Nestled in the lap of the Himalayas, Sikkim enjoys salubrious weather all through the year. However, the best time to visit Sikkim falls between March to June and October to December. Summers are blissful as the temperatures are in the lower range (24°C to 45°C), making Sikkim a pleasant escape from the heat and hustle-bustle of the plains and towns. Monsoon is a sheer thrill of nature and is generally avoided. Winter comes, and snow blankets the state and the mountains with average temperatures ranging from 10°C to 27°C. To make plans for a holiday in Sikkim, peruse the weather details in Sikkim.
Summer: April to June
The ideal season to plan a trip to North East India, especially Sikkim, is summer. Temperatures lie between 5-25°C welcoming the summer sun and cool winds. The Tsomgo Lake and the locale in the higher mountains become accessible for visitors.
With summer comes the season of blooming flowers. One such delight is the Yumthang Valley, called the “Valley of Flowers”. The entire valley transforms with many flowers such as poppies, irises, primulas, and mostly rhododendrons. A trek through the Singba Rhododendron Sanctuary is perfect to bask in the bliss of summer. Other treks in Sikkim are also thrilling as one witness and explore the Himalayan region. Summer in Sikkim also makes camping enjoyable.
The moderate temperatures offer the ideal opportunity to go river rafting at the Teesta River. Furthermore, it offers the chance to try out white water rafting. Pilgrimage is also thriving during summers in Sikkim. There are two hundred Buddhist monasteries, of which a visit to the Rumtek and Pemayangtse monasteries is to be included in a trip to Sikkim.
Tips: As the temperature dips 5°C, the nights in Sikkim are chilling. We advise you to pack woolen clothes to protect yourself from catching a cold.
Monsoon: July to September
Rain clouds and rain showers arrive in Sikkim by July, making it a perfect season to visit Sikkim, only if you do not mind getting wet. With its tea gardens and Kanchenjunga Mountain in the backdrop, the Temi Estate is a beauty to enjoy the season. The Pang Lhabsol festival held around August or September has celebrations with dances performed wearing colorful masks and costumes. Head to the Pemayangtse Monastery to attend the fiesta.
Tips: Due to heavy rainfall, there are chances of landslides and road blockage. Thus, we do not recommend this season.
Winter: October to March
Sikkim in winter receives heavy snow along with many exciting festivals and treks and is the ideal time to travel to Sikkim for snow lovers. You can go on the Dzongri – Goecha La route, the 90 km ‘trek to Kanchenjunga’ in October, to witness the beauty of the North East Himalayas.
Besides Hindu Festival Diwali, there are Kagyed and Namsoong celebrations you can be a part of for cultural insight. And if you are into adventure, there are trekking and skiing opportunities available on the snow-laden slopes of Sikkim.
Tips: The temperature in Winter in Sikkim drops to -5°C, making the weather extremely cold. Thus, we recommend you carry heavy woolen. There will be a lot of snowfall at Yumthang, Zero Point, Lachen, Lachung, and Tsomgo Lake, but in Gangtok, it is limited.
Things You Must Know Before Visiting Sikkim
- Always prepare for the weather changes, especially during treks.
- Winter and summer are high tourist seasons. Make sure to book flights and hotels in advance.
- Obtain your Restricted Area Permit, earlier known as Inner Line Permit (ILP) from Sikkim Tourism Offices at Kolkata, New Delhi, all Indian Missions, District Magistrate's Office in Darjeeling, Rangpo, and Siliguri; based on an Indian Visa.
- There is heavy snowfall in Sikkim, which gives you an opportunity for trekking and skiing.
- Carry a water bottle, sunscreen, moisturizer, lip balm, and cold cream as the weather can dry out your skin.
- Take a good pair of shoes with you as some places in Sikkim are best explored on foot.
