Best Season to Visit Gangtok

[Power Ranger]

We are planning for a Gangtok trip by the mid of July. But then one of my friends advised me not to plan the trip before September. According to him, monsoon in Sikkim peaks in July and there might be landslides and blocked roads. Is that a factor to be concerned about?

If we decide to postpone this trip, then what would be the ideal time to plan our tour again? Is autumn the right season or we should ideally wait till winter sets in? I would like to go for the trip when the weather is at its best. Any idea what could be the best season to visit Gangtok?

 

[Debapriya Deb]

Your friend is absolutely right. Monsoon is not the best season to visit Gangtok, or for that matter, any place in North-Eastern states. The region is known to receive excessive rainfall. That along with the fragile hilly terrains, landslides are quite common in rainy days. If you don't want to spend your holidays stuck inside the hotel room, then plan your Gangtok trip in some other season. In-fact getting stuck in the hotel room is the least inconvenience that you can expect during monsoon season, - there have been bigger disasters in the past.

There are two tourist seasons in Gangtok. The most popular season is the autumn between the months of September and November. Weather is extremely pleasant and the sun smiles bright during these days. The temperature hovers around 15°C to 20°C. To sum things up - autumn is the beast season to visit Gangtok.

The second best season to visit Gangtok is the spring season. It's a short-lived season that lasts for two months - March and April. No cloud, no fog and great visibility to catch spectacular views of sunrise. Temperature is pleasant during the day time, although the nights can be a little chilly. All in all, it's a good time to do local sightseeing without the weather playing spoilsport.

Winters are extremely cold and the temperature may drop down to single digits. Tourist influx is quite low during the winter months, but if you can adapt to colder climate well, then you can very much plan for a winter trip to Gangtok. Hotels are usually much cheaper in winter season and you can probably land some great discount deals.

You may also visit Gangtok during the early summer days from May till mid of June. Day temperature will be higher, but nights remain pleasant. The temperature usually shoots up for the later part of June and then heavy monsoon follows from mid of July till August end - which is the time when you should NOT plan your trip.

Regards,
Deb

 

[Admin]

Best Season to Visit Gangtok – Updated Guide for 2025
Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim, offers breathtaking views, pleasant weather, and a mix of adventure and culture throughout the year. But the best time to visit Gangtok depends on your preferences.

Spring & Summer (March to June) – Best for Sightseeing & Adventure​

Temperature: 10°C to 25°C (pleasant weather)
Ideal for: Sightseeing, Nathula Pass trip, trekking, paragliding
Must-visit places: MG Marg, Tsomgo Lake, Hanuman Tok, Rumtek Monastery
Why visit? Flowers in bloom, clear skies, great for family trips

Monsoon (July to September) – Lush Greenery but Rainy​

Temperature: 15°C to 22°C (humid)
Challenges: Landslides, roadblocks, limited sightseeing
Why visit? Fewer crowds, budget-friendly stays

Autumn (October to November) – Best for Festivals & Photography​

Temperature: 10°C to 20°C (clear skies, crisp air)
Ideal for: Cultural experiences, nature photography, trekking
Festivals: Dasain, Tihar (Diwali), Bumchu Festival

Winter (December to February) – Best for Snow Lovers​

Temperature: -5°C to 10°C (cold, chances of snowfall in high-altitude areas)
Ideal for: Snowfall at Tsomgo Lake, Nathula Pass, Yumthang Valley
Why visit? Less crowded, great for honeymooners, budget travel

---

Best Time to Visit Gangtok Based on Activities​

Activity	Best Season
Trekking	March - May, October - November
Snowfall experience	December - February
Photography & nature	October - November, March - June
Adventure sports	March - June
Festivals & cultural events	October - November

---

FAQs​

Can we visit Nathula Pass in December?
Yes, but it depends on weather conditions. Roads may be blocked due to heavy snowfall.
Which month is Gangtok least crowded?
July - September (monsoon) and late January - February (winter).
Is Gangtok expensive during peak season?
Yes, March - June & October - November have higher hotel prices, so book in advance.
Final Verdict:

• March - June & October - November are the best seasons for most travelers.
• December - February is perfect for snow lovers & honeymooners.
• Monsoon (July - September) is not recommended unless you love greenery & fewer crowds.

Would you like recommendations for budget hotels or local travel tips? Let me know!