Best Time to Visit Darjeeling (2026): Month-by-Month Weather & Seasons
Darjeeling has two good seasons. October to early December brings the clearest views of Kanchenjunga; March to May is warm and green with rhododendrons and the first-flush tea. The monsoon (June to September) is wet and cloudy, and winter is cold but often crisp.
- Best time
- October to early December, and March to May
- Peak season
- April–June and October (Durga Puja)
- Quieter months
- February, and the first half of December
- Avoid
- July and August (heavy rain, cloud, landslides)
Seasons in Darjeeling
Autumn · October–November
The best views of Kanchenjunga from Tiger Hill; clear, cool and dry. Busy around Durga Puja.
Winter · December–February
Cold, about 2–9 °C, with clear skies on many days. Occasional snow on Tiger Hill and Sandakphu.
Spring and summer · March–June
Pleasant 10–20 °C, rhododendrons, first-flush tea. Peak holiday season from April to June; haze can hide the mountains.
Monsoon · July–September
Heavy rain and cloud; the toy train and roads can be disrupted. Tea gardens are lush.
Darjeeling weather month by month
Typical daytime temperatures for Darjeeling town (about 2,050 m); they vary year to year.
| Month | Temp | Rain | Verdict | What to expect |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January Cold, clear days; snow possible on the heights | 2–9 °C | Dry | Good | Cold, clear days; snow possible on the heights |
| February Cold but quiet; good mountain views | 3–11 °C | Dry | Good | Cold but quiet; good mountain views |
| March Spring begins; rhododendrons | 7–15 °C | Some rain | Best | Spring begins; rhododendrons |
| April First-flush tea; pleasant | 10–17 °C | Some rain | Best | First-flush tea; pleasant |
| May Warm; haze can hide Kanchenjunga | 12–19 °C | Wet | Good | Warm; haze can hide Kanchenjunga |
| June Monsoon arrives | 14–19 °C | Very wet | Okay | Monsoon arrives |
| July Heavy rain and cloud | 15–19 °C | Very wet | Avoid | Heavy rain and cloud |
| August Wettest stretch; landslide risk | 15–19 °C | Very wet | Avoid | Wettest stretch; landslide risk |
| September Rain easing | 14–19 °C | Wet | Okay | Rain easing |
| October Clearest Kanchenjunga views begin | 11–18 °C | Some rain | Best | Clearest Kanchenjunga views begin |
| November Crisp and clear; best views | 7–14 °C | Dry | Best | Crisp and clear; best views |
| December Cold, clear; quieter before Christmas | 4–11 °C | Dry | Good | Cold, clear; quieter before Christmas |
Festivals
- Losar (Tibetan New Year)February–March
- Durga PujaOctober
- Darjeeling CarnivalNovember
- Tea FestivalVaries, usually spring or autumn
Tips
- For sunrise over Kanchenjunga at Tiger Hill, October to December gives the best odds.
- Book the toy train joy ride early in April–June and October.
- Pack warm layers even in summer evenings.
Plan Darjeeling for the right season
Tell us your dates and we'll suggest the best route, stays and permits for that time of year.
Darjeeling: frequently asked questions
Which is the best month to visit Darjeeling?+
October and November for clear mountain views, or April for spring weather and tea gardens.
Does it snow in Darjeeling?+
Snow in the town is rare. Tiger Hill and Sandakphu sometimes get snow between late December and February.
Is Darjeeling good in the monsoon?+
It is green and quiet, but July and August bring heavy rain, cloud and occasional landslides.
How cold is Darjeeling in December?+
About 4–11 °C during the day, near freezing at night.