India has got the honours of encompassing the wettest place on Earth in Meghalaya - Cherrapunji. More popularly known as Cherrapunji, but locally called Sohra, it has been credited as being the place that receives rainfall all through the year. It is also known as ‘The Rain Capital of the World’. It is located in the state of Meghalaya, in East Khasi Hills district. The name Cherrapunji, meaning ‘land of oranges’, evolved from ‘Cherra’ which is how the British called the place back then.
Cherrapunji has the records of having the greatest total of single year rainfall of about 11,430 mm in August 1860 - July 1861, and also the greatest total of one month rainfall in July 1861 of about 9,296 mm. It has become a famous tourist destination, not only for being the wettest place on Earth, but for all the mesmerizing natural beauties the place holds. Cherrapunji is a place of mesmerising waterfalls, hundred year old living root bridges, and captivating caves. The Nohkalikai Falls is one of the highest waterfalls in India, ranging in a height of about 1,115 feet. The Umshiang Double-Decker Root Bridge is a popular root bridge which is formed and entwined by the roots of rubber trees, and is located in the village of Nongriat. The Mawsmai cave in the Mawsmai village is famous for its fossils, also there are small water streams running through the cave’s floor.
What Is The Best Time To Visit Cherrapunji?
Visiting Cherrapunji truly depends on the visitor's notions and intentions. If you are looking forward to enjoy a pleasant weather with a little rainfall and intending to do a few things, then summer is the best for you. If you are looking forward to committing to some activities like trekking, biking, sight-see in a chill climate, then winter. Or if it is a rainy tandem you're looking for, to experience the heavy rains and the fullness of the waterfalls with the lush greenery and other things, then of course, monsoon is the best. Let us now view in detail the best times to visit Meghalaya’s Cherrapunji.
The Summer (March-May)
Covering the months of March-May, Summer is one of the pleasant, comfortable and best times to visit Cherrapunji. Although it still rains in summer, it's more pleasant and easy-going and makes the surroundings more lush and lovable. Summer is definitely a suitable time for tourists to visit Cherrapunji or Sohra and have a look around happily. The temperatures are also better, varying from 22° to 25°C maximum and 11° to 18°C minimum. Cherrapunji takes a break from rain in these months, and by the middle of May it begins again. Then you'll get to see the wettest summer of all, which would be a wonder for all those from the summer toned places. Yet, it would be best to avoid May if it is summer touring you're looking forward to, it will get a little difficult to move around with it raining often.
The Khasi people, who are also the locals, hold an annual dance festival in the month of April, which would be something to see. It is called Shad Suk Mynsiem, or Dance of Happy Hearts, which is a Thanksgiving festival of the Khasi tribe to thank their God for the year that's gone by and seeking blessings for the upcoming year.
And so, in short, Summer in Cherrapunji is pleasant, but it will rain. Yet it can be regarded as one of the best times to visit Cherrapunji. So always carry an umbrella with you and wear light cotton clothes, with spares of course.
The Monsoon (June-September)
And then comes the monsoon, the heaviest season in Sohra, and also the season the place is famous for. Extending from June to September, the monsoon brings down the heaviest load of rainfall of the year. Touring around in these months would be near to impossible and some might even consider it a nightmare. But if you are looking forward to a vacation of staying indoors and enjoying the weather, of having long naps when it rains outside, of curling with a nice book and a mug of coffee in the hearth, then this season of monsoon is the best time to visit Cherrapunji undoubtedly. The waterfalls in Cherrapunji though will be in their best of times showcasing their might. You'll be awed to view the grandeur of the waterfalls, of the gushing waters, in monsoon. It would truly be a starstruck sort of view to behold.
The temperature in the monsoon season ranges from 20° to 24°C in maximum and 12° to 16°C in minimum.
One up-side for visiting Cherrapunji in monsoon is that you'll have the place for yourself, since this season is least visited by tourists. You'll have a free and uninterrupted time in visiting the tourist attractions and engaging with the locals. You'll have to have a stock of spare clothes if you're going exploring in the torrential rain. Carry an umbrella always and be suited up with the right rain gears. Wear the proper rain boots so that you won't slip. Carry insect repellent cream or spray, too.
The Winter (October-February)
Winter in Sohra is considerably the best time to visit Cherrapunji. The rain swelts down a bit from the attacking monsoon, and the place becomes more of a nature lover's delight. The place comes alive with all the hustle and bustle of tourists and the lush aftermath of the monsoon. Winter would be the perfect time to sight-see, visit the local villages and enjoy a variety of activities. The weather would have an excellent mixture of chill and wetness, and the air would be incredibly fresh. It would rain now and then though, so you'd need to have that umbrella of yours with you all the time. The temperature goes from 16° to 23°C as its maximum and 5° to 15°C as minimum.
A five-day dance festival called the Nongkrem Dance is held in the month of November. It is one of the most colourful festivals in Meghalaya, which is based on food and harvest. The locals pray to their God for a good harvest, peace and prosperity.
Winter is a good time to trek up a mountain, plan a picnic, visit national parks, and keep your camera ready to click stunning pictures of the views winter in Cherrapunji offers.
Table For Easy Viewing:
Look at the tabular column down below for an easier understanding of the climate and situations in Cherrapunji:
Seasons | Months | Temperature | Average Rainfall | Touring |
Summer | March-May | 22°-25°C / 11°-18°C | 2-12 inches | Rains sometimes; pleasant weather; considerable for sightseeing and some activities. |
Monsoon | June-September | 20°-24°C / 12°-16°C | 10-16 inches | Torrential rains; not suitable for outdoor activities; least tourist visitors. |
Winter | October-February | 16°-23°C / 5°-15°C | 0.4-5 inches | Best for touring; rains now and then; beautiful weather; great for outdoor activities. |
Conclusion:
Hence from all this one can denote that day or night, summer or winter, it rains in Cherrapunji throughout the year. And the best of all times to visit it for touring is definitely in winter, that is from the months of October to February, when Cherrapunji receives considerably less rainfall. The place also becomes too scenic and picturesque with the aftermath of the monsoon. It would be a nature lover's delightful destination.
And hence you got your reports on Cherrapunji’s year-round weather, so don't wait longer, pack up your bags and get your Meghalaya trip package From Delhi booked with Capture A Trip, for best visiting experience and a true tour guide that guide you in every minute of your travel.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q. Does it rain daily in Cherrapunji?
Yes, Cherrapunji has rain almost everyday, though it ranges in inches during seasons. The monsoon season, from June to September, has the highest rainfall of the year.
Q. Can we visit Cherrapunji in July?
Cherrapunji can be visited in July, but it is a time of high rainfalls. Touring or any other outdoor activities are not suitable to be done in July. Monsoon in Cherrapunji extends from June to September.
Q. Why is Cherrapunji so famous?
Cherrapunji is mainly famous for being the wettest place on Earth. It is also known as the Rain Capital of the World. Moreover, Cherrapunji offers a variety of sightseeing wonders, like the marvellous waterfalls, amazing caves and centuries-old living root bridges.
Q. Is it safe to stay in Cherrapunji?
Yes, it is safe to stay in Cherrapunji, it is a famous tourist destination. There are many homestays and hotels available for night stays and so.
Q. When not to visit Meghalaya?
Many say that the time of Monsoon, from June to September, is not best suited to visit Meghalaya, as it receives the highest rainfall of the year. It would become unsuitably difficult for performing outdoor activities.
Q. Which city has 365 days of rain?
The city of Cherrapunji has 365 days of rain, meaning it rains all through the year. In fact, it is called the wettest place on Earth. Although, it is during monsoon, from June to September, that the place would see its highest rainfall of the year.
