Best Time To Visit Darjeeling: Are you longing to capture the scenes of mountains veiled in mist, tea plantations and snow-capped Himalayas? Darjeeling is known as the “Queen of the Hills,’ situated in the northern part of West Bengal, India, and surrounded by the Himalayas.
This lovely place is famous for its picturesque views the beautiful gardens with tea plants and the Himalayan Railway. Darjeeling is popular throughout the year but the generic tourist season is spring, summer and autumn while winter is specifically for snow tourism.
If you want to explore the treasures of nature, if you like the spirit of the exciting trip or if you want to leave the noisy metropolis behind, you might need to know the Best Time To Visit Darjeeling. Here in this blog, let’s discover the seasons and things to do in Darjeeling so you to plan when to go to this beautiful heaven.
Monthly hours of precipitation
Here is the graph showing the average monthly total hours of sunshine over the year: 
Monthly hours of sunshine
Given below is a tabulated graph of the average monthly total hours of sunshine over the year in Darjeeling: 
Monthly rainy days
Take a look at the graph showing Darjeeling’s average number of days each month with rain, snow, hail etc. 
Find out the Best Time to Visit Darjeeling
Darjeeling being a tourist destination all year round gives the best view of natural beauty irrespective of the time of the year. However, if the purpose of the visit is to use all the opportunities of tourism, then time is a crucial factor. Below is a brief guide that might assist in planning the appropriate moment for the unforgettable tour of this charming hill station.
Darjeeling In Spring (March – April)
Temperature: According to the climate condition of the area, the temperature in the spring season fluctuates between 6°C to 17°C.
Weather: They are best known for the temperatures that slightly vary and range from 6 degrees centigrade to 17 degrees centigrade. Slight cloud cover with hail and gusty wind from time to time.
Attractions and Activities:
- Tiger Hill: Probably most famous for the sunrise and view of Mount Kanchenjunga and the great Himalayas.
- Botanical Gardens: See the fantastic variety of rhododendron and magnolia trees during their blooming season.
- Peace Pagoda: A well-maintained Buddhist stupa that provides a magnificent view of the city.
- Tea Gardens: One recommended activity is to go on a walk around the Happy Valley Tea Estate and taste the tea.
- Hiking and Trekking: Passes across areas of rich green forests and clear vistas.
Reasons to Visit: It has favourable conditions as far as they are concerned for undertaking different forms of activities such as hiking, picnicking and sightseeing besides attractive sceneries such as flower beds and mountains which are so captivating.
Know before visiting: Altogether, it is relatively steady experiencing occasional hailstorms and wind. April to mid-June is considered to be the best time when tourists can visit the county but this time is also high in terms of traffic and cost.
Pro tips: Book your accommodation and your tours in advance. Make sure to dress in layers and bring a raincoat and/or jacket with you.
Darjeeling In Summer (May – July)
Temperature: Mean summer temperature is 15°C, the highest being 19°C and the lowest 11°C.
Weather: It has 11°C – 19 ^{0} C Temperatures. Late spring is warm and dry, but the probability of precipitations rises by the early summer, usually in June.
Attractions and Activities:
- Observatory Hill: Go to the Mahakal Temple and get a birds-eye view of Darjeeling town.
- Chapramari Wildlife Sanctuary: Keep an eye out for the various animals that live in the many forests.
- Himalayan Mountaineering Institute: Visit the Mountaineering area and the Everest Museum.
- Toy Train Ride: When in India try and take a ride on the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, with some of the most scenic views.
- Tea Estate Visits: Take a tour of tea processing as well as go for nature walks.
Reasons to Visit: Experience beautiful weather for outdoor travelling before the monsoon, which also means that there are fewer tourists around for serene tours.
Know before visiting: June is expected to come with more cloud cover and possibly precipitation. The advantage of going off-season is that it is relatively cheaper.
Pro tips: Jogging, for instance, should be done during sunny days so that one can get the sunshine vitamin naturally. Always pack a small raincoat and/or an extra layer of warm clothing.
Darjeeling In Monsoon (June – September)
Temperature: Monsoon temperatures are between 55°F and about 68°F.
Weather: The weather conditions include temperature that fluctuates between 13℃ and 19℃. About the climate, the exposure of the region to a high amount of humidity with rainfall, mist and fog.
Attractions and Activities:
- Ghoom Monastery: Engage in leisure in calm while in the vicinity of mist.
- Darjeeling Himalayan Railway: Many railways and beautiful parts of the region are surrounded by greenery.
- Japanese Peace Pagoda: Quiet relaxation surrounded by the view of blue mountains covered with mist.
- Indoor Attractions: Tourism is involved in visiting museums, and monasteries, and having coffee in cafes.
Reasons to Visit: See the green scenery of Darjeeling during the rain and this period attracts a lesser number of tourists and even there are many discounts on tour packages.
Know before visiting: Expect that there might be landslides, and do not expect to see very far. Service prices are comparatively low, but some services may be disrupted depending on the season.
Pro tips: Take an umbrella and boots because it will be rainy and very wet. Due to road closures be prepared to change travel plans.
Darjeeling In Autumn (October – November)
Temperature: Temperature in the autumn is between 6 degrees Celsius to 18 degrees Celsius. Weather: The climate reaches 6 Centigrade – 18 Centigrade. Scattered clouds follow the monsoon season and the skies get clear again with new sceneries. Attractions and Activities:
- Darjeeling Mall: Do some shopping and buy local products such as handicrafts and local gifts.
- Tiger Hill: Glimpse the beautiful rising sun over what can be snow-capped summits.
- Rock Garden and Ganga Maya Park: Go for nature strolls and leisurely walks around beautiful gardens.
- Tea Tasting: Tea testing at tea gardens is the best way to taste the flavoured Darjeeling teas.
Reasons to Visit: Warm and sunny to partly cloudy with dry weather is perfect for hiking and sightseeing with the typical spectacular fall colors enhancing the scenery.
Know before visiting: Tourism rises, therefore book a hotel early as there are better deals in terms of price and other bookings.
Pro tips: Pack warm clothes since the weather can be cold in the morning and evening.
Darjeeling In Winter (December – February)
Temperature: It is very cold in winter; averages between 2 degrees Celsius to 9 degrees Celsius at most.
Weather: The temperature varies between 2C and 9C. Cold with occasional frost. Days are quite bright and sunny while nights are rather cool to cold, especially in the early mornings.
Attractions and Activities:
- Darjeeling Ropeway: Watch sceneries from above the town and the mountains.
- Snowfall (if lucky): Even the nearby areas such as Tumling and Sandakphu can also witness snowfall occasionally.
- Christmas and New Year's Celebrations: Group desiring festive decorations and specific developments.
Reasons to Visit: A perfect time with the possibility to see the snow and less ‘noisy’ streets in comparison to summer, as well as the Christmas and New Year atmosphere.
Know before visiting: January and February are the coldest months; this means that you may experience temperatures that are below freezing. According to the situation, hotels may not have central heating.
Pro tips: Pack your clothes starting from the outer layer down to the inner layer plus the woollen and winter accessories. Select hotels that have provision for heating services to be executed within the stated rooms.
Conclusion
Darjeeling offers something special in every season: flowers in spring, green trees in monsoon, clear blue sky in autumn and warmth in winter. The Best Time To Visit Darjeeling can be known by knowing well about the weather and attractions each season offers.
It doesn’t matter if the purpose is beauty or the thrill of the unknown, Darjeeling offers both all year round. Come and explore the beauty of this Himalayan nation by packing your bags right away!
