Misty monsoons, cherry blossoms, crisp winter mornings or clear hill days?
Here’s your Shillong, season by season.
SPRING & SUMMER
March to June
GO FOR: CLEAR SKIES & HILL DAYS
With temperatures around 15°C to 24°C, this is an easy time to explore Shillong. Think green hills, comfortable walks, waterfalls and day trips without too much weather drama.
Head out to Laitlum Canyons, Umiam Lake or Elephant Falls, or simply spend the day wandering Shillong’s cafés and neighbourhoods.
LOOK OUT FOR
Pleasant weather • Outdoor adventures • Scenic drives
MONSOON
July to September
GO FOR: WATERFALLS & MISTY HILLS
Shillong gets properly drenched, but the payoff is a landscape turned intensely green. Waterfalls swell, clouds settle over the hills and every drive starts looking cinematic.
Temperatures sit around 12°C to 20°C, but heavy rain can affect roads and plans.
HEAD TO
Mawphlang • Elephant Falls • Umiam Lake • Laitlum
GOOD TO KNOW
Carry rainwear and keep your itinerary flexible.
AUTUMN
October to November
GO FOR: CLEARER DAYS & CHERRY BLOSSOMS
The monsoon fades, the air gets crisp and Shillong starts feeling cooler and calmer.
November brings Meghalaya’s Cherry Blossom Festival, while clearer skies make it a great time for exploring the hills, forests and city.
LOOK OUT FOR
Cherry blossoms • Cultural events • Crisp mountain air
PERFECT FOR
Sightseeing, café hopping and long scenic drives.
WINTER
December to February
GO FOR: COLD MORNINGS & SLOW DAYS
Temperatures can dip to around 4°C, especially after sunset, so bring the layers.
Winter is made for taking Shillong slowly: explore its cafés, discover its music scene, wander around Ward’s Lake or head into the surrounding hills.
LOOK OUT FOR
Crisp mornings • Cosy cafés • Clear mountain views
PACK
Warm layers, especially for evenings.
MEET SHILLONG
1,525 METRES UP. FULL OF CHARACTER.
Set in the East Khasi Hills, Shillong is Meghalaya’s capital and its cultural, educational and administrative centre.
The British established it as a civil station in 1864, and it remained the capital of undivided Assam until 1972.
Today, the city has a distinct mix of Khasi culture, football, fashion, guitar craftsmanship and a seriously strong indie music scene.
THE VIBE
Hill town energy, with a distinctly cosmopolitan streak.
6 PLACES TO PUT ON THE LIST
Umiam Lake
A huge pine-fringed reservoir just before Shillong. Go for the views, boating and water activities.
Laitlum Canyons
Big valley views, steep green slopes and a dramatic landscape around 20 km from the city.
Elephant Falls
A three-tiered waterfall reached by a stepped trail.
Mawphlang Sacred Grove
An ancient Khasi forest where removing leaves, plants or anything from the grove is forbidden.
Don Bosco Museum
A seven-storey museum showcasing the indigenous cultures of Northeast India.
Ward’s Lake & Golf Course
A central lake and one of India’s oldest 18-hole natural golf courses, right in the city.
WHERE TO STAY
FOR A LITTLE HERITAGE
Heritage Club – Tripura Castle
Colonial character, pine trees and old-world charm.
FOR CENTRAL LUXURY
Vivanta Meghalaya Shillong
A polished stay in Police Bazaar, handy for exploring the city.
FOR A QUIETER BOUTIQUE STAY
The Habitat Shillong
A comfortable base in Laitumkhrah, close to Shillong’s café scene.
FOR BACKPACKER ENERGY
Zostel Shillong
A social, casual option for solo travellers and backpackers.
EAT YOUR WAY THROUGH SHILLONG
Shillong’s food scene is where things get interesting.
JADOH
Rice with minced meat and local spices. A Khasi staple.
DOHNEIIONG
Pork cooked with roasted black sesame. Rich, nutty and deeply savoury.
TUNGRYMBAI
Fermented soybean paste cooked with sesame and spices.
PUKHLEIN
Rice flour and jaggery come together in this crispy-sweet local snack.
TRY IT AT
Dylan’s Café • Café Shillong • Trattoria • City Hut Family Dhaba
GETTING TO SHILLONG
FLYING IN?
Shillong Airport, Umroi is around 30 km from the city and has regional connections.
For more flight options, fly into Guwahati Airport, around 125 km away, then take a taxi or shared cab to Shillong. The drive takes roughly 3.5 to 4 hours.
COMING BY TRAIN?
Guwahati is the nearest major railway station, around 100 km away, with regular connections to major Indian cities.
ON THE ROAD?
NH-40 connects Guwahati to Shillong, taking you through the hills.
SHILLONG, BUT MAKE IT LOCAL
A few things that make the trip smoother:
CARRY CASH
UPI works in many central spots, but smaller taxis and roadside stalls may still prefer cash.
SORT YOUR CAB FARE
Shared and private taxis are common. Confirm the fare before you leave.
RESPECT THE GROVES
Sacred spaces have their own rules. Don’t pick plants, remove anything or leave your rubbish behind.
PACK FOR EVERYTHING
Rain jacket + warm layer = Shillong starter pack.
CHECK TRAVEL RULES
Check the latest Meghalaya tourism registration and entry requirements before your trip.
AND FINALLY…
Don’t treat Shillong like a checklist.
Yes, see the waterfalls.
Yes, drive out to Laitlum.
Yes, eat the Jadoh.
But also leave room for long café stops, live music, rainy-window views and wandering without a plan.
Because Shillong isn’t just somewhere you go.
It’s somewhere you slow down.
