Plan your trip · Imphal
Best time to visit Imphal
The best time to visit Imphal is from October to March, when the valley is dry, the skies are mostly clear and the days are pleasant for walking. Winter nights are cold, and fog can sit over Loktak Lake in the early morning.
From April the weather warms up and pre-monsoon storms begin, and from roughly June to September the monsoon brings heavy rain. Whenever you go, check the current situation in Manipur and the permit rules first, as they matter more than the weather for planning.
❄️ Winter
RecommendedOct – Mar
Warm in October and March, cool and mostly dry from November to February — the comfortable peak season, with crisp mornings and evenings.
Pack: light layers with a jacket or shawl for early mornings and after dark.
Plan a winter day →☀️ Summer
Apr – Jun
Very hot and dry, often 40 °C+ by midday — the off-season on the plains. Best explored at dawn and dusk, resting through the afternoon.
Pack: loose light cottons, a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen and plenty of water.
Plan a summer day →🌧️ Monsoon
Jul – Sep
Warm and humid with on-and-off showers that cool the air and green the gardens — rain rarely lasts all day.
Pack: a compact umbrella or light rain shell, quick-dry clothes and grippy footwear.
Shines now: Loktak Lake
Plan a monsoon day →Best Month to Visit Imphal
October and November
The rain clears, the valley is still green and the days are warm and sunny. This is one of the best times for Loktak Lake and for spotting the sangai at Keibul Lamjao. November has also been the month of the Sangai Festival.
December to February
These are the coolest months, with sunny days and cold mornings and nights. Fog can cover the lake early in the day, so plan lake visits for mid-morning. Pack a warm jacket.
March
A pleasant, dry month and a good time for wildlife at Keibul Lamjao. Yaoshang, Manipur's five-day spring festival, usually falls in late February or March.
April and May
Days get warmer and pre-monsoon storms become more common. It is still possible to visit, but keep afternoons flexible for rain.
June to September
The monsoon brings heavy rain, high water at Loktak Lake and muddy roads. The valley is very green, but wildlife sightings are harder and travel is less reliable.
When Is Imphal Most Crowded?
Imphal is busiest when there is a festival in town, especially in November during the Sangai Festival season and around Yaoshang in spring. Flights and hotels can fill quickly at those times.
The rest of the year is usually quiet. Tourist numbers have been low since 2023, so the bigger planning question is the local situation. Check advisories before you book and keep your plans flexible.
Questions
Imphal — FAQ
What is the best month to visit Imphal?
October to March is the best time, with dry, clear weather. October, November and March are especially good for Loktak Lake and the sangai deer at Keibul Lamjao.
Is Imphal worth visiting during the monsoon?
It depends on your plans. From roughly June to September, heavy rain can make roads muddy and trips to Loktak Lake less reliable, and sangai sightings are harder. The valley looks very green, but keep your plans flexible.
When is the best time to see the sangai deer?
The drier months from October to March are best. Go early in the morning or in the late afternoon, when the deer are most likely to come out to feed. Winter fog can reduce visibility early in the day.
Do I need a permit to visit Imphal?
Indian visitors from outside Manipur need an Inner Line Permit, which has been required since 2020. Foreign visitors need a Protected Area Permit, which was brought back for Manipur in December 2024. Check the latest rules before you travel.