Best time to visit in

Sikkim

Weather & Temperature

Pleasant spring. Gangtok averages 7–22°C; higher reaches (Yumthang/Dzongri) can be 0–10°C. Humidity generally 40–70%. Mostly dry and sunny early in the season; light afternoon showers become more frequent by late April–May. Snow retreats from mid-altitudes, but nights stay chilly.

What to Expect

Blooming valleys, fresh greenery and typically clear morning views of the Himalaya. Trekking routes reopen, roads to North Sikkim begin to clear by late April (weather-dependent). Popular sights get busy and prices trend higher.

Key Events & Festivals

• International Flower Festival (Apr–May, Gangtok)
• Saga Dawa (May/Jun, Buddhist holy month)
• Bumchu (Feb/Mar at Tashiding; may fall in March depending on lunar calendar)

Recommended Activities

• Easy–moderate treks: Barsey Rhododendron Sanctuary, Maenam, Dzongri (weather-permitting)
• Yumthang Valley day trips (road/permit-dependent)
• Monastery circuit: Rumtek, Ranka, Pemayangtse
• Paragliding near Gangtok
• Tea experiences at Temi and village walks
• Birding and photography

Travel Tips

• Pre-book hotels and permits for popular circuits (North Sikkim, Tsomgo/Nathula).
• Dress in layers; mornings/evenings are cold even when days are mild.
• Start sightseeing early for clearest mountain views; clouds build by afternoon.
• Road and permit openings to high-altitude areas vary each year—confirm a day in advance.
• Carry motion-sickness medication for winding mountain roads.

Weather & Temperature

Southwest monsoon. Gangtok ~15–25°C with very high humidity (80–95%). Frequent heavy rain, fog and low clouds; peak rainfall in Jul–Aug. Landslides and road blockages are possible, especially on NH10 and North Sikkim routes. Leeches common on forest trails.

What to Expect

Lush hillsides, roaring waterfalls and moody skies but limited long-range views. Trip plans may change at short notice due to weather. Fewer tourists and better hotel deals.

Key Events & Festivals

• Pang Lhabsol (Aug/Sep, venerating Mount Kanchenjunga)
• Local monsoon fairs and cultural programs (dates vary)

Recommended Activities

• Slow stays in Gangtok, Pelling or Namchi with short nearby excursions
• Monastery hopping: Rumtek, Pemayangtse, Enchey
• Tea-estate and homestay experiences
• Short nature walks with anti-leech precautions
• Museum visits, cafes and handicraft shopping

Travel Tips

• Keep flexible plans and buffer days for weather-related delays.
• Check daily road and landslide advisories before long drives; avoid night travel on mountain roads.
• Pack a sturdy umbrella/rain jacket, quick-dry clothing and leech socks or salt.
• Some high-altitude areas (Tsomgo/Nathula/North Sikkim) may close without notice—verify permits and access on the day.
• Choose centrally located stays to minimize long, interruption-prone transfers.

Weather & Temperature

Post-monsoon autumn. Crisp, clear conditions with excellent visibility. Gangtok averages 8–20°C; low humidity (around 40–60%) and minimal rainfall. Evenings turn cold, especially in higher valleys.

What to Expect

The most reliable mountain views and prime trekking window. Festive atmosphere across towns and villages. High demand for hotels, vehicles and permits; book early.

Key Events & Festivals

• Dasain/Dussehra (Sep/Oct, dates vary)
• Tihar/Diwali (Oct/Nov)
• Lhabab Düchen (Nov, Buddhist festival)
• Kagyed masked dances (late Nov/Dec at select monasteries)

Recommended Activities

• Multi-day treks: Dzongri–Goecha La and other routes
• North Sikkim circuits to Lachung/Yumthang and Lachen/Gurudongmar (weather/permit-dependent)
• Old Silk Route drive (Zuluk–Nathang) with permits
• Teesta river rafting (typically Oct–Dec)
• Paragliding and mountain biking
• Sunrise viewpoints: Tashi, Tendong, Singhik

Travel Tips

• Apply early for limited permits (Nathula, North Sikkim, restricted areas).
• Acclimatize gradually—avoid rapid ascents to high-altitude lakes and passes.
• Nathula often has weekly closure days and quota limits—confirm schedule before planning.
• Nights are cold even if days are warm; pack insulated layers and a windproof jacket.
• Carry cash for remote areas; ATMs and mobile networks can be patchy outside major towns.

Weather & Temperature

Dry winter with very clear air. Gangtok ranges 2–12°C; sub-zero temperatures and snowfall at higher altitudes (Tsomgo, Nathula, Lachen/Lachung) especially late Dec–Feb. Occasional road icing and temporary closures.

What to Expect

Quiet travel weeks (except Christmas–New Year) and chances of snow at higher elevations. Some high-altitude routes may close intermittently. Sharp, photogenic views on clear mornings.

Key Events & Festivals

• Losoong/Namsoong (Dec, Sikkimese New Year)
• Kagyed Chaam (Dec, masked dances)
• Maghey Sankranti (Jan)
• Sonam Losar (Jan/Feb, Tamang New Year)
• Losar/Bumchu (Feb/Mar depending on lunar calendar)

Recommended Activities

• Snow excursions to Tsomgo Lake and Nathula (permits/weather allowing)
• Lower-altitude hikes: Maenam, Tendong, Ravangla trails
• Village homestays and tea-garden stays at Temi
• Birding in foothill forests
• Astrophotography and sunrise/sunset sessions

Travel Tips

• Pack heavy winter gear: insulated jacket, gloves, beanie and waterproof, grippy footwear.
• Check road and weather updates daily; keep buffer days for snow-related closures.
• High-altitude permits may be suspended during severe weather—have Plan B activities.
• Use sun protection even in winter; high UV at altitude.
• Sikkim enforces strong eco-rules (including plastic bans)—carry reusable bottles and avoid litter.
• Foreign nationals need Protected/Restricted Area Permits for certain zones; Indians need permits for Nathula/North Sikkim—carry government ID.