Meghalaya in October: Weather, Festivals & Places to Visit
October is one of the best months for Meghalaya. The rains clear, the skies turn blue and the waterfalls are still full from the monsoon — the best of both seasons. It is also when the travel season picks up, especially around Durga Puja. Here is how to plan it.
Quick answer
October is one of the best months to visit Meghalaya. The monsoon clears through the month: Shillong is about 14–22°C with around 200 mm of rain, mostly early in October. Waterfalls are still full, roads dry out and views open up. The Dawki river normally starts clearing from mid-October, though road-works silt has kept it murky at times since late 2025. Durga Puja (6–10 October in 2027) is the busy peak — book cabs and hotels early.
Key facts at a glance
| Shillong temperature | About 14–22°C |
|---|---|
| Rain | About 200 mm in Shillong, mostly early in the month |
| Waterfalls | Still full — with clearer skies |
| Dawki river | Normally clears from mid-October; check (road-works silt) |
| Busy period | Durga Puja — 6–10 October in 2027 |
| Events | Megha Kayak Fest at Umtham (mid-October in 2025) |
| Sunrise / sunset (Shillong) | About 5:15 → 5:30 AM / 5:10 → 4:45 PM |
| What to pack | Light jacket, layers, small umbrella early in the month |
Meghalaya weather in October
October is the change of season. Shillong averages about 14–22°C with around 200 mm of rain, but most of it falls in the first half of the month; by late October it is largely dry, and November gets only about 25 mm. Skies become clearer each week, which means waterfalls that are still full and viewpoints that are finally visible.
Evenings get cooler and the days shorter — sunset moves from about 5:10 PM to 4:45 PM — so plan long day trips with an early start.
Durga Puja and the October rush
Durga Puja is the start of the peak season in Shillong, with many visitors from Kolkata and the rest of Bengal and the Northeast. In 2027 the main days are Saptami 6 October to Vijaya Dashami 10 October. Hotels and cabs book up around these dates, so reserve early. Shillong's own Puja celebrations are small but lively.
Events in October
Meghalaya Tourism's autumn calendar has included the Megha Kayak Fest at Umtham in Ri-Bhoi (14–18 October in 2025) and an off-road challenge later in the month; spectators are welcome. The Shillong Autumn Festival at Umiam Lake was held in late October in some years but was not on the 2025 calendar. Check the year's calendar before planning around an event.
Best places to visit in Meghalaya in October
October suits almost the whole Meghalaya circuit.
- Cherrapunji (Sohra): full waterfalls with clearer views — one of the best months for Nohkalikai
- Laitlum Canyons and Shillong Peak as the skies clear
- Double Decker Living Root Bridge as the steps dry out
- Dawki and Mawlynnong in the second half of the month (water clarity varies — ask us)
- Krang Suri Falls near Jowai
Roads in October
Roads are drying out, but the Shillong–Dawki road has seen landslides even outside the monsoon because of the ongoing road cutting (a slide near Laitlyngkot blocked it on 25 November 2025), and it has had a 10 PM–5 AM night closure since August 2026. Plan to be back from Dawki in the evening.
Frequently asked questions
Is October a good time to visit Meghalaya?
Yes — it is one of the best months. The rain clears, skies open up and waterfalls are still full from the monsoon. Book early around Durga Puja.
What is the weather in Meghalaya in October?
About 14–22°C in Shillong with around 200 mm of rain, mostly in the first half of the month. Late October is largely dry and clear.
Is the Dawki river clear in October?
It normally starts clearing from mid-October. Since late 2025, silt from road works upstream has kept it murky at times, so check the current state with us before you go.
When is Durga Puja in 2027?
The main days are Saptami on 6 October to Vijaya Dashami on 10 October 2027. It is the busiest time in Shillong, so book cabs and hotels early.
Are waterfalls still flowing in October?
Yes — October has some of the best waterfall views of the year: still full from the monsoon, with much less fog.
Plan & book your trip
Tour Meghalaya runs private cabs and tour packages across Meghalaya. Book directly with a local operator.