The North East states of India are a treasure trove of natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and diverse wildlife. The region is home to eight states: Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim, and Tripura. Each state has its unique charm, and the best time to visit North East states depends on the specific location and the activities you have planned. In this blog post, we will explore the best time to visit North East states, highlighting the ideal months, festivals, and events that make each state a must-visit destination.
Weather and Climate
The North East states have a diverse climate, ranging from tropical to subtropical and temperate. The region experiences a monsoon season from June to September, with heavy rainfall and landslides in some areas. The best time to visit North East states is during the winter months (October to February), when the weather is cool and pleasant. The summer months (March to May) are warm and humid, while the monsoon season is best avoided due to the heavy rainfall and landslides.
Temperature and Humidity
The temperature in North East states varies greatly depending on the location and altitude. The average temperature in the region ranges from 10°C to 25°C (50°F to 77°F) during the winter months. The summer months are warm, with temperatures ranging from 20°C to 30°C (68°F to 86°F). The humidity is high during the summer months, making it uncomfortable for tourists.
Monsoon Season
The monsoon season in North East states is from June to September. The region experiences heavy rainfall, landslides, and flash floods during this period. The monsoon season is best avoided due to the risk of natural disasters and landslides. However, the monsoon season is also a great time to see the region’s lush green landscapes and waterfalls.
Best Time to Visit Each State
Each North East state has its unique charm and best time to visit. Here’s a brief overview of the best time to visit each state:
Arunachal Pradesh
Arunachal Pradesh is a trekker’s paradise, with its rugged terrain and stunning landscapes. The best time to visit Arunachal Pradesh is during the winter months (October to February), when the weather is cool and pleasant. The summer months are warm and humid, while the monsoon season is best avoided due to the heavy rainfall and landslides.
Assam
Assam is a popular destination for wildlife enthusiasts, with its Kaziranga National Park and Manas National Park. The best time to visit Assam is during the winter months (October to February), when the weather is cool and pleasant. The summer months are warm and humid, while the monsoon season is best avoided due to the heavy rainfall and landslides. (See Also: Best Time to Visit Akshardham Delhi? Plan Your Visit)
Manipur
Manipur is a cultural hub, with its rich heritage and traditional festivals. The best time to visit Manipur is during the winter months (October to February), when the weather is cool and pleasant. The summer months are warm and humid, while the monsoon season is best avoided due to the heavy rainfall and landslides.
Meghalaya
Meghalaya is a trekker’s paradise, with its rugged terrain and stunning landscapes. The best time to visit Meghalaya is during the winter months (October to February), when the weather is cool and pleasant. The summer months are warm and humid, while the monsoon season is best avoided due to the heavy rainfall and landslides.
Mizoram
Mizoram is a scenic destination, with its rolling hills and waterfalls. The best time to visit Mizoram is during the winter months (October to February), when the weather is cool and pleasant. The summer months are warm and humid, while the monsoon season is best avoided due to the heavy rainfall and landslides.
Nagaland
Nagaland is a cultural hub, with its rich heritage and traditional festivals. The best time to visit Nagaland is during the winter months (October to February), when the weather is cool and pleasant. The summer months are warm and humid, while the monsoon season is best avoided due to the heavy rainfall and landslides.
Sikkim
Sikkim is a trekker’s paradise, with its rugged terrain and stunning landscapes. The best time to visit Sikkim is during the winter months (October to February), when the weather is cool and pleasant. The summer months are warm and humid, while the monsoon season is best avoided due to the heavy rainfall and landslides.
Tripura
Tripura is a scenic destination, with its rolling hills and waterfalls. The best time to visit Tripura is during the winter months (October to February), when the weather is cool and pleasant. The summer months are warm and humid, while the monsoon season is best avoided due to the heavy rainfall and landslides. (See Also: What Is the Best Time to Visit Sardinia? Peak Season Insights)
Festivals and Events
The North East states have a rich cultural heritage, with many traditional festivals and events. Here are some of the notable festivals and events in each state:
Arunachal Pradesh
- Losar Festival (February-March): A Tibetan New Year festival celebrated by the Buddhist community.
- Nyokum Yullo (July-August): A traditional festival celebrated by the Nyishi community.
Assam
- Bihu Festival (April-May): A traditional festival celebrated by the Assamese community.
- Magh Bihu (January-February): A harvest festival celebrated by the Assamese community.
Manipur
- Sangai Festival (November-December): A cultural festival celebrating the state’s rich heritage.
- Moirang Parly Festival (April-May): A traditional festival celebrated by the Meitei community.
Meghalaya
- Shad Suk Mynsiem (March-April): A traditional festival celebrated by the Khasi community.
- Shad Mynsiem (April-May): A traditional festival celebrated by the Khasi community.
Mizoram
- Chapchar Kut (March-April): A traditional festival celebrated by the Mizo community.
- Thalai Festival (April-May): A traditional festival celebrated by the Mizo community.
Nagaland
- Moatsu Mong (May-June): A traditional festival celebrated by the Ao community.
- Wokha Festival (May-June): A traditional festival celebrated by the Wokha community.
Sikkim
- Losar Festival (February-March): A Tibetan New Year festival celebrated by the Buddhist community.
- Saga Dawa Festival (May-June): A Buddhist festival celebrating the birth of Lord Buddha.
Tripura
- Ujjayanta Festival (April-May): A traditional festival celebrated by the Tripuri community.
- Manik Dighi Festival (April-May): A traditional festival celebrated by the Tripuri community.
Recap
The North East states of India are a treasure trove of natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and diverse wildlife. The best time to visit North East states depends on the specific location and the activities you have planned. The ideal months to visit each state are:
- Arunachal Pradesh: October to February
- Assam: October to February
- Manipur: October to February
- Meghalaya: October to February
- Mizoram: October to February
- Nagaland: October to February
- Sikkim: October to February
- Tripura: October to February
The North East states have a rich cultural heritage, with many traditional festivals and events. Some of the notable festivals and events in each state are:
- Arunachal Pradesh: Losar Festival, Nyokum Yullo
- Assam: Bihu Festival, Magh Bihu
- Manipur: Sangai Festival, Moirang Parly Festival
- Meghalaya: Shad Suk Mynsiem, Shad Mynsiem
- Mizoram: Chapchar Kut, Thalai Festival
- Nagaland: Moatsu Mong, Wokha Festival
- Sikkim: Losar Festival, Saga Dawa Festival
- Tripura: Ujjayanta Festival, Manik Dighi Festival
FAQs
When is the best time to visit North East states?
The best time to visit North East states is during the winter months (October to February), when the weather is cool and pleasant.
What are the notable festivals and events in each state?
Each state in North East India has its unique festivals and events. Some of the notable festivals and events in each state are:
- Arunachal Pradesh: Losar Festival, Nyokum Yullo
- Assam: Bihu Festival, Magh Bihu
- Manipur: Sangai Festival, Moirang Parly Festival
- Meghalaya: Shad Suk Mynsiem, Shad Mynsiem
- Mizoram: Chapchar Kut, Thalai Festival
- Nagaland: Moatsu Mong, Wokha Festival
- Sikkim: Losar Festival, Saga Dawa Festival
- Tripura: Ujjayanta Festival, Manik Dighi Festival
What are the best activities to do in North East states?
North East states offer a wide range of activities, including trekking, wildlife spotting, cultural festivals, and more. Some of the best activities to do in North East states are: (See Also: Where to Visit Australia for the First Time – Unforgettable Adventures)
- Trekking: Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Sikkim
- Wildlife spotting: Assam, Nagaland, Tripura
- Cultural festivals: Manipur, Mizoram, Nagaland
- Scenic beauty: Sikkim, Meghalaya, Tripura
What are the must-visit destinations in North East states?
North East states have many must-visit destinations, including:
- Arunachal Pradesh: Tawang, Dirang, Bomdila
- Assam: Kaziranga National Park, Manas National Park, Guwahati
- Manipur: Loktak Lake, Keibul Lamjao National Park, Imphal
- Meghalaya: Shillong, Cherrapunji, Mawsynram
- Mizoram: Aizawl, Champhai, Serchhip
- Nagaland: Kohima, Dimapur, Mon
- Sikkim: Gangtok, Darjeeling, Pelling
- Tripura: Agartala, Udaipur, Belonia
What are the best ways to reach North East states?
The best ways to reach North East states are by air, train, or road. Some of the major airports in North East states are:
- Arunachal Pradesh: Tezpur Airport, Guwahati Airport
- Assam: Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport, Guwahati
- Manipur: Imphal Airport
- Meghalaya: Umroi Airport, Guwahati Airport
- Mizoram: Lengpui Airport, Aizawl
- Nagaland: Dimapur Airport, Guwahati Airport
- Sikkim: Pakyong Airport, Bagdogra Airport
- Tripura: Agartala Airport
What are the best accommodations in North East states?
North East states have many best accommodations, including:
- Arunachal Pradesh: Hotel Tawang, Hotel Dirang, Hotel Bomdila
- Assam: Hotel Kaziranga, Hotel Manas, Hotel Guwahati
- Manipur: Hotel Loktak, Hotel Keibul Lamjao, Hotel Imphal
- Meghalaya: Hotel Shillong, Hotel Cherrapunji, Hotel Mawsynram
- Mizoram: Hotel Aizawl, Hotel Champhai, Hotel Serchhip
- Nagaland: Hotel Kohima, Hotel Dimapur, Hotel Mon
- Sikkim: Hotel Gangtok, Hotel Darjeeling, Hotel Pelling
- Tripura: Hotel Agartala, Hotel Udaipur, Hotel Belonia
