Best Time to Visit Darjeeling

Besides that, the enticing hill station is also visited by numerous tourists, especially honeymooners in between the months of October and December, when the region is completely decked with snow and lush greenery. Again, the month of January is an ideal time to visit Darjeeling if you want to witness snowfall.

Let’s have a look at the below segregation to decide on the best month to visit Darjeeling.

April - June (7°C to 25°C):

With the arrival of the spring season in March and the summer season in June, the duration of April to June experiences quite pleasant weather in Darjeeling. The bright sun along with the cool breezes makes this period the best time to visit Darjeeling while exploring the surroundings and enjoying some outdoor activities.

This is also the best time to enjoy the breathtaking view of the Himalayas and visit the Tea Garden witness the entire tea-making process.

Significance: Best time for outdoor activities such as trekking and hiking. The temperature is cool and pleasant which is great for sightseeing.

July - September (11°C to 27°C):

Here comes the season of Monsoon when the region of Darjeeling experiences sudden showers. As there are chances of roadblocks and landslides, it is advised to avoid a visit during this time. However, with misty roads, foggy streets, and pleasant weather, the region offers some picturesque views. Thus, the month of September can be a good time to visit here and cherish the monsoon season.

Significance: The entire hill station is covered in lush greenery after the fresh showers.

October - March (3°C to 28°C):

Enjoy a tour to this amazing hill station from the months of October to March. With a drop to the mercury level, this can also be a good time to visit Darjeeling.

Indulge in a myriad of activities like trekking, mountain biking, rafting down the waters of Teesta River, climbing the rocks, and more. While the eve of Christmas and New Year Festival is also a good way to enjoy the excursion.

Significance: These months are the coldest months in Darjeeling and the entire hill station is dipped in festivities.

Festivals Celebrated in Darjeeling

Apart from being famous for mountain peaks and pleasant weather conditions, Darjeeling has numerous festivals to offer to its locals and visitors alike. These festivals are a crucial part of the native people’s values, traditions, and joys. The festivities in Darjeeling begin right from the New Year celebrations. Some of the most important festivities of this region are mentioned below.

Maghe Sankranti: This is the most important Darjeeling festival celebrated in the chilly month of January. Natives take baths in streams or rivers on this day. It marks the starting of Magh, a Nepali month that hails the spring season in order to provide the locals of Darjeeling with good fortune and pleasant weather throughout the year. People celebrate this festival by eating numerous kinds of edible roots along with ‘Khichdi’ that is a combination of lentils and rice.

Losar: Tibetians celebrate their New Year, Losar, in Darjeeling which is said to take place during the month of February. Losar is celebrated for a fortnight, and the festival begins with people going to rivers or streams to fetch a water bucket. Natives also offer their prayers to the deity for bringing peace, harmony, and love throughout the year. Visitors are served with traditional food of the community, and youngsters perform the famous yak dance.

Saraswati Puja: Saraswati Puja takes place at the end of either January or February. The Bengali and Nepalese communities worship Goddess Saraswati, the Goddess of Knowledge. This festival also marks the beginning of the harvesting season, and the business community created a new book of accounts on this day.

Teesta Tea and Tourism Festival: Another famous Darjeeling festival is the Teesta Tea and Tourism Festival that takes place in the months of November and December. Tourists gather in huge numbers to witness and acknowledge this festival. No one would want to miss this festival as people get an opportunity to relish the popular fragrance of Darjeeling Tea. A plethora of fairs are organized and tea varieties are distributed to foster the festival.