Best Time To Visit Darjeeling For Honeymoon: Romancing In The Hills Amidst Snowfall
Ask anyone about the best time to visit Darjeeling, and you will get April to June as the prompt answer. But trust me! Years of travel and multiple visits to this hill station in India have taught me that there is nothing called the “best season for Darjeeling.”
The colonial charm and the whiff of the tea are always there. However, throughout the year, sometimes, it will greet you with the most vibrant rhododendrons, or sometimes you will see snowfall in Darjeeling.
Further, the snowfall time, between December to February, is the best time to visit Darjeeling for honeymoon. November and December are the months of weddings in this part of the world. So, all the newlyweds this season can fly to Darjeeling in December or winter to rekindle their romance.
Also, I am not sure whether you have seen it or not; it has already been a week since snowfall started in Sandakphu. Moreover, after the last snowfall time in Darjeeling in 2021, the Queen of Hills is expected to get a snowfall in December this year.
Moreover, with the road to North Sikkim being open from 1st December 2024, you can also plan a Darjeeling to Gangtok trip.
Nevertheless, with winter being the best time for romance in Darjeeling, let’s check out what the wonder in the Eastern Himalayas has to offer in all seasons.
However, the focus here will be less on the already-known hotspots or tourist attractions. Rather, the aim is to talk about things very few know about.
What Is The Best Time To Visit Darjeeling | Know The Wonders Of The Hill Station Across Seasons
It is hard to find an answer to which time is best to visit Darjeeling unless you tell me how you want to explore this hill station. However, moderate temperatures and clearer skies make the months of April, May, and June great for a trip with family.
Now, if you want to experience Darjeeling as a foggy or misty wonderland, you have to choose July to September for a visit. This is, in fact, the favorite season to visit Darjeeling for painters and photographers.
Moreover, winter is the month of snowfall and festivals in the wonderful retreat created by the British.
So, at Dream and Travel, we have decided to present Darjeeling and its beauty throughout the year. We will also discuss the practical aspects like the Darjeeling weather conditions, things to see, etc.
Refer to this guide to enjoy Darjeeling as a year-round destination.
Spring (March To May): The Best Time To Visit Darjeeling For Rhododendrons
With 10-20 degrees Celsius average temperature and clear weather conditions, March to May or spring is a wonderful time to visit Darjeeling. Further, in this season, Darjeeling smiles with at least 40 species of rhododendrons in scarlet and pink hues.
Along with rhododendrons, many types of orchids are also found in Darjeeling and Kalimpong. Cymbidiums, Dendrobiums, and Arudina are some common subspecies of orchids found here.
⁍ Places To Visit And Things To Do In Darjeeling During Spring
So, when in Darjeeling in Spring, make it a point to visit its twin hill station, Kalimpong. Along with Kalimpong, Takdah, an offbeat destination in Darjeeling, can be your go-to spot in spring.
Are you looking for some tranquil moments? Then, plan a trip to Lamahatta and experience a wonderful coexistence of man and nature.
Moreover, if you are in Darjeeling in spring to see rhododendrons, you can explore the following places and activities.
‣ Sandakphu Trek
A trek to Sandakphu, the highest peak in West Bengal, is the best thing to do in spring in Darjeeling. Further, this is a popular trek as the summit offers beautiful views of Mount Kanchenjunga, Mount Everest, Makalu, and Lhotse.
Moreover, the trek, starting from Manebhanjan, takes you through rhododendron forests and the Singalila National Park.
| Did You Know? The Himalayan mountains in Darjeeling and Sikkim have one-third of the rhododendrons in India. Sikkim also has some rhododendron walks for tourists. In fact, foreign travel agencies like KarmaQuest, organize special rhododendron treks through the forest of Sikkim in the blooming season. KarmaQuest is based in California, and you can reach out to them at +1 650-560-0101. |
⁍ Weather In Darjeeling In Spring
Check out the table below to have a clear idea about Darjeeling weather between March to May.
| Month | Average Temperature (Lowest to Highest/ Degree Celsius) | Rainfall/ Precipitation (MM) | Number of Rainfall/ Precipitation Days | Sunshine Hours |
| March | 5-15 | 30 | 14 | 4.5 |
| April | 9-17 | 70 | 17 | 5.5 |
| May | 15-20 | 120 | 20 | 5.5 |
As you can see, in May, precipitations are quite frequent. So, keep your rain gear ready. It is the land of thunderbolts, after all.
⁍ Key Events And Festivals In Darjeeling In Spring
Buddha Jayanti and Losar are two major festivals in Darjeeling between March to May. Losar is the celebration of the Tibetan New Year. On the other hand, Buddha Jayanti commemorates the birth, emancipation, and passing away of Lord Buddha.
Moreover, the upcoming dates for Losar are Fri, 28 February 2025, to Sun, 2 March 2025. Buddha Jayanti will be celebrated on 12th May 2025.
Another festival of religious importance in this season is Mahakala Drupchod. It is a 7-day prayer to Mahakala, or the presiding deity of the hill station. Furthermore, it usually takes place in April at the Druk Sangag Choeling Monastery or Dali Gumba.
Summer (June To August): The Best Time To Visit Darjeeling For A Toy Train Ride
Summer is the best time to have a ride in the iconic Toy Train of Darjeeling. Further, through windy and meandering routes, the Toy Train ride will take you to places like Batasia Loop, Japanese Peace Pagoda, and Ghum.
In summer, you can also visit Rohini Lake and Garden for quietude. Moreover, you can go on a trek to Kamala Falls and Sivok Hill Forest.
⁍ Weather Conditions In Darjeeling In Summer
The temperature in Darjeeling in summer hovers around 15-25 degrees Celsius. The table below also gives you a clear picture of rainfall and sunshine hours during these months.
| Month | Average Temperature (Lowest to Highest/ Degree Celsius) | Rainfall/ Precipitation (MM) | Number of Rainfall/ Precipitation Days | Sunshine Hours |
| June | 20-22 | 450 | 25 | 3 |
| July | 15-20 | 650 | 30 | 3 |
| August | 16-22 | 550 | 30 | 3.5 |
⁍ Monsoon Season In Darjeeling | Things To Do | With Some Dream And Travel Special Tips
Monsoon is the best time to visit Darjeeling if you want to see clouds and mist descending to earth. Further, if surreal is your genre, monsoon is the season for you.
Many unique places to visit in Darjeeling remain accessible in monsoon. Even the Toy Trains do not ply on days of heavy rainfall. However, these are the months to explore the beautiful tea gardens of the state.
So, from Castleton to Makaibari and Margaret Hope, all tea gardens await you with the whiff of rain-drenched tea leaves and lush greenery as far as you can behold.
Moreover, in monsoon, the number of footfall is less. So, you can book hotels at a discounted rate. Also, many tea gardens have bungalows and resorts to welcome tourists. So, here, we have curated the best options for you.
| Tea Garden Retreats And Homestays | Address | Phone Number |
| Singtom Tea Estate & Resort | Singtam Tea Garden, Darjeeling, West Bengal, near Singritan, Darjeeling, | 084201 93055 |
| Glenburn Tea Estate | Near Kambal Tea Garden, Darjeeling | 033 2288 5630 |
| Makaibari Tea Garden and Homestays | Kurseong | Mr. Laltu Purkayat | Mr. Santoki, Hospitality Head (+91) 98360 96880/ (+91) 70474 23612 |
To explore the beauty of tea gardens to the fullest during the monsoon season, you must choose your gear right. Further, you must carry insect repellents and it is the breeding season for many creatures.
Autumn (September To November): The Best Time To Visit Darjeeling For Trekking And Enjoying Festivities
Autumn initiates the second season of tourism and trekking in Darjeeling. The rainfall becomes lesser with the advent of adventure. However, with the impact of the fresh rainfall, the lush greenery remains intact, and the waterfalls show their might.
These are the most magnificent waterfalls in Darjeeling to visit in Autumn.
- Paglajhora Waterfalls (South Shibkhola Tea Garden)
- Victoria Falls (Victoria Falls Road)
- Rainbow Falls (Kalej Valley Tea Garden)
- Hima Falls (Ghoom Pahar Forest)
This is even the best time to visit Darjeeling if you want to try water pursuits. Rafting in the Teesta River is a popular activity these days.
⁍ Weather In Darjeeling In Autumn
Autumn weather in Darjeeling is pleasant. Also, this season has the longest sunshine hours in Darjeeling. So, you can enjoy the best view of Mount Kanchenjunga and Tiger Hills in these months.
| Month | Average Temperature (Lowest to Highest/ Degree Celsius) | Rainfall/ Precipitation (MM) | Number of Rainfall/ Precipitation Days | Sunshine Hours |
| September | 14-20 | 370 | 25 | 3 |
| October | 12-19 | 60 | 15 | 6 |
| November | 9-17 | 14 | 9 | 7 |
⁍ Festivals In Darjeeling In Autumn
Autumn festivities in Darjeeling kick start on 21st September. It is the day of The Red Panda Hike and International Red Panda Day.
It is an attempt to restore Darjeeling’s glory as a hiking destination. This hike starts from the Raj Bhawan and ends at Chowrasta.
Fulpati and Lakhe dances are other festive attractions in Darjeeling in October.
⁍ Outdoor Activities And Sightseeing Spots In Darjeeling In Autumn
Autumn is great for the Sandakphu trek. Clear weather conditions ensure amazing views of Mount Everest, Mount Kanchenjunga, and others from the Sandakphu summit.
However, at Dream and Travel, we always look for unique experiences. So, these are our favorite things to do in Darjeeling in Autumn.
| Things To Do In Darjeeling In Autumn: A Dream And Travel Favorite Around 15 Km away from Sandakphu, Molley is a quaint village in Darjeeling. It is in the Singalila Forest and has an elevation of 1811 Meters. It is an ideal destination for camping and a crucial spot for trekking from Sandakphu to Phalut. Sabargram is another beautiful destination to visit on the Phalut-Sandakphu route. It looks dreamy with open grasslands and the vistas of the Kanchenjunga and the Singalila Range. |
Winter (December To February): The Best Time To Visit Darjeeling For Honeymoon
With higher altitudes like Sandakphu, Tonglu, and Tumling turning into a snowy wonderland, Darjeeling becomes the favorite of honeymooners and couples.
You can always visit famous landmarks like the Ghoom Monastery, Batasia Loop, and Japanese Pagoda. However, I will suggest a trip to offbeat places like Tinchuley, Rimbick, or Lamahatta for a quiet and romantic retreat.
⁍ Weather Conditions In December In Darjeeling
With lesser rainfall days and longer sunshine hours, Darjeeling in winter is the best season to explore the scenic destinations. The nip in the air further makes this winter hotspot ideal for romance.
| Month | Average Temperature (Lowest to Highest/ Degree Celsius) | Rainfall/ Precipitation (MM) | Number of Rainfall/ Precipitation Days | Sunshine Hours |
| December | 4-15 | 3-5 | 4 | 6 |
| January | 2-10 | 15 | 10 | 5 |
| February | 3-12 | 14 | 12 | 5 |
With the mercury going down, Darjeeling becomes ideal for bonfires and sipping the best coffee sitting by the fireplace.
⁍ Festivals In Darjeeling During Winter
The entire Darjeeling enjoys a festive fervor, with Christmas and New Year being the major festivals of the season. Further, Darjeeling has some unique celebrations during these months.
Moreover, the Teesta Tea and Tourism Festival and Ghoom Festival are the most popular among them.
⁍ Things To Do In Darjeeling During Winter
If you are in Darjeeling in winter, you can plan a trek to Sandakphu and enjoy trading routes covered with snow.
Also, you can even plan a tour of the Darjeeling tea gardens. Moreover, you can try cable car rides in the Rangeet Valley Cable Car.
The Best Time To Visit Darjeeling | Things No One Talks About | A Dream And Travel Exclusive
There is no “best time to visit Darjeeling” if you want to know this place through its food. Further, trying local cuisine is a must to know about the culture and people of a place.
So, you must taste churpi, thukpa, momos, sael rotis, shaphalay, and various Nepalese cuisines to develop familiarity. Also, if you are adventurous enough, you can try Naga cuisine in Darjeeling. Glenary’s and Keventers will always be the pride of Darjeeling.
However, to have a taste of local cuisine, you must try to find accommodations in homestays.
Also, take shared taxis for traveling within Darjeeling. This will promote communication with the locals. Again, taking part in the festivals will make you familiar with local culture, customs, and beliefs.
Moreover, the locals know about the hidden gems better than any tourism website or travel management service. So, travel like a local and make the most of Darjeeling in every season. We wish you a very happy journey!
