Weather in Shillong

Planning your day in the city of Shillong? Check out the most up-to-date weather data, forecasts, and useful charts in this section.

The climate in Shillong can be described as temperate, with a distinct monsoon influence that determines significant seasonal variations in rainfall. Overall, the city's temperatures are quite mild throughout the year, without extreme heat or severe frost. Annual average temperatures are comfortable, making Shillong an attractive destination to visit, though it is important to consider the weather specifics of different seasons.

Two main seasons are clearly observable in Shillong. A dry and relatively cool period lasts from November to February. During this time, average daytime temperatures range between 12.5°C - 14.1°C, and rainfall is minimal, creating comfortable conditions for walking and sightseeing. Starting from April-May until September-October, the wet season sets in. During this period, temperatures rise, reaching an average of 20.1°C - 23.5°C, and the number of rainy days increases significantly. June, July, and August are the wettest months, with rain falling almost daily, although the total monthly precipitation, according to the provided data, remains moderate.

Thus, when planning a trip to Shillong, it is worth paying attention to seasonality. For those who prefer dry and cooler weather, the ideal time would be the months from November to February. If you are not afraid of frequent rains and want to see lush greenery, then the summer months, despite the high humidity, can also be interesting. Transition months, such as March, April, and October, offer moderate rainfall and comfortable temperatures.

The climate in Shillong is characterized by noticeable seasonal temperature fluctuations throughout the year. The hottest months are July and August, when the average air temperature reaches 23.5°C. The coolest month is considered to be January: the average temperature at this time is about 12.5°C, and minimum night temperatures can drop to 7.6°C.

The summer period in Shillong, which lasts roughly from May to September, brings steady warmth. In the peak summer months, such as June, July, and August, daytime maximum temperatures hold steadily in the range of 25-26°C, while night temperatures rarely drop below 20-21°C. This creates a sensation of constant warmth, characteristic of this season. Daily temperature fluctuations in summer are relatively small, amounting to approximately 5°C, which indicates warm nights after the daytime heat. Given the high amount of rainfall, the summer period is also distinguished by increased humidity.

Winter in Shillong, especially in December and January, brings palpable coolness, although severe frosts are not characteristic of this region. During the day in January, the air temperature can rise to 17.5°C, and at night drop to 7.6°C. In December, the figures are similar: the maximum temperature is about 18.8°C, and the minimum is 9.3°C. In winter, more pronounced daily temperature drops are observed, which can reach 9-10°C. This means that evenings and nights can be significantly colder than the daytime. Overall, winter in Shillong is described as mild and cool.

In Shillong, there is a distinct seasonality of precipitation, characteristic of a monsoon climate. The year can be clearly divided into a prolonged wet season and a shorter dry period. The amount of precipitation and the number of rainy days vary significantly from month to month.

The rainy season in Shillong usually lasts from April-May to September-October. Peak rainfall occurs in the summer months: June and July are the wettest, with an average rainfall of 22 mm and practically daily rains (30 and 31 rainy days respectively). August is also very rainy (20 mm of precipitation and 31 rainy days). In May and September, a significant amount of precipitation also falls (14 mm), and it rains almost every day. April (7 mm, 25 rainy days) and October (10 mm, 24 rainy days) are transition months, but still experience frequent rainfall.

The dry season sets in from November to March. During this period, rain becomes a rare occurrence. The driest months are January, November, and December, when only about 1 mm of precipitation falls, and the number of rainy days is minimal (from 5 to 8 days). February (2 mm, 11 rainy days) and March (3 mm, 16 rainy days) also remain relatively dry, with a gradual increase in the probability of precipitation towards the end of the period. Snow is uncharacteristic for Shillong, considering the average monthly temperatures.

When planning a trip to Shillong, it is important to carefully choose your wardrobe, as the weather here has its own specifics throughout the year. The key principle should be layering, allowing you to adapt to temperature changes. Regardless of the season, be sure to bring comfortable walking shoes, as Shillong and its surroundings are perfect for hiking. Sunscreen and a hat will also be useful, especially on sunny days.

The period from April to October is characterized by significant rainfall, reaching a peak from May to September, when practically every day can be rainy. During this time, you will absolutely need a waterproof jacket or raincoat, as well as a sturdy umbrella. It is better to choose clothes made of quick-drying materials. Waterproof footwear or a spare pair will also be useful. Despite the rains, the temperature in these months remains quite warm, averaging 20-23°C, so light breathable fabrics will be comfortable.

From November to March, drier and cooler weather sets in in Shillong. Average temperatures range from 12°C to 17°C, and night temperatures can drop to 7-9°C, especially in December and January. During this period, you should bring warm items: sweaters, fleece jackets, light jackets, and for evening walks and cooler days – perhaps even warmer outerwear. During the day, the temperature can be pleasant, so the ability to remove the top layer of clothing will come in handy.