Darjeeling Snowfall 2026-27: Which Month It Snows and Where to See Snow
Does it snow in Darjeeling? Rarely in town, more often at Tiger Hill, and reliably at Sandakphu from December to March. Months, places and how to be sure of snow.
Darjeeling town does get snow, but not every winter. At about 2,000 m, it sees a light snowfall in some years, usually between late December and February, and in many years none at all. Higher up the odds improve: Tiger Hill (2,590 m) gets snow more often, and Sandakphu (3,636 m) on the Singalila Ridge gets it almost every winter from December to March.
So if snow is the main reason for your trip, plan around the places where it is likely, not the town. This guide covers which months to go, where to look, and what to do if you want to be sure of snow.
Does it snow in Darjeeling?
Yes, but rarely and briefly. When it snows in town, it is usually a light fall that melts within a day or two. Some winters bring a proper white morning; others pass with only frost. Heavy snow in the town itself is unusual.
The reason is height. Darjeeling sits around 2,000 m, which is just at the edge of the snow line in this part of the Himalaya. A few hundred metres higher, on the ridges above town and along the Singalila Ridge, snow is far more common. In March 2026, for example, Sandakphu had heavy snow while the town stayed clear.
Darjeeling snowfall month by month
| Month | Darjeeling town | Tiger Hill | Sandakphu |
|---|---|---|---|
| November | No snow, clear and cold | Rare | Possible, first snow some years |
| December | Unlikely | Possible | Likely |
| January | Possible, best odds | Possible | Very likely |
| February | Possible | Possible | Very likely |
| March | Rare | Rare | Likely, especially early March |
| April | No | No | Possible in early April |
This is a guide to the odds, not a forecast. Snow depends on western disturbances moving across the Himalaya, which arrive at different times each year. Check the forecast a few days before you travel.
Where to see snow near Darjeeling
Tiger Hill
Tiger Hill, about 11 km from town, is famous for sunrise over Kanchenjunga. At 2,590 m it gets snow more often than the town, and a white morning there with the sunrise behind the peaks is the best winter sight in Darjeeling. Go early: cars leave town around 4 am.
Sandakphu and the Singalila Ridge
Sandakphu, at 3,636 m, is the highest point in West Bengal and the surest place for snow in the Darjeeling hills. It is reached from Manebhanjang, about 26 km from Darjeeling, either on foot over 2–3 days or by the old Land Rovers that run up the ridge. Sandakphu is inside Singalila National Park, so you need an entry permit and a guide. See our Sandakphu permit guide.
In heavy snow the road can close for a few days, so keep a spare day in your plan.
Sikkim, if you want to be sure
If you have only a few days and snow is the point of the trip, cross into Sikkim. From December to March these places have snow almost every day:
- Tsomgo (Changu) Lake at 3,753 m, and Nathu La at 4,310 m, both a day trip from Gangtok. Our Tsomgo Lake and Nathu La day trip is ₹1,299 per person with permits included.
- Zuluk on the Old Silk Route: see Zuluk in winter.
- Lachung and Yumthang in North Sikkim: see is North Sikkim open now.
Gangtok is about 3.5–4 hours from Darjeeling. Our Darjeeling to Gangtok guide covers the road and the fares.
Is Darjeeling worth visiting in winter without snow?
Yes. December to February is Darjeeling's clearest season. The air is dry, the haze of spring and the clouds of the monsoon are gone, and Kanchenjunga is visible on most mornings. Hotels are quieter (except at Christmas and New Year), and the toy train and tea gardens are just as good in the cold.
Temperatures in town drop to around freezing on the coldest nights and stay in single digits during the day, so pack:
- A heavy jacket, thermals, gloves and a woollen cap.
- Good shoes with grip, in case of frost or snow on the steps.
- A torch for the early start to Tiger Hill.
Plan your winter trip
- Getting there: our NJP and Siliguri to Darjeeling guide covers taxis, shared jeeps and the toy train.
- What to see: Darjeeling tourist spots and the best time to visit.
- Packages: Darjeeling tour packages, or combine Darjeeling and Gangtok with our Gangtok and Darjeeling itinerary.
Helpful Answers
Frequently Asked Questions
Which month does it snow in Darjeeling?
When it snows in Darjeeling town, it is usually in January or February, sometimes late December. It doesn't snow in town every year.
Does it snow in Darjeeling in December?
Snow in the town in December is unlikely, though it has happened. Sandakphu often has snow by December, and Tiger Hill sometimes does.
Where can I see snow near Darjeeling?
Tiger Hill gets snow more often than the town, and Sandakphu on the Singalila Ridge has snow on most days from December to March. For guaranteed snow on a short trip, go to Tsomgo Lake or Nathu La in Sikkim.
Is Sandakphu open in winter?
Yes. The route usually stays open in winter, but heavy snow can close the road for a few days. You need a Singalila National Park permit and a guide.
Is Darjeeling worth visiting in January?
Yes, if you dress for the cold. January brings the clearest views of Kanchenjunga and quieter hotels, and the best chance of snow in town, though it isn't guaranteed.
How cold is Darjeeling in winter?
Nights can drop to around freezing in January, and days usually stay in single digits Celsius. Pack thermals, a heavy jacket, gloves and a cap.
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