I have been asked about the best time to visit North East India or the North East as it is also referred to, more than once and every time my answer has been slightly different from the previous one. The reason being, even after being born, brought-up and lived there for over two decades of my life, I could not figure out which is the season during which the north-east was at its best. My personal favorite is the monsoons in the North-East when everything lush green and the waterfalls and natural pools are at their best. But anyway, let me give you an unbiased insight and then you take a call as per your liking.
This part of the country is very diverse in itself and there is always something wonderful to experience, feel and see all through the year, in each and every season.
It all depends on what you actually want to see or experience in your visit to North East India.
Do you want to escape from the summers of the plains or do you want to experience the chilly mornings of the snowy winters here, or is it the greenery and gushing waterfalls here that interests you?
The options are endless, we are talking about the northeast mind you :).
But anyway, when a question is asked quite often it must be answered and so, let me try to ‘answer’ it.
What is the best time to visit north-east India?
The short answer would be:
- The monsoons, if you want to see the gorgeous waterfalls of the and lush green surroundings all around.
- The winters if you want to see snow and crystal clear rivers and emerald colored pools.
The slightly verbose answer would be; for those who want to visit a place when it is in its ‘perfect’ shape and don’t bother about other like-minded people thronging places of interest, November through April or maybe mid of May is the time when most of the north-eastern states are in good condition with no rain, landslides or any such thing. The recently-started Tawang Festival also happens in this period, during the first weeks of the month of May.
Also Read How safe is it to travel to North East India.
If you are among those who love to walk alongside the clouds or wants to see the countless waterfalls in their full glory, the monsoon months starting from mid of May to the months of September-October are just perfect for you.
However, don’t forget about the landslides that are quite common in these months. If you are okay with the probable landslides costing you a day or two, then my friend, I promise you that the greenery you will see in the north-east will be second to none.
If you would want to meet the one-horned rhino, the pride of the Kaziranga National Park and its other neighbors the right time to visit starts from the month of November, for the next six months. Meghalaya in the monsoons too is gorgeously beautiful.
The famous Hornbill Festival which showcases all aspects of the Naga tribal culture takes place in the last week of November or the first week of December. So if that’s what you have in your mind, to learn about Naga tribes and their cultures and take part or witness in the many interesting competitions like the chili eating or pork-eating competitions that happen during that time, you now know when you should go!
Also Read Innerline permit for Nagaland.
This, in short, should give you an idea of what to expect in which month in the north-east.
Now that you have all the some about what to expect during which time, it’s your turn to tell me which season is best for you to visit the north-east!
Thank you for the quick tips. This is on my list of must do soon.
Cheers
Ami@ thrillingtravel.blogspot.in
Absolutely! You must do it! The north east is magical to say the least!
Glad that you liked it!
Thanks for the tips as I’m hoping to be in Darjeeling and Sikkim sometime mid to end Oct 🙂
Ahhhh that’s great!
If you have plans to visit Kolkata as well, try an coincide your dates with those of the Durga Puja, the grandest festival pf West Bengal (would be probably in mid oct).
Have a wonderful trip 🙂
Exactly, that’s the plan 😉
You are all set then, have a wonderful trip 🙂
hmmm… which place in the North East, Assam?, or darjeeling, sikkim??… and from from North East are you from?… just asking… anyway… I guess it will be a different cultural experience to travel here with all the festival you telling, I like chilli eating idea but am not sure I can do it… if I have to go though I like greenery, I prefer the time without landslides(:… but if I get into a real traveller spirit I think I will enjoy visiting the place any time of the year, even summer, the time I hate because of heat… good day
Thank you. I am basically from the state of Assam.
North East done and dusted, just Manipur remains. 😀 And yes I agree best time for the region is May-June or November-December depending on which area you want to visit.
How about some remote Arunachal then, once you are done with Manipur of-course 😉
BTW, your presence here reminded me of your colourful post on the pickles of Meghalaya 😀
A lovely account of North East. I totally agree with you that it basically depends upon individual choice of places and interest.
Thank you dada!
The region is so diverse no season is the right season to visit the north east.
Thank you for your write-up and tips. I have in my mind to do a family trip to Assam, Meghalaya, and Arunachal Pradesh. Are there pure vegetarian restaurants in these states?
Hi Suresh,
There are many pure vegeterian restaurants in Assam and some in Arunachal Pradesh and Meghalaya. Vegeterian food is not going to be a problem.
Feel free to ask if you have any more doubts or questions regarding the region.
Cheers,
Rajiv
Hi
We are planning to visit Assam in June. I love rains but am scared of landslides .Is June ok as it is just beginning of rains and maybe less risk for landslides?
It’s the best time to visit. I would suggest you club Meghalaya too in you plan. This is in fact the best time to visit Meghalaya as well. The landslide prone areas are not where you will be traveling, those are on the other side.
If you need any help on planning or arranging anything in the North East, feel free to ping me.
I have recently started my own travel startup here after moving from Bangalore and I will be glad to show you around.
Here’s my startup in North East Explorers’ Facebook page. http://Facebook.com/thenortheastexplorer
Cheers,
Rajiv
Hey rajiv.
I am planning a trip from 14 sep to 22.
Will it be worth it to plan in September and what are the main points i should include in my itinerary.
Frankly i don’t know any place to visit i also don’t have any itinerary.
Please guide me.
Provide me ur whatsapp no or Feel free to contact me on 8802631604.
Hey hi,
A really great piece of information… I am planning for a bike ride through the states ( starting from Guwahati and covering all the northeast states excluding Sikkim).
Would be grateful if you could help me with some information on road conditions in these states and how many days I would require to cover the main spots in these states.
Hi, did you go ahead with this plan? If yes, would like to know some details. Let me know please.
Hello Kesica,
I am based out of the North East. Please feel free to ask ask your questions and queries about traveling in North East India.
Cheers!
I am based out of the North East.
Please feel free to let me know what details do you need.
I find it is really useful for me. Well, this is my first visit to your blog! Your North East India blog provided us valuable information to work on. You have done an excellent job!
Thank you 🙂
I am long time thinking to visit North East with my children and sisters in December during Christmas, new year eve. What would be pros and cons?
XMas time is a great time to visit the North East 🙂