Guwahati Airport to Shillong Taxi: Route, Time & Tips
Guwahati Airport to Shillong taxi guide: the NH6 route via Jorabat, Nongpoh and Umiam, travel time, traffic, good stops and choosing a sedan or SUV.
The best time to visit Meghalaya for most travellers is October to April, when the weather is dry, skies are clearer and roads are easier. If you want to see the waterfalls at their most powerful, though, the monsoon from roughly June to September is when Meghalaya is at its most dramatic. Here is what each season offers, so you can match your dates to what you want to see.
Meghalaya's seasons at a glance
| Season | Months (approx.) | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Winter | November to February | Clear Dawki water, viewpoints, clear skies |
| Spring | March to May | Pleasant weather, greenery returning, outdoor walks |
| Monsoon | June to September | Full waterfalls, clouds, misty landscapes |
| Autumn | October to early November | Fresh green hills, waterfalls still flowing, clearing skies |
Weather varies from year to year, so treat these months as a guide rather than fixed dates.
Winter (November to February)
Winter brings cool, mostly dry days and the clearest skies of the year. Shillong days are pleasant for sightseeing, but nights are cold, and in December and January temperatures can drop close to freezing on some nights. Pack warm layers.
Best for:
- Dawki and Shnongpdeng. This is when the Umngot River is at its clearest, and boats appear to float on glass. Our Dawki and Umngot River guide explains why.
- Viewpoints. Valley views at Laitlum, Mawkdok and the Sohra area are less likely to be hidden by cloud.
- Trekking. Dry trails make the walk to the living root bridges easier and less slippery.
Keep in mind: Waterfalls carry much less water, and some smaller falls such as Seven Sisters may be only a thin stream or dry. Christmas and New Year are busy in Shillong, so book hotels and cabs early for late December.
Spring (March to May)
Spring is mild and comfortable, with warmer days and cool evenings. Pre-monsoon showers usually begin around April and May, and thunderstorms can roll in during the afternoon.
Best for:
- Sightseeing in Shillong and Sohra in comfortable temperatures.
- Dawki in March, when the water is often still reasonably clear.
- Escaping the heat of the plains. May is popular with families during school holidays.
Keep in mind: Haze can soften valley views in March, and water at Dawki tends to lose its clarity as the rains start. Shad Suk Mynsiem, a Khasi thanksgiving dance festival, is usually held in Shillong around April.
Monsoon (June to September)
Meghalaya means "abode of the clouds", and the monsoon is when that name makes the most sense. Sohra (Cherrapunji) and Mawsynram are among the wettest places on earth, and rain here can be heavy and last for days.
Best for:
- Waterfalls. Nohkalikai, Seven Sisters, Elephant Falls and the many roadside falls are at full flow. See our list of places to visit in Cherrapunji for the highlights.
- Clouds and greenery. Low cloud drifting through the valleys is a big part of the experience.
- Fewer crowds at many spots, outside of long weekends.
Keep in mind: Heavy fog can hide viewpoints completely, sometimes for hours. Landslides can cause delays, and trails become slippery. Boating at Dawki may be limited or stopped when the river is high, and the water is muddy. Behdienkhlam, a major festival in Jowai, is usually held around July. Keep your plans flexible and check road conditions locally.
Tip: In the monsoon, visit viewpoints early in the day. Mornings are often clearer, and fog tends to build by the afternoon.
Autumn (October to early November)
Many people consider autumn the sweet spot. The rains ease, the hills are still deep green, waterfalls are still flowing well and the skies start to clear. Temperatures are comfortable.
Best for:
- A mix of everything: good waterfalls, clearer views and dry roads.
- Dawki towards late October and November, as the river settles and clears.
- Festivals: the Shillong Cherry Blossom Festival has been held in November in recent years, and the Nongkrem dance near Smit usually takes place in autumn. Dates vary, so check before planning around them.
Keep in mind: October brings festival holidays such as Durga Puja, and many travellers from across India visit then. Hotels and cabs fill up quickly, so book well ahead.
Tip: If you are travelling during Puja holidays, Christmas or New Year, book your cab and hotel as early as you can. Popular spots also get crowded, so start sightseeing early.
So, when should you go?
- For crystal-clear Dawki and clear views: November to February.
- For waterfalls and clouds: July to September.
- For a balance of both: October and early November.
- For comfortable family holidays: March to May.
If you are combining Meghalaya with Assam, remember that Kaziranga National Park is generally open from about November to April and closed during the monsoon. The Assam + Meghalaya Combo works best in those months. For more on the state, see our Meghalaya travel guide.
What to pack for each season
- Winter: a warm jacket, sweaters, a cap and gloves for early mornings and nights, plus sunscreen for bright days.
- Spring and autumn: light layers, a fleece for the evenings and a compact umbrella for sudden showers.
- Monsoon: a good raincoat, quick-dry clothes, shoes with strong grip and a waterproof cover for your phone and bag.
Whatever the month, comfortable walking shoes matter more than anything else, as most viewpoints, falls and caves involve steps or uneven paths.
How we can help
Whatever the season, Pranjal Taxi Service can plan a cab tour around the weather, with flexible days for monsoon trips and early starts for winter viewpoints. Pricing depends on the final itinerary, vehicle and season, so WhatsApp us your dates or use the enquiry form for a free quote.
Frequently asked questions
Which is the best month to visit Meghalaya?
October and November offer a good balance of flowing waterfalls, green hills and clearing skies. For the clearest water at Dawki, November to February is usually best.
Is it safe to visit Meghalaya in the monsoon?
Many people visit in the monsoon to see the waterfalls. Expect heavy rain, fog and occasional landslide delays, so keep your plans flexible and check road conditions locally.
When is the Umngot River at Dawki clearest?
The water is usually clearest from about November to March or April, when there is little rain. In the monsoon it turns muddy and boating may be limited.
How cold does Shillong get in winter?
Days are usually cool and pleasant, but nights in December and January can drop close to freezing. Pack warm layers, a jacket and something for your head.
When is Meghalaya most crowded?
Puja holidays in October, Christmas and New Year, and school holidays in May tend to be the busiest. Book cabs and hotels well ahead for these periods.
