Meghalaya, India: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2022]
Empty Lighthouse is a reader-supported site. This article may contain affiliate links to Amazon and other sites. We earn a commission on purchases made through these links.
Traveling to Meghalaya, India? You'll get to experience the beautiful tropical flora and fauna, and explore some amazing caves.
If you're planning to go to Meghalaya, below is some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.
Contents
- When to go to Meghalaya
- Important essentials for Meghalaya
- Activities for Meghalaya
- Meghalaya in January: weather and what to pack
- Meghalaya in February: weather and what to pack
- Meghalaya in March: weather and what to pack
- Meghalaya in April: weather and what to pack
- Meghalaya in May: weather and what to pack
- Meghalaya in June: weather and what to pack
- Meghalaya in July: weather and what to pack
- Meghalaya in August: weather and what to pack
- Meghalaya in September: weather and what to pack
- Meghalaya in October: weather and what to pack
- Meghalaya in November: weather and what to pack
- Meghalaya in December: weather and what to pack

About your travel guide
Hi! I'm Dev. I've traveled all over the world and in my travels, I have made many packing lists. In this series, my team and I have compiled the most useful information, as well as things we couldn't live without, to help you plan your trip.
When to go to Meghalaya, India
Based on the climate and weather in Meghalaya, the best time to go is November. However, when you go really depends on what you want to do. See below for details.
Important essentials for Meghalaya, India
Here are some general tips on what to wear in Meghalaya, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.
IMPORTANT COVID-19 ESSENTIALS
N95 masks
These N95 masks provide the best level of protection available.
Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is an easy-to-carry plane-friendly choice.
Kids' KN95 masks
N95 masks aren't sold for kids. These are a good alternative (and can also be used by adults if N95 masks are not available).
A vaccine card protector
Vaccine cards can get worn. An unreadable card may result in severe consequences. This vaccine card protector helps avoid that.
-
Proof of COVID-19 vaccination/negative test
Touchless thermometer
A touchless thermometer is important to have.
Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
Other health necessities
-
If you are planning to trek through the rainforest, or go caving or hiking, you should get good quality travel insurance. Rescue costs and hospital transport costs can be high in these rural areas. You can compare options here
Emergency water purifier
Most areas may have potentially unsafe tap water, so it's useful to have an emergency water purifier like this one.
Travel first aid kit
This one is a good one.
Emergency rapid COVID-19 test
U.S. residents can get them free here. Otherwise, you can buy them here.
Emergency motion sickness relief
Don't forget these
For families with young children
Airplane or car necessities
Money/passport pouch
A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.
Photography accessories
- cell phone photography gimbal
- camera drone for outdoor shots
- extra batteries
- extra memory cards
Power bank for devices
A portable power bank, like this one
Voice and data SIM card
A SIM card that works in Meghalaya. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.
Plug adapter
A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, D and M. This one should be sufficient for most places, but you should check with your hotel.
Activities for Meghalaya, India
Here are some activity recommendations and activity-specific packing tips for Meghalaya.
You will likely do a lot of trekking in Meghalaya. If you see Elephant Falls, or the Krang Suri Waterfall, or Umiam Lake, you will need to hike long distances. You will also want to trek through the rainforest and see the amazing living root bridges or go exploring in caves like Krem Liat Prah. You should definitely have high quality trekking gear when you go to this area:
Good hiking shoes
These are designed for this kind of trekking (and caving). They can breathe and can get wet, and they have strong grip on wet rocks, which is important in caves.
Binoculars
Like these are excellent for spotting rare animals on your treks
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
Small portable cooler
You will want to take a lot of water, so make sure to bring a portable cooler.
If you go to Nartiang Durga Temple, or any of the other beautiful temples in the area, be sure to wear respectful clothing such as the following:
What to wear/what to pack for Meghalaya, India by month
Already know when you're traveling?
January
January for Meghalaya is a perfect temperature and very dry with almost no rain. Temperatures average in the 70s F (low 20s C) during the day.
What to wear/what to pack:
Bug repellent
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
Sandals
Breathable footwear or sandals
Extra socks
Light skirts
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
Short pants or heavy shorts
Sunscreen lotion
February
February here is a perfect temperature and very dry with almost no rain. Temperatures average in the high 70s F (mid 20s C) during the day.
What to wear/what to pack:
Bug repellent
Sunscreen lotion
Short pants or heavy shorts
Light skirts
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
Sandals
Extra socks
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
March
March in Meghalaya is constantly hot. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the 70s F (low 20s C) to 80s F (low 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
Waterproof sandals
Sunglasses
Bug repellent
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses include UV protection and cool you.
Breatheable shirts
A breatheable shirt can cool you down quickly and protect you from UV rays:
Loose-fit shorts
Insulated water bottle
Our fave:
Skirts
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
A rain poncho to layer with another jacket
100% waterproof footwear
We use rain boots:
Rain pants
These pants will be a lifesaver in heavy rain.
Waterproof phone bag
Windproof umbrella
This one is a perfect option.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings remain dry. We suggest:
April
April in Meghalaya is really hot. Temperatures average in the high 80s F (low 30s C) during the day. It rains a bit less than half of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
Sunglasses
Waterproof sandals
Skirts
Breatheable shirts
A cooling shirt can keep you comfortable and guard against skin damage:
Insulated water bottle
Our best choice:
Bug repellent
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses to provide UV protection and cool you.
Loose-fit shorts
A rain jacket to layer with a coat
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend these rain boots:
Rain pants
These can be vital in a storm.
Waterproof phone bag
Windproof umbrella
This one is a perfect choice.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things don't get wet. We like:
May
May in this region is consistently hot. Temperatures average in the 80s F (low 30s C) during the day. It rains about half of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
Breatheable shirts
A cooling shirt can keep you comfortable and protect you from skin damage:
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
Insulated water bottle
Our fave:
Waterproof sandals
Bug repellent
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses offer UV protection and keep you cool.
Sunglasses
Skirts
Loose-fit shorts
A rain poncho to layer with a coat
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend rain boots:
Rain pants
These pants can be a lifesaver in a storm.
Waterproof phone bag
Umbrella
This one is a great one to buy.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings remain dry. We suggest:
June
If you vacation in Meghalaya during June, you may find that it can be sweltering. Temperatures tend to hover around the 80s F (low 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the 70s F (mid 20s C). In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain about half of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
Waterproof sandals
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses to provide UV protection and help you stay cool.
Breatheable shirts
A good breatheable shirt can make you comfortable and guard against skin damage:
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
Bug repellent
Loose-fit shorts
Insulated water bottle
Our first choice:
Sunglasses
Skirts
A rain coat to layer with a jacket
100% waterproof footwear
We like these rain boots:
Rain pants
These will be a lifesaver in heavy rain.
Waterproof phone bag
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is an excellent option.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags don't get wet. We suggest:
July
Traveling to Meghalaya in July, you will notice that it can be very hot. Expect it to rain about half of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the 80s F (low 30s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses offer UV protection and keep you cool.
Bug repellent
Insulated water bottle
Our fave:
Waterproof sandals
Loose-fit shorts
Sunglasses
Breatheable shirts
A breatheable shirt can make you comfortable and guard against UV rays:
Skirts
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
A rain coat to layer with a jacket
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest rain boots:
Rain pants
Rain pants are a lifesaver in a rainstorm.
Waterproof phone bag
Windproof umbrella
This one is a great option.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags stay dry. We recommend:
August
August in Meghalaya is constantly hot. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the 80s F (low 30s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
Loose-fit shorts
Waterproof sandals
Sunglasses
Breatheable shirts
A cooling shirt can make you comfortable and protect you from skin damage:
Skirts
Bug repellent
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
Insulated water bottle
Our fave:
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses to provide UV protection and keep you cool.
A rain coat to layer with a coat
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend rain boots:
Rain pants
These pants are a lifesaver in a storm.
Waterproof phone bag
Windproof umbrella
This one is a great choice.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings don't get wet. We suggest:
September
September in this region is consistently hot. Temperatures average in the 80s F (low 30s C) during the day. It rains about a third of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
Sunglasses
Bug repellent
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses include UV protection and help you stay cool.
Insulated water bottle
Our pick:
Loose-fit shorts
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
Breatheable shirts
A cooling shirt can keep you cool and guard against skin damage:
Skirts
Waterproof sandals
A rain coat to layer with another jacket
100% waterproof footwear
We like rain boots:
Rain pants
These will be vital in a storm.
Waterproof phone bag
Umbrella
This one is a great option.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases stay dry. We like:
October
October for Meghalaya is pretty consistently hot. Temperatures average in the 80s F (high 20s C) during the day. It rains once in a while.
What to wear/what to pack:
Sunglasses
Loose-fit shorts
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
Waterproof sandals
Insulated water bottle
Our pick:
Breatheable shirts
A good breatheable shirt can keep you cool and protect you from skin damage:
Bug repellent
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses to provide UV protection and help you stay cool.
Skirts
A rain jacket to layer with another jacket
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest these rain boots:
Rain pants
These will be a lifesaver in a rainstorm.
Waterproof phone bag
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a perfect choice.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags remain dry. We suggest:
November
If you visit Meghalaya during November, you are likely to see that it is hot and very dry with almost no rain. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 80s F (high 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 60s F (high 10s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
Short pants or heavy shorts
Sandals
Sunscreen lotion
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
Light skirts
Bug repellent
Extra socks
Breathable footwear or sandals
December
If you go to Meghalaya in December, you will notice that it is a perfect temperature and very dry with almost no rain. Daytime temperatures are in the 70s F (mid 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
Bug repellent
Light skirts
Sunscreen lotion
Breathable footwear or sandals
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
Sandals
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
Extra socks
Short pants or heavy shorts
Questions and answers about Meghalaya, India tourism
What are the best Meghalaya resorts?
The best Meghalaya resorts are Ri Kynjai, Jiva resort, and Polo Orchid resort
Where can I find Meghalaya tour packages
Your travel agent can help you come up with a full Meghalaya tour package
Is there more information on Meghalaya Shillong on Empty Lighthouse?
Here is more information on Meghalaya Shillong
What are the top Meghalaya attractions?
The top tourist places/attractions in Meghalaya are the many parks, such as Lady Hydari Park, the falls, the caves, and the lakes, like Umiam Lake.
Check out our guides for these other locations: Alfreton, England, United Kingdom, Dartford, England, United Kingdom, Pevek, Russia, Owensboro, Kentucky, United States of America, Queenstown, Tasmania, Australia, MetroWest, Massachusetts, United States of America, Qingzhou, China, Mission Viejo, California, United States of America, Langen, Germany, Redhill, England, United Kingdom, and Zhytomyr, Ukraine.