Experience a vibrant journey as you wander through the enchanting trails of Meghalaya in May, where the cool, refreshing climate awakens your senses and nature unfolds its magic at every turn. During the initial part of May, you can experience Meghalaya's vibrant cultural events combined with romantic waterfall views and its beautiful green valleys that will provide you with spiritual relaxation. During the experience, one can discover eastern coastal gems and island energy that combine for adventures. Each journey through this scenic trail alongside the friendly local inhabitants creates a combination of thrilling discoveries and peaceful rest that becomes an eternal memory. Discover the magic of the Northeast with our unforgettable Meghalaya tour packages.
Weather in Meghalaya in May
During May, the season shifts to the pre-monsoonal period in Meghalaya. The Meghalaya weather in May is between 18°C and 25°C, which creates an ideal outdoor exploration environment with its pleasant climate. Shillong experiences gentle temperatures, but Cherrapunji, together with Mawsynram, remain slightly cooler because these locations sit at higher elevations. Light rain falls intermittently to improve the greenery and enhance the natural beauty of the region. May is an ideal time to visit Meghalaya due to its pleasant temperatures, occasional cool hours, and clear visibility.
Suggested Read: Explore the things to do in Meghalaya: A guide to the best activities for you
How to Reach Meghalaya in May?
Travellers can easily reach Meghalaya through its multiple air, rail, and road transportation connections.
By Air: Travellers can reach Shillong through the Umroi Airport, but they will experience restricted flight options. GAU functions as the main international gateway, although it stands at a distance of 120 km from Guwahati. Moving from the airport requires taking a taxi or bus, which leads to Shillong.
By Train: The Guwahati railway station, located in Assam, features connections to key Indian cities including Mumbai, Delhi and Kolkata. Shillong becomes accessible through taxi and bus services starting from Guwahati.
By Road: Shillong can be accessed through frequent bus services that operate along the road network connecting Guwahati with Meghalaya. You can also hire a taxi for a more comfortable journey.
Suggested Read: Meghalaya Backpacking - A Concise Travel Guide
Best Things to Do in Meghalaya in May
During May, Meghalaya displays its lush paradise state through abundant greenery, cascading waterfalls and cool weather conditions. Visitors experience an unforgettable, perfect adventure of kayaking on clear river waters when they visit Meghalaya in May.
1. Trek to the Double Decker Living Root Bridge
Crossing the Double Decker Living Root Bridge in Nongriat requires a thrilling trek beneath rubber tree roots that have successfully intertwined to create this bioengineering feature. Visitors must traverse about 3,500 steps within dense forest surroundings while crossing bridges and spotting waterfalls on this descent. Meghalaya in May presents attractive conditions for trekking with temperatures the northeast between 18°C to 25°C, thus creating a challenging yet rewarding experience.
2. Experience the Serenity of the Dawki and Umngot Rivers
Dawki stands out as a small northeast Indian settlement close to the border with Bangladesh, where the Umngot River demonstrates such transparent waters that boats seem to hover in thin air. During May, the organisation's smooth and natural surroundings area is in green foliage, which creates ideal circumstances for boating activities and picture-taking. The community organisation sponsors an annual boat competition, which enhances the town's special character during this period.
3. Explore the Mystical Mawsmai Caves
In the vicinity of Cherrapunji, one can find Mawsmai Caves which consist of remarkable stalactites and stalagmites throughout numerous limestone chambers. The cave complex occupies 150 meters of open space that gives visitors the chance to see geological features of Meghalaya in May. May presents perfect conditions for exploration since the cave's air temperature cools the body after outside heat exposure.
Suggested Read: Meghalaya - The Forgotten North East Indian State
4. Visit the Cleanest Mawlynnong Village in Asia
The label "God's Own Garden" perfectly fits Mawlynnong because it achieved the designation of Asia's cleanest village. Cleanliness in Mawlynnong results from communal joinery and organised structures for garbage disposal and cultivated garden areas. Visitors can reach the Sky View through the bamboo structure that delivers scenic vistas of both forest scenery and plains in Bangladesh. Natural beauty in the village increases due to its welcoming climate during May.
5. Witness the Majestic Nohkalikai Falls
The tallest plunge waterfall in India reaches 340 meters with its descent from Nohkalikai Falls. The waterfall area blends peaceful green vegetation with an extremely attractive blue-colored bottom pool. The increased water flow from pre-monsoon rainfall beautifies the falls to an extraordinary extent during May. Visitors should experience the viewpoint because it delivers perfect scenic views that appeal to people who enjoy photography.
6. Discover the Sacred Forest of Mawphlang
The Mawphlang Sacred Forest receives respect from the Khasi tribe because they consider it sacred. Various rare medicinal plants and ancient trees grow together with other diverse flora throughout the forest region. Educational tours help visitors learn about tribal traditions and forest life. The pleasant May weather makes trekking through the woods comfortable and enjoyable.
Suggested Read: Meghalaya - The Best Place to Begin Exploring Northeastern India
7. Enjoy the Panoramic Views from Laitlum Canyons
Laitlum Canyon extends its reach to show endless vistas of the hills and valley landscapes. This zone presents a mix of flowing pastureland with steep valleys that cut through the terrain. The month of May in Lower Shillong brings excellent conditions for hiking, together with perfect opportunities to capture memorable photographs, thanks to clear skies and pleasant temperatures. Meghalaya, in May attracts nature admirers because of its peaceful ambience.
8. Relax at Umiam Lake
The artificial lake of Umiam near Shillong shows its massive, serene form among the green hills that surround it. The ideal climate of May allows visitors to engage in boating and kayaking, along with ziplining. The peaceful environment creates an ideal setting for picnics as well as nature walks, along with photography sessions.
9. Shop and Stroll at Police Bazaar
Police Bazaar stands as the most energetic and popular marketplace within Shillong. Police Bazaar maintains its lively and colourful atmosphere in May, along with its wide selection that includes local handicrafts, warm clothes, and delicious street food. Visitors should visit this location to experience local culture while shopping for special mementoes.
Suggested Read: Why You Should Spend 3 Days In Meghalaya?
Top 10 Places to Visit in Meghalaya in May
In May, Meghalaya bursts into life through its abundant greenery, flowing waterfalls, and pleasant climate conditions. This northeastern gem's natural beauty and vibrant culture offer unforgettable experiences for every traveller. Let’s explore the top 10 Places to visit in Meghalaya in May:
1. Shillong
Shillong stands as one of the premier tourist places to visit in Meghalaya during May. Tourists find Shillong appealing for its scenic views, its pleasant Mediterranean temperatures and its distinguished colonial character. Nature enthusiasts find the city their paradise because it sits amid sloping hills and verdant valleys, and many scenic waterfalls. The May visit to Meghalaya creates in the world the best atmosphere for tourists to explore Shillong through its pleasant climate.
2. Cherrapunji
Cherrapunji holds a reputation as the wettest destination globally and functions as a key attraction within MeghMayya in May. The location stands out as prominent for its unusual selection of living root bridges, caves, and waterfalls. The pleasing Meghalaya weather in May offers visitors an ideal opportunity to see natural attractions like the Double Decker Root Bridge, as well as Nohkalikai Falls and Mawsmai Cave.
Suggested Read: Places to Visit in Meghalaya: Exploring Nature's Paradise
3. Mawlynnong Village
Mawlynnong Village stands as the most spotless Asian settlement and ranks among the top places to visit in Meghalaya Visitors seek the village for its spotless natural environment togethe,r with its one-of-a-kind bamboo constructions. The climate of Meghalaya during May creates a perfect setting to discover Mawlynnong in May because it brings together the village's natural peace with pleasant atmospheric conditions.
4. Nohkalikai Falls
Nohkalikai Falls stands as the highest waterfall in Meghalaya while becoming among the most gorgeous attractions in Meghalaya in May. The waterfall is near Cherrapunji, where it drops from 1,100 feet to produce a breathtaking scene. The falls produce mist, while the green surroundings create an unforgettable scenery which coincides perfectly with the pleasant outdoor-friendly Meghalaya weather in May.
5. Elephant Falls
Shillong's most prominent natural attraction is the Elephant Falls. The waterfall exists within evergreen forest surroundings, making it a must-visit site in Meghalaya during May. The rock formation resembling an elephant head at the waterfall entrance once gave the site its name, Elephant Falls, before erosion disappeared the stone. The perfect weather of May enhances the natural beauty of the area because the waterfalls become lush and vibrant.
Suggested Read: Visit the Green Paradise - Meghalaya
6. Smit Village
The cultural experience at Smit Village creates a distinctive environment within Meghalaya. The traditional Khasi architecture and way of life define this village, which stands among the highest-rated places to explore in Meghalaya in May. The May travel conditions in Meghalaya foster a calm environment where visitors experience comforting weather and discover local culture at this serene location.
7. Living Root Bridges
Nature has crafted these Living Root Bridges in Meghalaya to serve as extraordinary wonders. The locals construct these bridges at Nongriat locations through their utilisation of tree root systems. All visitors to Meghalaya must include these bridges on their sightseeing list during their May exploration. The temperature-friendly conditions of May establish a wonderful environment for bridge treks, which provide remarkable adventures.
8. Umiam Lake
The scenic Umiam Lake draws many visitors during May to the Shillong area of Meghalaya. A human-made reservoir located within green hills creates an atmosphere perfect for boating and relaxing and enjoying peaceful times with picnics. Boat rides on Umiam Lake in May are perfect due to pleasant weather conditions.
Suggested Read: Explore Meghalaya in April for a Memorable Getaway
9. Dawki
A town named Dawki sits on the Bangladesh border with its highly transparent river system and postcard-perfect landscapes. Visitors can explore the underexplored destination during May when the climate reaches its ideal condition. Nature enthusiasts regard Dawki because its Umngot River remains the cleanest river in all of India.
10. Mawsmai Cave
The Mawsmai Cave exists at Meghalaya Rural Marvel in proximity to the town of Cherrapunji. Mawsmai limestone formation positions itself as one of the top places to visit in Meghalaya. People interested in cave exploration will certainly find satisfaction at this attraction. The pleasant May climate enhances the thrill of touring the destination.
Meghalaya in May is an excellent journey because it appeals to nature buffs and adventure seekers, alongside peaceful vacationers. The state provides excellent weather conditions that best match its magnificent natural scenery; it is the perfect moment to explore. The town of Shillong, amid misty mountains and the trekking sites of Living Root, with the peaceful Umiam Lake, creates a complete package for everyone in Meghalaya. Make travel arrangements now to discover the greatest destinations in Meghalaya during May.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is it a good time to visit Meghalaya in May?
Yes, May is a great time to visit Meghalaya, as the landscape is lush, and the weather in May is pleasant with occasional drizzles.
2. What is the Meghalaya weather like in May?
The Meghalaya weather in May stays between 18°C and 25°C, making it cool, fresh, and perfect for sightseeing and nature activities.
3. Will it rain in Meghalaya in May?
Yes, it may rain occasionally, but the showers are light and refreshing, adding charm to the beauty of places to visit in Meghalaya during May.
4. Which are the best places to visit in Meghalaya during May?
The top places to visit in Meghalaya in May include Cherrapunji, Dawki, Shillong, Mawlynnong, and Laitlum Canyons for a refreshing summer escape.
5. What to wear when visiting Meghalaya in May?
When visiting Meghalaya, pack light jackets, comfortable shoes, and a raincoat or umbrella to enjoy the cool and sometimes wet weather.