Best Time to Visit Nagaland (2026): Month-by-Month Weather & Seasons
Nagaland is pleasant from October to May. The big draw is the Hornbill Festival from 1 to 10 December, when Kohima is busiest. Dzükou Valley is greenest with flowers from June to September and golden in winter.
- Best time
- October to May
- Peak season
- 1–10 December (Hornbill Festival)
- Quieter months
- February–March
- Avoid
- July and August
Seasons in Nagaland
Winter · November–February
Cool, dry and clear; the Hornbill Festival in December.
Spring · March–May
Mild and pleasant; good for treks to Japfü.
Monsoon · June–September
Rainy; Dzükou Valley in bloom, roads slower.
Autumn · October
Rain ending; clear skies return.
Nagaland weather month by month
Typical daytime temperatures for Kohima (about 1,450 m); they vary year to year.
| Month | Temp | Rain | Verdict | What to expect |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January Cool and clear | 5–16 °C | Dry | Best | Cool and clear |
| February Dry; good treks | 7–18 °C | Dry | Best | Dry; good treks |
| March Pleasant | 11–22 °C | Some rain | Best | Pleasant |
| April Warm and pleasant | 13–24 °C | Some rain | Good | Warm and pleasant |
| May Showers | 16–25 °C | Wet | Good | Showers |
| June Monsoon; Dzükou lilies | 18–26 °C | Very wet | Okay | Monsoon; Dzükou lilies |
| July Heavy rain | 18–26 °C | Very wet | Avoid | Heavy rain |
| August Wet | 18–26 °C | Very wet | Avoid | Wet |
| September Dzükou green | 17–25 °C | Wet | Okay | Dzükou green |
| October Clear skies | 14–23 °C | Some rain | Best | Clear skies |
| November Dry and cool | 10–20 °C | Dry | Best | Dry and cool |
| December Hornbill Festival (1–10 Dec) | 6–17 °C | Dry | Best | Hornbill Festival (1–10 Dec) |
Festivals
- Sekrenyi (Angami)February
- Moatsu (Ao)May
- Hornbill Festival1–10 December
Tips
- Indian travellers need a Nagaland Inner Line Permit; apply online.
- Book Kohima stays months ahead for the Hornbill Festival.
- For the Dzükou lily, aim for June–July.
Plan Nagaland for the right season
Tell us your dates and we'll suggest the best route, stays and permits for that time of year.
Nagaland: frequently asked questions
When is the best time to visit Nagaland?+
October to May, with early December the highlight for the Hornbill Festival.
When is the Hornbill Festival?+
Every year from 1 to 10 December at Kisama near Kohima.
When is Dzükou Valley in bloom?+
June to September, with the Dzükou lily around June–July.
Is Nagaland cold in winter?+
Kohima is about 5–17 °C from December to February.