagaland
Best time: October to March
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Winter (Nov–Feb): Cool and pleasant weather. The highlight is the Hornbill Festival in December, which showcases Naga culture, dance, music, and food.
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Spring (March–April): Good time for trekking, birdwatching, and village visits. The landscape is fresh and green.
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Monsoon (June–Sept): Heavy rainfall makes roads muddy and difficult to travel. Avoid this season.
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Autumn (Oct–Nov): Clear skies and the festive season make it one of the best times to explore villages and experience cultural events.
6. Manipur
Best time: October to April
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Winter (Nov–Feb): Pleasant weather for exploring Imphal, Loktak Lake, and Keibul Lamjao National Park (home to the dancing deer Sangai). December also brings Christmas celebrations.
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Spring (March–April): Perfect for enjoying cultural events, blooming flowers, and outdoor activities. Yaoshang Festival (like Holi) is celebrated in March with sports and dances.
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Monsoon (June–Sept): Roads often get waterlogged, making travel uncomfortable. Avoid this season.
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Autumn (Sept–Oct): A good time for sightseeing and enjoying clear skies.
7. Mizoram, Tripura & Other States
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Mizoram: Best from October to March. The Chapchar Kut Festival in March is a major cultural event. Avoid the monsoon due to heavy rains.
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Tripura: Pleasant in winter (Nov–Feb). Visit Ujjayanta Palace, Neermahal Lake Palace, and Sepahijala Wildlife Sanctuary. Summer and monsoon are too hot and wet.
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Other States (Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, Tripura): The pattern is similar—October to April is the best time, while monsoons (June–Sept) should generally be avoided.
In short
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For Wildlife: Assam in winter/spring
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For Waterfalls & Rain: Meghalaya in monsoon
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For Snow: Arunachal in winter/spring
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For Festivals: Nagaland in December, Arunachal & Assam in spring, Meghalaya in November
Final Tips
- Always check weather forecasts for each location. Rain patterns vary from year to year.
- Carry layers. Even in spring, evenings in Arunachal can get chilly.
- Carry warm clothes if you’re visiting hill states, even in spring.
- Book hotels in advance if travelling during Christmas, New Year, or any other festival time.
- Permits are needed for Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland.
- Always check road and weather conditions, especially during monsoon months.
Related Read
Which Place to Choose for Your First Northeast Trip: Meghalaya or Sikkim?
Top 10 destinations for a photography tour in Northeast India
