Best time to visit Arunachal Pradesh

Beautifully situated on the slopes of the mighty Himalayan Mountain ranges, Arunachal Pradesh is one of the most picturesque destinations tucked away in the North-eastern part of India. It is one of the seven sisters of North East India. Also known as the ‘Land of Dawn-Lit Mountains’, the state is home to some of the most beautiful landscapes you may have ever seen in India.

Arunachal Pradesh boasts of spectacular natural beauty surrounded by misty snowy mountains, panoramic vistas, majestic waterfalls, serene lakes, lush green valleys and verdant forests. The state has boasts of the largest diversity of birds and mammals. The place is dotted with ancient monasteries, snow-blanketed passes and enchanting sightseeing places. The state lets you experience the best of nature, adventure, and spirituality.

Planning to visit Arunachal Pradesh? Here is a detailed guide on the best time to visit Arunachal Pradesh with the season-wise breakup including details of weather, temperature and overall climate.

Best time to visit Arunachal Pradesh

Arunachal Pradesh can be visited throughout the year. Since it is located at a high altitude, the weather here remains pleasant throughout the year, making it a year-round tourist destination. The winters as well as summers are quite bearable here and thus attracts a large number of tourists.

Arunachal Pradesh in Winters (October to February)

Located in the upper Himalayan range, Arunachal Pradesh experiences alpine and tundra weather. The temperature during winter season fluctuates between 8°C and 14°C. It gets really chilly but refreshing during winters. With freezing temperatures, the winter makes this place look like a dreamland.

The days are graced with warm and pleasant sunshine while evenings and nights get very cold, adding to a perfect setting for winter vacation. When the winter sets in, the state also experiences light rainfall specially in hill regions like Pasighat and Tezu.

The temperature in hilly regions like Tawang and Bomdila remains very cold between 5°C to 15°C where as in the low-lying areas such as Pasighat and Tezu it is relatively milder, ranging from 10°C to 20°C.

If you are someone who enjoys cool breeze, cold weather and snow, it is the perfect time to plan a vacation to Arunachal Pradesh. During winters, you can enjoy adventure activities like hiking and trekking in the picturesque regions of Ziro and Bomdila. Furthermore, during peak wwinters, you can enjoy skiing amidst the rugged mountains.

You can also immerse yourself in a range of winter festivals such as Nyokum Yullo and Chalo Loku which are celebrated every year during the month of February. Another fun-filled festival celebrated every year in the month of January is Pangsau Pass Winter Festival. Additionally, Losar Festival is also celebrated in February.

Arunachal Pradesh in Summer (March to June)

Summers in Arunachal Pradesh are pleasant and not too harsh. The average temperatures across the hill regions of Arunachal Pradesh remain pleasant around 15°C to 25°C, while the low-lying areas remain warmer with average temperature of up to 30°C, making Arunachal Pradesh an ideal destination to enjoy summer vacations.

The days can be seen as sunny and bright with clear skies. The afternoons can be hot and may make you feel sweaty. But, unlike the northern region, summer in Arunachal Pradesh is not excruciating. After sun sets, the evening becomes cooler and pleasant, enabling comfortable outdoor exploration.

During summer in Arunachal Pradesh, you can enjoy birdwatching, visit wildlife sanctuaries, capture the beauty of serene lakes, go trekking through lush green forests, enjoy hiking and experiencing the rich cultural heritage at the several ancient Buddhist monasteries in the state.

During summer season, various festivals are celebrated across Arunachal Pradesh. These include Nyokum Festival in Itanagar i.e. celebrated by the Nyishi tribe.

Arunachal Pradesh in Monsoon (July to September)

Arunachal Pradesh receives a generous amount of rainfall around 2000 to 3000 mm during monsoon season, particularly in the months of July. The region sees considerable precipitation, with some areas getting more rainfall than others.

The daytime temperature during monsoon season ranges from 22°C to 28°C and nighttime temperature fall to 18°C to 23°C. During monsoon months, the summer heat is completely washed out and the landscapes turn into a greener paradise with full bloom.

If you enjoy the cozy weather, cloudy skies, the melodious sounds of rain and natural beauty all around, Arunachal Pradesh guarantee you that in the monsoon season. You will see expansive green carpets everywhere with a lot of freshness in the environment.

Besides, if you visit Arunachal Pradesh between July and September, you will get to experience the cultural side of the state through its festivals like Dree Festival, Siang River Festival, the festival of Solang Nyokum, and more. Moreover, the very famous Ziro Festival of Music is also celebrated every year during September, which definitely is a great reason to plan a monsoon trip to Arunachal Pradesh.

If you are planning a trip to Arunachal Pradesh in monsoon, beware of landslides due to intense rainfall. Besides, there is also a possibility of floods in the North East in rainy season so you should keep that in mind too. However, if you can bear that risk, Nuranang Falls and Bap Teng Kang Falls can be great places to visit.