Darjeeling Weather Guide | Know The Best Time To Visit Darjeeling | Darjeeling Tourism Guide
As I pen this piece in November, the pleasant Darjeeling weather conditions gear up for winter festivities and tourist season. The sound of Ho! Ho! Ho! is already in the air with the stage set in Darjeeling for Christmas and New Year.
The Ghoom Festival this year (30th November-8th December 2024) is also going to be special this year, celebrating the 25th year of the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, becoming a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Nevertheless, we are almost at the end of November 2024. The temperature drops all over West Bengal, and as of 19th November 2024, Darjeeling has already experienced a major drop, recording a temperature of 8.6 degrees Celsius.
Further, in Kalimpong, there has been a sharp drop of 3.6 degrees in temperature.
The Indian Meteorological Department or IMD has revealed that in the upcoming days, the temperature in Darjeeling can hit as low as 6 degrees Celsius and the maximum temperature will be around 15 degrees Celsius.
The sky will be partly cloudy, and the relative humidity in the air will be around 82%.
So far, I have been discussing Darjeeling weather at present. However, the seasonal weather conditions in Darjeeling are as varied as its top attractions.
To know the month-wise weather breakdown and the best time to visit Darjeeling, you can refer to our detailed guide.
Darjeeling Weather: Geographic And Climatic Overview
With an elevation of 2045 Meters, Darjeeling is located in the Eastern Himalayas. Further, the highest point of Darjeeling City, West Bengal, is Tiger Hill. The elevation of Tiger Hill is 2590 Meters or 8482 feet.
Darjeeling, a small municipality city, is the headquarters of the Darjeeling District. It also serves as the main town of the Darjeeling Sadar subdivision.
To the north of the city is the Himalayan Mountains, and the Tarai region, a hotspot for wildlife enthusiasts, is on the south.
Overall, if you see the Darjeeling Map, you will find that with an area of 10.60 square kilometers, the town forms an irregular triangle.
Further, with a subtropical mountain climate, Darjeeling has adequate rainfall in the monsoon months. June to September is the time of the monsoon in this hill station. Further, in the winter season, from December to February, the weather is cold and dry.
Mist is common in Darjeeling throughout the year. However, the mist is dense in the months of monsoon. The average temperature of Darjeeling ranges between 5 to 15 degrees Celsius.
Singalila National Park And Darjeeling Weather
Moreover, the Singalila National Park along the border of Darjeeling and Nepal, is at the North of the town. It is home to Sandakphu, the highest mountain peak in West Bengal.
With an elevation of 3,636 meters, Sandakphu is a popular trek route, and from here, you can see Mount Kanchenjunga, Mount Everest, Lhotse, and Makalu.
Further, thanks to this high altitude, snowfall is common in Sandakphu.
In 2023, Sandakphu, along with some other parts of Darjeeling, had snowfall in December.
Further, in January 2024, Sandakphu and other parts of the Singalila National Park, Meghma, Tumling, Sukhiapokhri, and Bijanbari experienced snowfall.
So, we also hope for snowfall in Darjeeling in December 2024 in Darjeeling. Nevertheless, understanding the different seasonal patterns of Darjeeling will give us a clearer picture of Darjeeling weather throughout the year.
| ⁕⁕ Dream And Travel Note ⁕⁕ Darjeeling is prone to earthquakes as it falls under “Seismic Zone-IV.” Also, it is near the convergent boundary of Eurasian and Indian tectonic plates. Further, with an average yearly precipitation of 2,380mm over more than 100 days, Darjeeling experiences frequent landslides. However, snowfall in Darjeeling is not as frequent as many other hill stations in India, especially the ones in Uttarakhand or Himachal Pradesh. From a geopolitical perspective, Darjeeling has a very crucial position. This town in West Bengal shares its border with other states like Bihar and Sikkim. Further, Darjeeling shares its boundaries with neighboring countries like Bhutan, Nepal, and Bangladesh. The Tiger Hill in Darjeeling is crucial for the border security of India. In the 1999 Kargil War, conquering Tiger Hill was an important move toward securing the victory of India over Pakistan. |
Seasonal Darjeeling Weather Patterns
April to June is the best time to visit in Darjeeling. However, barring the heavy monsoon months of July and August, Darjeeling is a year-round tourist attraction with many offbeat places.
Here is a detailed overview of Darjeeling’s weather and tourism conditions in every season.
⁍ Spring (March To May)
‣ Average Temperature In Spring In Darjeeling: 9-10 Degree Celsius
Darjeeling looks majestic, with rhododendrons in full bloom. These flowers come in purple, red, white, and pink, and many trek routes and rhododendron walks are popular in Darjeeling.
The popular rhododendron trek routes in Darjeeling are:
- Tonglu Trek
- Sandakphu Trek
- Phalut Trek
Did you know that Darjeeling has as many as 40 species of rhododendron in spring? Other flowers in full bloom in Darjeeling in spring are Michaelias and Magnolias. In addition, Darjeeling and its twin hill station, Kalimpong, become home to the following sub-species of orchids.
- Vandas
- Odontoglossum
- Phaius
- Arundina
- Cymbidiums
- Paphiopedilums, etc.
With low temperatures and clear skies, Darjeeling has pleasant weather conditions in Spring. So, it is an excellent time to trek, explore nature, and visit the unique places in Darjeeling.
‣ Festivals In Spring In Darjeeling
Darjeeling also has many festivals in spring. Buddha Jayanti, or Buddha’s Birthday, is a major festival in Darjeeling, held in the month of Vaisakh (on the full moon day) or April-May. In 2025, Buddha Jayanti will be celebrated in Darjeeling on 12th May.
Losar is another important spring-time festival in Darjeeling. Losar is the celebration of the Tibetan New Year, and in 2025, it will be celebrated from 28th February to 2nd March.
⁍ Summer And Monsoon (June To August)
‣ Average Temperature In Summer In Darjeeling: 15-25 Degree Celsius
Summer comes with clear skies and an upward jump in temperature in Darjeeling. So, in summer, you will enjoy a clear view of Mount Kanchenjunga from Darjeeling.
However, summer is the best season in Darjeeling to enjoy a ride on the famous Toy Train or Darjeeling Himalayan Railways. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, taking you to places like Ghoom and Batasia Loop.
Thanks to pleasant weather conditions, you can also enjoy your evening and morning walks. You can even spend your time in the hill station by interacting with the locals.
Nevertheless, keep your rain gear ready, especially if you are in Darjeeling in June. There can be sudden rainfalls.
‣ Monsoon Season In Darjeeling
With the advent of monsoon, the temperature in Darjeeling drops a little. The average temperature in the season remains between 15-20 degrees Celsius.
Further, the average monsoon rainfall in Darjeeling is around 600-700mm. Heavy rainfall causes landslides and mudslides in various passes. Also, rainfall disrupts the plying of vehicles.
In addition, cable car rides and Toy Train services are often stalled during monsoons in Darjeeling.
However, the beauty of rain-drenched Darjeeling is surreal, with lush greenery and mist. It looks more romantic and picturesque. Further, monsoon is an off-season for tourists in Darjeeling. So, you can expect a drop in the hotel and flight charges.
⁍ Autumn (September To November)
‣ Average Temperature In Autumn In Darjeeling: 14-21 Degree Celsius
The post-monsoon weather and clearer skies in Autumn announce another peak tourist season in Darjeeling. Along with exploring the top tourist spots in Darjeeling, you can try the following activities:
- Sandakphu Trek
- Watching Sunrise on Tiger Hill
- Mountain Biking
- Para Gliding
- Rafting in the Teesta River
- Attending courses at Darjeeling Mountaineering Institute
- Rock Climbing at Tenzing & Gombu Rock
If you are not an adventure junkie, you can even go for nature walks or visit Ghoom and other monasteries in Darjeeling.
‣ Dasain: The Autumn Festival In Darjeeling
The Nepalese community in Darjeeling celebrates Dasain with great fervor. It is a 15-day long festival falling in the month of September or October. Further, Dasain is the Nepalese version of Durga Puja, and this festival marks the triumph of good over evil.
Also, Goddess Durga is worshipped in this festival and animal sacrifices are common rituals.
⁍ Winter (December To February)
‣ Average Temperature In Winter In Darjeeling: 2-7 Degrees Celsius
Darjeeling in December transforms into a wonderland with festivals like Christmas and New Year. In winter, Darjeeling also has its own festivals, like the Teesta Tea and Tourism Festival and Ghoom Festival during the winter months.
Further, Darjeeling in winter is the best destination for your honeymoon or romantic trips. Also, winter months are the best in Darjeeling for a gastronomic delight.
Glenary’s, Keventers, and other celebrated restaurants come up with Christmas and New Year special delicacies in these months. Furthermore, it’s a sin to miss the steamy, hot momos and crunchy churpis in Darjeeling in December.
Are you looking for more outdoor pursuits in Darjeeling in winter? You can go for treks to Sandakphu or Tonglu treks. You will also enjoy your walk to the local monasteries.
Moreover, if you want the best view of the snowcapped mountain peaks and tall mountains covered with glaciers, take a ropeway ride across the rivers and waterfalls.
In addition, if you want to optimize your winter vacation in the lap of the Eastern Himalayas, you can plan a Darjeeling to Gangtok package tour. Based on your itinerary, this travel package will cost you between INR 20000 to 60000 (couple package).
Darjeeling Weather: A Month-Wise Breakdown | Choose Your Darjeeling Travel Time
Are you still confused about the best time to travel to Darjeeling? Then, check the table below for a month-wise breakdown of average temperature, days of rainfall, rainfall amount, and sunshine hours.
| Month | Average Temperature (Lowest to Highest/ Degree Celsius) | Rainfall/ Precipitation (MM) | Number of Rainfall/ Precipitation Days | Sunshine Hours |
| January | 2-10 | 15 | 10 | 5 |
| February | 3-12 | 14 | 12 | 5 |
| March | 5-15 | 30 | 14 | 4.5 |
| April | 9-17 | 70 | 17 | 5.5 |
| May | 15-20 | 120 | 20 | 5.5 |
| June | 20-22 | 450 | 25 | 3 |
| July | 15-20 | 650 | 30 | 3 |
| August | 16-22 | 550 | 30 | 3.5 |
| September | 14-20 | 370 | 25 | 3 |
| October | 12-19 | 60 | 15 | 6 |
| November | 9-17 | 14 | 9 | 7 |
| December | 4-15 | 3-5 | 4 | 6 |
Tips And Tricks To Cope Up With Darjeeling Weather: Best To Know From The Locals
Now, you are aware of the Darjeeling weather patterns. Let me share some practical tips with you to make Darjeeling enjoyable for you in every season.
Darjeeling is quite safe. However, irrespective of the season you choose to visit, you must return to your hotel by 9:30 PM, especially if you are a solo traveler. Nehru Road became less crowded after that. Further, rainfall is common and sudden in Darjeeling. It is the land of thunderbolts, after all!
So, keep your rain gear ready. Also, if you are trekking or hiking in Darjeeling, you must have proper shoes, sticks, and other mountaineering essentials.
Moreover, trust your local guides for weather updates, as they are the best judge of the weather patterns. It’s great to be an explorer, but not at the cost of your safety!
And that’s it! It’s time you pack your bags and head to the Queen of Hills. Bon Voyage!
