Meghalaya in September: Weather, Waterfalls & Tips
September is when the monsoon starts to ease in Meghalaya. Waterfalls are still full, the hills are deep green, crowds are low and you get more dry spells each week. For many travellers it is an underrated month. Here is what to expect.
Quick answer
September is a good shoulder month for Meghalaya. The monsoon is easing: Shillong is about 17–24°C with around 270 mm of rain, and Cherrapunji about 1,090 mm — far less than in July. Waterfalls are still full, the countryside is green, and crowds are low before the October rush. The Dawki river is usually still muddy. Expect some rainy days, plan sightseeing for mornings, and carry rain gear.
Key facts at a glance
| Shillong temperature | About 17–24°C |
|---|---|
| Rain | Easing — about 270 mm in Shillong, ~1,090 mm in Sohra |
| Waterfalls | Still full — a good balance of flow and dry spells |
| Dawki river | Usually still muddy |
| Crowds | Low — before the October rush |
| Sunrise / sunset (Shillong) | About 5:00 → 5:15 AM / 5:45 → 5:10 PM |
| What to pack | Rain jacket, light layers, grippy shoes |
Meghalaya weather in September
September in Shillong is about 17–24°C with around 270 mm of rain over about 14 rainy days. Cherrapunji averages roughly 1,090 mm — still wet, but a big drop from July. Days often start clear and cloud over later, and there are more fully dry days as the month goes on. Sunset moves earlier, from about 5:45 PM to 5:10 PM.
Best places to visit in Meghalaya in September
September gives you monsoon-strength waterfalls with a better chance of seeing them clearly.
- Cherrapunji (Sohra): Nohkalikai, Seven Sisters and Wei Sawdong still full
- Laitlum Canyons and Mawphlang Sacred Forest on dry mornings
- Krang Suri and the Jowai waterfalls
- Mawlynnong village
- Double Decker root bridge for confident trekkers — the steps are still wet
Dawki in September
The Umngot at Dawki is usually still muddy in September after the monsoon; it normally starts clearing from around mid-October. Since late 2025, silt from the Shillong–Dawki road works has also kept it murky at times outside the monsoon, so check with us before planning Dawki for clear water. The Dawki road has had a 10 PM–5 AM night closure since August 2026.
How to plan a September trip
Treat early September as late monsoon and late September as the start of autumn. Start days early, keep Cherrapunji and Dawki on separate days, and keep one flexible day for rain.
Frequently asked questions
Is September a good time to visit Meghalaya?
Yes — it is an underrated month. The monsoon is easing, waterfalls are still full, the hills are green and crowds are low. Expect some rain and plan sightseeing for the morning.
How much does it rain in Meghalaya in September?
Shillong averages about 270 mm in September and Cherrapunji about 1,090 mm, much less than in July.
Is the Dawki river clear in September?
Usually not yet — it is often still muddy after the monsoon and normally starts clearing from mid-October. Road works upstream have also affected clarity since late 2025, so check with us.
Are waterfalls good in Meghalaya in September?
Yes. Waterfalls are still full in September, and there are more dry spells than in July, so you have a better chance of seeing them without fog.
Plan & book your trip
Tour Meghalaya runs private cabs and tour packages across Meghalaya. Book directly with a local operator.