Plan your trip · Cherrapunji
Best time to visit Cherrapunji
There is no single best month for Sohra, because the rain that fills the waterfalls also hides them. Autumn is the best balance; winter is best for trekking; the monsoon is for people who want to see the rain itself.
❄️ Winter
RecommendedOct – Mar
Cool, clear and dry — the peak season in the hills, with crisp mornings and chilly nights but no snow.
Pack: light layers with a warm sweater or jacket for early mornings and after dark.
Shines now: Mawkdok Dympep Valley
Plan a winter day →☀️ Summer
RecommendedApr – Jun
Warm days and pleasant evenings, with pre-monsoon showers building towards June.
Pack: light clothes by day and a light jacket for the evening.
Shines now: Mawkdok Dympep Valley
Plan a summer day →🌧️ Monsoon
Jul – Sep
Heavy rain, mist and full waterfalls, with a real risk of landslides, road closures and slippery trails.
Pack: a good rain shell, quick-dry layers and grippy shoes — and leech socks if you plan forest walks.
Plan a monsoon day →October and November: the best balance
This is the pick for most visitors. The falls are still full after the monsoon, the rain has eased, and clear days are more common. It is also a busy time, so book rooms ahead, especially for weekends.
December to February: dry and cool
These are the driest months. Trails are firmer, the streams near Nongriat run clear, and the stream pools are pleasant for a dip. The trade-off is that the falls shrink: Seven Sisters can be almost dry and Nohkalikai thins out. Nights are cold, and haze from the plains often softens long views.
March to May: the build-up
March is a changeover month with some rain. By April and May, storms become frequent and the falls start to fill again. May is already one of the wetter months, so treat it as early monsoon rather than summer.
June to September: the monsoon
June and July are the wettest months, with August and September close behind. Expect rain most days, cloud that hides the falls for hours, leeches on forest paths, and wet, slippery steps. Landslides can close roads. The reward is the falls at their loudest and the whole plateau running with water. Monsoon rain here often falls in the morning, so afternoons can open up. If you come now, keep your plans loose and your bags dry.
Which season for what
- Waterfalls: September to November, or the monsoon if you can wait out the cloud.
- The root bridge trek: November to March, when the steps are drier.
- Caves and stream pools: the dry months.
- Clear long views: after rain has washed the air, often in October and November.
Questions
Cherrapunji — FAQ
Is it worth visiting Sohra in the monsoon?
Yes, if you want to see the rain and the full falls and do not mind changing plans. Cloud can hide views for hours, and treks are slippery, so allow extra days.
When is Seven Sisters Falls dry?
In the dry months, roughly December to February, it can shrink to a trickle or stop. It is fullest in the monsoon and just after.
When is the best time for the root bridge trek?
November to March, when the steps are drier and the streams are low. In the monsoon the steps are slippery and the rivers run high.
Is May a good month to visit?
It is already rainy. May is one of the wetter months in Sohra, so treat it as the start of the monsoon.