Darjeeling, also known as the “Queen of Hills,” is a surreal hill station blessed with stunning landscapes, beautiful tea estates, and breathtaking views of the mighty Kanchenjunga. There is no right or wrong time to visit because the entire year is the best time to visit Darjeeling. Be it the summer sunlight, monsoon dewdrops or the winter fogs, each season offers a distinct experience for all travelers. Choosing the time of your visit completely depends on the kind of holiday you’re looking for. So, here’s a comprehensive guide with all the right details to make your trip a once-in-a-lifetime experience!
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Decoding The Four Seasons: Best Time To Visit Darjeeling
There are some who prefer the warmth, some who love the rains and some who love the cold. Here’s a handy guide on the best time to visit Darjeeling for travelers with various levels of tolerance.
Summer In Darjeeling (March To May) Peak Season
With the weather being pleasantly mild and comfortable, the summer months are the best time for a holiday in Darjeeling. This is the time when one can indulge in sightseeing and outdoor activities without worrying much about the extreme weather conditions. When the sky is still bright blue in color, it is the right time to enjoy and bask in the glory of this little hamlet. Many adventure activities are open to the public during this season. So if you are that active and adventurous type, this is the best time to visit Darjeeling.
Pros Of Visiting During This Time:
- Great views of the Kanchenjunga mountain range.
- No extreme temperatures making it ideal for trekking and hiking.
- Chance to experience the many local festivals and cultural events.
- Great photography opportunities.
Tips For A Summer Visit: Since this is a peak season, make sure all your bookings are done in advance to avoid last minute disappointments.
Monsoon In Darjeeling (June To September) Off Season
With dark clouds covering the Darjeeling sky, June is when the monsoon starts to move in. Darjeeling receives 700 mm of relentless and unforgiving showers of rainfall in four months. There is a constant blanket of mist and fog in the air during this season. For people who are looking for some adventure, this is not the best time to visit Darjeeling. People who love to be amidst nature and who are romantic at heart will appreciate this weather. It’s the ideal time to enjoy the beautiful resorts and hotels and to indulge in some indoor sight-seeing options.
Pros Of Visiting During This Time:
- Dramatic landscapes and stunning greenery due to heavy rains.
- Views of lush green tea plantations in its full bloom.
- Best time to relax and unwind because of lower tourist crowds.
- Highly recommended for nature enthusiasts and photography lovers.
Tips For A Monsoon Visit: Heavy rains can lead to landslides and road disruptions which can bring tourist activities to a stop.
Autumn In Darjeeling (October To November) Tourist Season
The early months of autumn is when the sky begins to clear and everything around re-energizes and glitters from the shower. The clear skies make way for the spectacular mountain views which was hidden by fog and mist until now. It is the perfect time to engage in sightseeing and adventure activities without worrying about the bitter biting weather. The fallen brown leaves from the autumn add more beauty to the landscape. Though the season is very short, it makes for one of the best times to visit Darjeeling.
Pros Of Visiting During This Time:
- Great visibility, hence great time to see the Himalayan peaks.
- Not as crowded as the summer season.
- Myriad of adventure activities to try out.
- Exotic tea plantation at its best.
- Best weather for trekking and outdoor activities
Tips For A Autumn Visit: Take advantage of the pre-winter season by booking your tickets in advance. Do carry plenty of warm clothes as winter is about to set in.
Winter In Darjeeling (December To February) Perfect Off-Season
Though snowing is uncommon in winters, Darjeeling does look dreamy and fairy-tale like during this season. The twinkling fairy lights from the Christmas celebrations adds more beauty to the place. The cold temperatures with frost and the chills brings about some crispness in the air. Even though the daytime is graced with the golden sunshine, the early mornings and nights can get very chilly. It is the best time to visit Darjeeling for a romantic getaway or a honeymoon with your significant other.
Pros Of Visiting During This Time:
- Dreamy and fairy-tale like landscapes.
- No risk of landslides or floods.
- Chance to attend the winter festivals.
- Every frame turns into a photographer’s dream click.
Tips For A Winter Visit: Before booking your accommodation check if the hotel provides a sound heating system and electrical bed warmers.
Also Read: Things To Do In Darjeeling On Your Next Vacation
Darjeeling Annual Weather Index
| Month | Average Temp | Expected Rain | Things To Do |
| January | 2°C / 5°F | 10 Days | Nature Walks, Ropeway Rides, Tea Garden Visit |
| February | 3°C / 10°F | 8 Days | Darjeeling Festivals, Trekking, Toy Train Ride, Ropeway Rides |
| March | 7°C / 15°F | 11 Days | Trekking, Toy Train Ride, Ropeway Rides |
| April | 9°C / 18°F | 5 Days | Tea plantation tour, Sunrise Tour, Trekking, Toy Train Ride, Ropeway Rides |
| May | 12°C / 21°F | 5 Days | Trekking, Toy Train Ride, Ropeway Rides, Tea plantation tour, Mountaineering |
| June | 13°C / 24°F | 9 Days | Ropeway Rides, Tea Garden Visit, trekking, Temple Visits |
| July | 14°C / 27°F | 11 Days | Visit Waterfalls, shopping, Photography, scenic ride on the UNESCO World Heritage Railway |
| August | 15°C / 23°F | 9 Days | Visit Ghoom Monastery, ride the Darjeeling Ropeway, Taste local cuisine, Visit Tiger Hill |
| September | 11°C / 20°F | 10 Days | visit to religious sites, local market visit, cultural, nature, or heritage walking tour |
| October | 6°C / 17°F | 3 Days | Explore tea gardens, Visit Tiger Hill, Visit Peace Pagoda, Mall visit |
| November | 4°C / 10°F | 3 Days | Trekking, Ride the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, Visit Monasteries, Observatory Hill View Point |
| December | 3°C / 8°F | 2 Days | Attend the Darjeeling Tea and Tourism Festival, Darjeeling Winter Carnival, winter landscape photography |
Important Festivals/Events To Look Out For
Losha – February
Red Panda Hike – September
Fulpati and Lakhe dance – October
Darjeeling Carnival – November
Orange Festival – November
Teesta Tea and Tourism Festival – November/December
FAQs
Weather in Darjeeling is at its best between the months of April to June. The skies are clear and the temperature is very pleasant, making it the ideal time for sightseeing and other outdoor activities. It is also one of the best times to see Kanchenjunga from here.
Snow in Darjeeling is not guaranteed every year. However if lucky, you can witness light snowing in the winter months of December, January, and February.
Darjeeling weather is at its coldest during the months of January and February. It gets so cold that some parts of the region may experience snow fall.
Tourists flock to Darjeeling to enjoy the pleasant climate and to take in the natural beauty of the place. The views of the Kanchenjunga range are the clearest and best from here. Darjeeling is also famous for the famous toy train ride and the world renowned Darjeeling tea.
