Best time to visit North East India

If you are planning to visit India, you should definitely check out the best time to visit North East India. A charming region tucked in the northeastern part of India, it comprises seven states, also known as the seven sisters – Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, and Tripura. Later on, Sikkim was also added to be a part of the northeast region, and is often called the only brother of the seven sisters. While similar from the outside, the states are vastly different from one another, with their own traditions, culture, and history.

Less explored than many other states in India, the region has a lot of untouched beauty to offer. Read this article to find out more about the gorgeous northeast part of India, and the best time to visit the region.

Best time to visit North East India

The best time to visit North East India is from March to June. This is the summer season in the region – the days are clear, with bright blue skies, tea trails in bloom, and stunning landscapes all waiting to be explored. The temperatures vary from one region to another, but overall the climate is pleasant. Winter is also a good time to visit the northeast if you wish to experience snowfall on your trip. While the lower regions are not as cold, the higher altitude regions often experience snowfall.

If you don’t mind rain or actually want to see the mesmerizing landscapes (a highlight of the monsoon season), you should visit in the months from July to September. While the season brings some risks in a few regions, some regions offer a beautiful adventure.

Winter season in North East India (October to February)

The climate of Northeast India in winter varies according to region, from cool and pleasant to extremely cold. While the low-lying regions of Tripura and Mizoram have mild winters that make sightseeing a pleasant experience, the higher-altitude regions of Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh often experience sub-zero temperatures. There is often snowfall in these regions. The temperatures range from 0 to 22 degrees Celsius in the entire northeast.

Best places to visit in winter in North East India

Meghalaya, Assam, Sikkim, Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh

Nagaland

Summer season in North East India (March to June)

Similar to the winter season in northeast India, the summer climate also differs from one region to another. While the northern parts have cool and pleasant weather, the lower regions can often get scorching hot. However, this is still one of the best times to visit northeast India. Clear blue skies, soft sunshine, blooming flowers, and pleasant temperatures ranging from 10 to 38 degrees Celsius make it a great place to explore in summer.

You can indulge in activities like trekking, hiking, mountain biking, and kayaking. There are also many less-discovered trails you could explore in this season. However, this is a peak tourist season in the northeast, which means that there will be larger crowds. Accommodations and tickets get sold quickly and are also more expensive during this time, so make sure to book everything well in advance.

Best places to visit in summer in North East India

Sikkim, Darjeeling, Kaziranga,  Nagaland, Meghalaya

Sikkim

Monsoon season in North East India (July to September)

Monsoon, too, differs in Northeast India depending on the region. It rains heavily in some regions, while the rainfall is moderate in others. The higher altitude regions experience colder weather than those in the low-lying areas. Mawsynram in Meghalaya is the rainiest place in the world. Temperatures range from 9 to 35 degrees Celsius, and monsoons in the northeast are a sight to behold.

However, many regions in northeastern India experience landslides and storms during monsoons. There may be roadblocks and disruptions in network and communication. Make sure to check the weather updates before planning your days. Plus, all the adventure activities are closed for the season. It is not recommended to visit Northeast India in monsoons.

Best places to visit in monsoon in North East India

Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh

Living root bridges in Meghalaya

Festivals and events in North East India

Ziro Music Festival: Ziro Music Festival is one of the most popular music festivals in India. Held in the Ziro Valley of Arunachal Pradesh in September, indie music artists from across the world come here to participate in the festival. Plus, the festival is eco-friendly and recyclable local materials are used for the setup.

Hornbill Festival: Celebrated from 1st to 10th December every year, the Hornbill Festival takes place in Nagaland and celebrates the traditions, cultures, and festivals of all the tribes in the state. The festival, organized by the Government of Nagaland, promotes tourism in the state and attracts people from all over the world. The festival includes activities like traditional dances and songs, art and crafts, food fairs, games, and paintings and sculptures.

Bihu: There are three types of Bihu festival celebrated in Assam – Bhogali Bihu, Rongali Bihu, and Kati Bihu. Rongali Bihu, celebrated in April, is the Assamese New Year. Kati Bihu is celebrated in October, while Bhogali Bihu is celebrated in January during the end of the harvest season.

Losar: Losar is the Tibetan New Year, majorly celebrated in Arunachal Pradesh in the northeast, by tribes like Monpa, Memba, and Khamba. The three day festival is celebrated in February and each day has a special significance.

Saga Dawa: Saga Dawa honors the birth, enlightenment, and death of the Buddha. It falls on the full moon of the fourth month of the year according to the Tibetan calendar. It is one of the most auspicious occasions and a big festival for the people of Sikkim.

Hornbill Festival

Tips to enjoy your trip to North East India

• Do some research before planning a trip to Northeast India. This is a fairly unexplored region with much to explore. So make sure you have a sound idea of the region before making any fixed plans.
• You will need an Inner Line Permit (ILP), Protected Area Permit (PAP), and Restricted Area Permit (RAP) to visit a few parts of North East India, including Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Nagaland, and Mizoram. These are protected areas with indigenous tribes inhabiting the region.
• Pack for the region and season. The northeast experiences different climatic conditions in different parts in different seasons. Make sure to pack appropriately. No matter which season you visit, keep sun protection and an umbrella handy.
• Try to visit the region during a festival. Festivals are celebrated very uniquely in the different regions, and it is an authentic experience you won’t get elsewhere.
• Try to stay in a homestay for at least a part of the trip. You will be able to observe the life of the locals first-hand, and it is a fun experience.
• Leave the region cleaner than you found it. The northeast is a pristine region, quite untouched with the litter of excessive tourism. Make sure you keep the place clean.
• Respect the local laws and customs.

So, when are you planning your trip to North East India? Let us know, and we will help you! At India Someday, we plan customized trips and itineraries to India for you, based on your preferences and interests. Contact us, and together, we can plan the perfect trip to India for you!