Meghalaya in December: Weather, Christmas & Places to Visit
December in Meghalaya means cold, bright days, the clearest skies of the year, and Shillong lit up for Christmas. It is also the busiest month, and the days are short. Here is what to expect from the weather, where to go, how Christmas and New Year affect your trip, and what to pack.
Quick answer
December is a good time to visit Meghalaya if you pack warm. Shillong is cold and dry, roughly 5–17°C, with frosty mornings at higher viewpoints but no snow. Skies are clear, the Dawki river is at its clearest, and Shillong celebrates Christmas in a big way. Waterfalls are thinner than after the monsoon. Daylight ends around 4:30 PM, and the Christmas–New Year week is the busiest of the year, so book cabs and hotels well ahead.
Key facts at a glance
| Shillong temperature | About 5–17°C; colder at night |
|---|---|
| Snow? | No — frosty mornings, but no snowfall |
| Rain | Almost none; dry and clear |
| Dawki river | Clear — one of the best months |
| Waterfalls | Thinner than October–November |
| Sunrise / sunset (Shillong) | About 6:00 AM / 4:30–4:45 PM |
| Busiest dates | 24 December – 1 January |
| What to pack | Warm jacket, sweater, thermals for night |
Meghalaya weather in December
December is cold and dry. Shillong sees day-time highs of around 15–17°C and night-time lows of about 5–6°C, and it feels colder after sunset because of the altitude and the wind. Higher spots such as Shillong Peak, Laitlum and Upper Shillong can have frost on early mornings. Dawki, down at the Bangladesh border, stays noticeably milder.
It does not snow in Meghalaya, in December or any other month. What you get instead is the clearest weather of the year: blue skies, long views and almost no rain, which makes December very good for viewpoints and photography.
- Days: crisp and sunny, around 15–17°C in Shillong
- Nights: cold, around 5–6°C; frost at higher viewpoints
- No snowfall anywhere in Meghalaya
- Short days: sunrise about 6 AM, sunset about 4:30 PM
Best places to visit in Meghalaya in December
December favours places that are about clear water and clear views. Waterfalls are still there but carry much less water than after the monsoon, so do not plan the whole trip around them.
- Dawki and Shnongpdeng: clear Umngot River and the famous "floating boat" view
- Mawlynnong and the Balancing Rock: pleasant, mild weather near the border
- Laitlum Canyons and Shillong Peak: sharp, long views on clear winter days
- Umiam Lake: still, blue water and an easy stop on the Guwahati–Shillong road
- Cherrapunji (Sohra): good for views, caves and the root bridges; Nohkalikai is thinner but still worth the stop
- Double Decker Living Root Bridge: dry steps make the trek easier than in the wet months
Christmas and New Year in Shillong
Shillong is a largely Christian city and Christmas is its biggest celebration. Streets, churches and Police Bazar are decorated with lights through December, there are carol services, and midnight mass on Christmas Eve at the Cathedral of Mary Help of Christians is a highlight for many visitors.
The flip side is demand. The week from about 24 December to 1 January is the busiest of the year in Shillong, Sohra and Dawki: hotels fill up, traffic slows near Police Bazar, and cabs need to be booked early. Some local shops and restaurants close on Christmas Day itself, so plan meals and shopping around 25 December.
- Christmas lights and decorations all through December
- Busiest week: 24 December – 1 January — book early
- Some shops and restaurants close on 25 December
- Expect slower traffic around Police Bazar in the evenings
Planning around short winter days
With sunset around 4:30 PM and darkness soon after, the day is effectively 8 AM to 4 PM. Mountain roads are best driven in daylight, so build days around an early start rather than a long evening.
For Dawki and Mawlynnong, leave Shillong by about 7 AM. Cherrapunji works best as its own day. If you land in Guwahati in the afternoon, plan to reach Shillong the same evening and start sightseeing the next morning rather than trying to fit Umiam Lake and a viewpoint in on arrival.
- Leave Shillong by 7 AM for Dawki or Cherrapunji
- Aim to be heading back by about 3:30–4 PM
- Keep Cherrapunji and Dawki on separate days
What to pack for Meghalaya in December
Pack for cold mornings and nights, not for snow. A proper warm jacket and a sweater cover most days; add thermals if you feel the cold or are staying somewhere without heating, as many budget hotels and homestays do not have it.
- Warm jacket and a sweater or fleece
- Thermal innerwear for nights
- Cap, gloves or a scarf for early starts and viewpoints
- Walking shoes with good grip
- Moisturiser and lip balm — the air is dry
Frequently asked questions
Is December a good time to visit Meghalaya?
Yes, if you pack warm. December is cold (about 5–17°C in Shillong), dry and clear, with the clearest Dawki water and Christmas in Shillong. It is also peak season, so book cabs and hotels early.
What is the temperature in Meghalaya in December?
Shillong sees about 15–17°C during the day and 5–6°C at night. Higher viewpoints like Shillong Peak and Laitlum are colder, with frost on some mornings; Dawki is milder.
Does it snow in Meghalaya in December?
No. Meghalaya does not get snowfall, even in December. Expect cold, frosty mornings at higher points but no snow. For snow, combine your trip with Sikkim or Tawang.
Is Shillong crowded at Christmas and New Year?
Yes. The week from about 24 December to 1 January is the busiest of the year in Shillong, Cherrapunji and Dawki. Book your cab and hotel early and expect slower traffic around Police Bazar.
Are the waterfalls worth seeing in December?
They are still worth a stop, but they carry much less water than in October or after the monsoon. Nohkalikai and Seven Sisters become thinner. If waterfalls are your main reason to go, October is better.
What should I wear in Meghalaya in December?
A warm jacket and sweater for the day, thermals for the night, and comfortable shoes. Days are sunny and pleasant, but it gets cold quickly after the 4:30 PM sunset.
Plan & book your trip
Tour Meghalaya runs private cabs and tour packages across Meghalaya. Book directly with a local operator.