Gangtok Weather & Best Time to Visit

Gangtok like Darjeeling follows similar trends in weather through the year. Although there are some differences in temperature and rainfall between the two places, the overall weather change takes place in tandem in both these two places. So a good season in Gangtok is also a good season in Darjeeling. And this is one main reason why most tourists combine a visit of Gangtok with Darjeeling.

Winter (December to February) is extreme in Gangtok and it can be very cold out there particularly early in the mornings and at nights. The average temperature hovers around 4°C.

Although snowfall in Gangtok town itself is not common, the routes to high altitude places from Gangtok like Tsomgo lake and Nathula Pass often get closed due to heavy snow. Another problem during winter (particularly in February) is the fog. You will often find white blankets of mist blocking the views.

During Monsoon (July - September) you may see continuous rains or cloudy sky. This is the time when landslides also take place cutting off routes. However the entire area becomes lush green and looks so serene without tourists. The month of July sees heaviest rains. Some of the best festivals take place in monsoon.

Most tourists avoid Gangtok during winter and monsoon. Since the demand falls, the hotel and tour rates also get slashed during these periods.

So which is the best time to visit Gangtok?

There are several seasons or time when you can visit and enjoy Gangtok.

Spring (March to April) is a great time. This is when there will be chill in the air but still very pleasant through out the day. Most importantly the sky remains clear and you can usually get great views of Kanchenjunga and the snow mountains. This is a great time for sightseeing and adventure activities.

Another great time is the Summer (May - June). The average temperature hovers around 22°C. Sometimes during the day time it can get quite warm but overall it remains quite comfortable. You will need to wear a light sweater only at night.

Tourists pour in during the summer school vacation time. So expect lots of tourist rush around this time. This is a great time for sightseeing tours as well as activities like white water rafting. Due to rise in demand, the hotel & taxi tour rates also soar. However in summer you may not always get clear sky and great views of now peaks. There can also be short showers at times.

One of the best times to visit Gangtok is during Autumn (October to November). Weather is extremely pleasant although it starts getting a bit cold in November and you will need warm clothes if you visit in November. But a big plus is the clear sky and the beautiful views. Excellent time for sightseeing and fun activities.

You will get month wise Gangtok temperature in the Chart on this page.

You will also get rainfall & sky conditions in Gangtok in the Charts on this page.

Recommended Resources

The eBook on Darjeeling & Sikkim is a great resource to plan your tour and get deep insights into various attractions of Darjeeling, Kalimpong and Sikkim including trips, tours and rides.

1) Know all about tourism in Gangtok

2) Sikkim Tourism Secrets

3) Clothes to carry

Visitors' Reviews/Comments

Shyam Agarwal (May 2022)

Hi Mr. Raj, first of all I must say your website has been my guideline for our upcoming trip to Darjeeling & Gangtok. Many thanks for this wonderful service.

I needed a small advice from you.

We are coming for a 5 nights trip.

9th June - 11th June - Darjeeling

12th June - 14th June - Gangtok

We had planned visiting Nathula, Baba mandir and lake on 12th June, but one of my friend is saying going Nathula in June will be a waste as there will be no snow and rains will make it unworthy to visit and instead we must go somewhere else. Can you please guide us on the same. Regards

Raj (darjeeling-tourism.com) May 2022

Hello, Although real monsoon sets in during July, there can be heavy rains in Gangtok in June as well. But if you carry light raincoats or umbrellas, you can still visit Tsomgo Lake and Baba Mandir. Alternatively, on one of the days, you can make a day trip to Ravangla and see the famous Buddha Park, Ralang Monastery etc., and on the way to Ravangla, visit the beautiful Temi Tea Garden... the road condition from Singtam onwards is not quite good though... one way will take about 2 hours 45 minutes, so you need to start early.

Ujwala Patil (September 2018)

Hi, We are planning to visit Gangtok and Darjeeling during the last week of October. Is it necessary to pack the thermals?

Raj (darjeeling-tourism.com) September 2018

You will need light woolens for nights and early mornings.

Simple (August 2018)

Hi Raj, My name is Simple and I am from Bangalore. I have read all your articles on Darjeeling to get my answers. I am all the more excited to visit Darjeeling and Sikkim this vacation that we are planning in Sept 1st week (04th to 8th Sep). All I want is some confidence about the weather in terms of rain and landslide that are happening all across country now. I am worried as i have a 3 year old boy and hoping no harsh weather during our visit. Can you please advise if Sep is expecting heavy rain or generally it faces heavy rains and any landslide?

Raj (darjeeling-tourism.com) August 2018

Hi, early September is monsoon time in Darjeeling & Sikkim. So you should expect rains. And monsoon is prone to landslides which might cause some road blocks at times. If you stay at Darjeeling & Gangtok towns, chances of facing landslides would be low. Avoid the outskirts or remote places. If you are lucky, you can get some sunny hours too.

Prashant Sinha (August 2018)

Hi, I am planning to visit Darjeeling and Sikkim in the last week of December 2018. I will be accompanied with my Wife and 6 year old Son. I will be reaching New Jalpaiguri on 25th December 2018 by train. Is it right time to visit at end of December? Will there be any place which will not be accessible?

Raj (darjeeling-tourism.com) August 2018

Routes to Nathula and parts of North Sikkim may be closed due to snow. Gangtok is usually full of tourists around that time. It will be very cold... so take winter precautions.

Suba (July 2018)

Hi, I am planning to visit Gangtok on Sep 7th - Sep 12th. I have seen some of the blogs that landslides and routes get closed in Sep month, so is there possibility to visit lachen, lachung in September month. Kindly I need your help. Thanks

Raj (darjeeling-tourism.com) July 2018

September falls in monsoon time in Sikkim and there are chances of landslides during such time which can cause road blocks. The routes in north Sikkim are prone to land slides. So you need to take your chances depending on the prevailing situation.

Satish Kumar (June 2018)

I have read through blog and its wonderfull info you provide. I am planning to visit Darjeeling & Sikkim in June 3rd week. As mentioned in your blogs, June is a monsoon season in Darjeeling. But if I am going to Gangtok and Lachung which are at higher elevation, will rains still be abundant in those areas ? Please guide me if June is a good season to visit or else I shall plan in other time. Thank you.

Raj (darjeeling-tourism.com) June 2018

Monsoon sets in by mid of June in almost all parts of Darjeeling and Sikkim. So expect rains wherever you go in the hills here.

Akhiles Malladi (February 2017)

Hi. I have read through blog and its wonderfull info you provide. I am planning to visit Sikkim in June 3rd week. As mentioned in your blogs, June is a monsoon season in Darjeeling. But if I am going to Gangtok and Lachung which are at higher elevation, will rains still be abundant in those areas ? Please guide me if June is a good season to visit or else I shall plan in October. Thank you.

Raj (darjeeling-tourism.com) February 2017

Hi, plan in October. June end is monsoon time in Sikkim and prone to landslides.

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Gangtok Weather & Best Time to Visit

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