Meghalaya in December: Weather, What's Open and Where to Go
December in Meghalaya means dry days, cold nights, glass-clear rivers at Dawki and Christmas lights in Shillong. Weather, where to go, what to pack and a sample route.
December is one of the best months to visit Meghalaya. The monsoon is long gone, the days are dry and sunny, and the rivers at Dawki and Shnongpdeng are at their clearest. Nights are cold, especially in Shillong and on the plateau, and the week of Christmas and New Year is the busiest of the year.
If you want clear skies, clear water and festive Shillong, December is hard to beat. If you came for roaring waterfalls, they are thinner now than in the rains.
Meghalaya weather in December
| Place | Days | Nights | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shillong | Cool and sunny | Cold, a few degrees above freezing | Clear skies, frost on some mornings |
| Cherrapunji (Sohra) | Mild and dry | Cold | The world's wettest place is at its driest |
| Dawki and Shnongpdeng | Warm by day | Cool | The river is glass-clear |
| Laitlum and Mawphlang | Breezy | Cold | Clear sunsets and sunrises |
December is almost rain-free across the state. Morning mist in the valleys usually burns off by mid-morning.
Where to go in December
Dawki and Shnongpdeng
This is the month for the "floating boats" photos. The Umngot river is at its clearest from December to February. Shnongpdeng, 8 km upstream from Dawki, is quieter and has the riverside camps. Read when Dawki's water is clearest, or book Dawki riverside camping from ₹1,000 per person with dinner and breakfast.
Cherrapunji and the living root bridges
Dry steps make December a good month for the trek to the double-decker root bridge at Nongriat. Book a guided root bridge trek for ₹899 per person, or read our Cherrapunji guide.
Laitlum Canyons
Clear winter skies make Laitlum one of the best sunset spots in the state. Stay the night with Laitlum canyon camping, ₹1,500 per person with dinner and breakfast.
Shillong at Christmas
Meghalaya is largely Christian, and Shillong goes all out at Christmas: lights along the streets, carols, midnight mass at the cathedral and a lively Police Bazar. Read our guide to Christmas and New Year in Shillong.
Mawlynnong and the villages
Cool, dry days are perfect for Mawlynnong and the villages near the border. Stay overnight with a Mawlynnong homestay, or hear the whistled names of Kongthong.
A 5-day December route
- Day 1: Guwahati to Shillong, with a stop at Umiam Lake.
- Day 2: Laitlum at sunrise, Shillong cafés and Police Bazar in the evening.
- Day 3: Cherrapunji: Nohkalikai, Seven Sisters Falls and caves.
- Day 4: Root bridge trek to Nongriat.
- Day 5: Dawki and Shnongpdeng, a night by the river, then back to Guwahati.
For more detail, see the 4-day Meghalaya itinerary or our Meghalaya tour packages.
What to pack
- A warm jacket, a fleece and a woollen cap for the evenings.
- Comfortable shoes with grip for treks and wet rocks.
- Sunscreen and sunglasses; the winter sun is strong.
- Swimwear and a quick-dry towel if you plan to be on the river at Dawki.
Booking tips
- Book hotels, homestays and cars early for 20 December to 2 January.
- Expect traffic on the Shillong–Cherrapunji and Shillong–Dawki roads in Christmas week; start early.
- Our Meghalaya packing list covers winter in detail.
Helpful Answers
Frequently Asked Questions
Is December a good time to visit Meghalaya?
Yes. December is dry and sunny, the rivers are clear, and it's a good month for treks and camping. Nights are cold, and Christmas week is busy.
How cold is Shillong in December?
Days are cool and sunny, while nights can drop to a few degrees above freezing. Pack a warm jacket and layers.
Is Dawki water clear in December?
Yes. December to February is when the Umngot river at Dawki and Shnongpdeng is at its clearest.
Can you see waterfalls in Meghalaya in December?
Yes, most waterfalls still flow, but they are much thinner than in the monsoon months.
Does it snow in Meghalaya?
No. It gets cold in Shillong and on the plateau, with frost on some mornings, but it doesn't snow.
Is camping open in Meghalaya in December?
Yes. December is one of the best months for camping at Dawki, Laitlum and Nongkhnum Island.
Plan This Journey
Turn this Meghalaya guide into a trip that fits your pace
If this guide is part of the kind of holiday you want, Breeziah can help shape the route, travel flow and stay style around your dates, comfort level and destination priorities.
