Meghalaya in May: Weather, Rain & Places to Visit
May is the start of the wet season in Meghalaya. The hills are lush, the waterfalls are coming back to life and Shillong stays pleasantly cool while the plains below swelter. It also brings heavy showers and the first landslides of the year, especially around Cherrapunji. Here is how to plan it.
Quick answer
May can be a good time to visit Meghalaya if you want greenery, returning waterfalls and cool weather (about 16–24°C in Shillong). It is the start of the rainy season: Shillong gets about 240 mm of rain and Cherrapunji over 1,200 mm, and heavy spells can cause landslides on the Sohra and Dawki roads. The Dawki river is usually murky by now. Plan sightseeing for the morning, keep a flexible day, and carry proper rain gear.
Key facts at a glance
| Shillong temperature | About 16–24°C — cool escape from the plains |
|---|---|
| Rain | Heavy — about 240 mm in Shillong, 1,200+ mm in Sohra |
| Waterfalls | Filling up; strong by late May |
| Dawki river | Usually murky as the rains start |
| Road risk | Landslides possible on Sohra and Dawki roads |
| Sunrise / sunset (Shillong) | About 4:45 → 4:30 AM / 5:55 → 6:10 PM |
| Crowds | Moderate; summer-holiday visitors from the plains |
| What to pack | Rain jacket, quick-dry clothes, shoes with grip |
Meghalaya weather in May
In May Shillong usually ranges from about 16°C at night to 24°C in the day, with around 240 mm of rain over about 16 rainy days. Cherrapunji is far wetter — on average more than 1,200 mm in the month — and very heavy single days happen: Sohra logged over 200 mm in 24 hours at the end of May 2025.
Rain often comes in heavy bursts with clear spells in between, and mornings are usually the best time to be out. Fog becomes common at the Sohra viewpoints, sometimes hiding the falls for an hour and then clearing.
- Cool and comfortable — no heat, even when the plains are hot
- Heavy showers on many days, especially around Cherrapunji
- Fog at viewpoints comes and goes
- Very early sunrise (about 4:30–4:45 AM)
Roads and landslides in May
May is when landslides start. On 30 May 2025 the East Khasi Hills disaster authority asked people to avoid travelling to Sohra after slides on the 11th Mile–Umtyngar road; traffic was diverted through Shillong Peak and Laitlyngkot and the road reopened the next day. Our drivers follow these advisories and know the diversions, but build a spare day into your plan and avoid hill roads late at night in heavy rain.
Best places to visit in Meghalaya in May
May is greenery-and-waterfalls season more than clear-water season.
- Cherrapunji (Sohra): Nohkalikai and Seven Sisters filling up again — go early
- Krang Suri Falls near Jowai
- Laitlum Canyons and Mawphlang Sacred Forest in the misty green
- Shillong city cafés and museums for rainy afternoons
- Mawlynnong village (Dawki's river is usually murky by now)
How to plan a May trip
Treat May as an early-monsoon trip. Start days early, keep one free day for weather, and choose a car with a driver who knows the diversions. The Double Decker root bridge steps get slippery once the rain sets in, so only attempt the trek if you are steady on wet stone steps.
- Proper rain jacket and quick-dry layers
- Shoes with good grip (not flip-flops) for steps and treks
- One flexible day in every 5 days
Frequently asked questions
Is May a good time to visit Meghalaya?
It can be, if you like greenery, returning waterfalls and cool weather. It is the start of the rainy season, with heavy showers and occasional landslides, so plan flexibly and expect murky water at Dawki.
What is the weather in Meghalaya in May?
About 16–24°C in Shillong with around 240 mm of rain in the month; Cherrapunji gets over 1,200 mm. Expect heavy showers with clear spells in between.
Is Meghalaya safe to visit in May?
Yes, with sensible planning. Landslides can close roads for a few hours or a day after heavy rain; follow local advisories, avoid night driving in storms, and keep a spare day.
Is the Dawki river clear in May?
Usually not — the river turns murky as the rains begin. For clearer water, aim for the dry months and check the current state with us, as road works have also affected clarity since late 2025.
Are waterfalls flowing in Meghalaya in May?
Yes, they are filling up through May and are strong by the end of the month, though fog can hide the Sohra falls at times.
Plan & book your trip
Tour Meghalaya runs private cabs and tour packages across Meghalaya. Book directly with a local operator.