Which Is The Best Time To Visit Sikkim? – Travel Guide

Sep 16, 2022

Last Updated on: Aug 26, 2025

Travel Guides

Sikkim is a small kingdom state tucked wavy into the lap of the Himalayas. It is known for its culture, heritage, and, of course, beautiful scenic beauty. Here in this beautiful city, you can experience a peaceful atmosphere among the mountains and the greenery.

But do you know when the best time to visit Sikkim is? If not, then continue to scroll down this article.

Welcome To Sikkim!

Sikkim is among those places in India that you need to visit once to gaze upon the beautiful Kangchenjunga, the highest mountain peak in India and the third highest in the World. Here you will see the beautiful harmony between modern and traditional cultures and heritage.

Tourists visit this beautiful state in India practically all year round. But like any other tourist destination, there is the best time to visit Sikkim as well. You can visit Sikkim with both your friends and always with your family. There is a lot to do for everyone here in Sikkim.

Best Time To Visit Sikkim

Whether you are visiting Sikkim for a solo or a big fat family vacation, or a getaway with your friends, these are the months you look for to travel.

March – June ☀️July – October November – February ❄️ 
5c – 25c4c – 17c-5c – 7c

Sikkim has a lot of beautiful places to visit with different scenic beauties. So the terrains and beauty you will witness in the North of Sikkim will be very different in South Sikkim.

March – June

March to June is considered the best time to visit Sikkim. The weather is pleasant, and you won’t have any problem traveling to different places. There won’t be any roadblocks like during winter or monsoon. 

During this time, you can easily enjoy the beautiful flowers that will fully bloom during these months. And as for gazing upon the beautiful mountain peaks, you can easily see the Kanchenjunga due to the lack of rain or snow clouds. However, due to pleasant weather, the mountain peaks are visible.

July – October

From July to October, it is considered the monsoon season. The first few showers of rain nourish the mountains and the hills. It rejuvenates the beautiful green landscape.

But it is advised that you not visit any hilly region during the monsoon months, as the danger of roadblocks and even landslides are dangerous for tourists. However, you can plan to stay here but try to avoid Northern Sikkim.

November – February

November to February are the winter months and the best time to visit Sikkim to see snow. The whole landscape is covered in a thick layer of beautiful fluffy snow, which looks like something out of a painting.

If you are capable of handling the snow, then surely you should visit Sikkim during these months to experience it fully. If you are lucky enough, you can even witness snowfall here. So for Christmas, have a white winter wonderland here in Sikkim.

Different Climates In Sikkim

Like any other tourist destination, you can divide each season into months, and on the basis of that, you can plan your trip

☀️Summer In Sikkim

The summertime in Sikkim is an enjoyable time for tourists to visit the hill station. Therefore, if you are looking for Sikkim best time to visit, then I will advise you during the summertime.

But even though it is the summertime, don’t forget to bring woolen clothes, as the temperature might drop at any time. It is easier for sightseeing in such pleasant and clear weather. So it is the best time to visit Gangtok Sikkim, the Yumthang valley, and Rumtek Monastery.

☔Monsoon In Sikkim

During the monsoon months, Sikkim usually gets heavy showers each year, and this causes roadblocks and landslides each year. Although the weather during these months is chilly, you can enjoy it a lot. 

One of the best advantages of the months is that you can get many discounts on travel and hotels since it is off-season. So you can take advantage of that.

❄️Winter In Sikkim

The snowy months are the best time to visit Sikkim Gangtok. The valley and the mountains are covered in beautiful layers of white snow; it is just like heaven. The temperature falls to -5 degree celsius, so don’t forget to bring enough warm clothes and gear along with you.

Even though the weather is quite chilly, it is bearable, and you won’t feel any discomfort due to the cold. There are a lot of snow sports you can enjoy at this time, like snowboarding and skiing. So I would recommend to you the best time to visit Sikkim is during the winter months.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

Now that you know which is the best time to visit Sikkim, if you have any more questions, then here are some of the questions asked by others.

1. How Many Days Are Sufficient For Sikkim Trip?

Ans: Sikkim is considered to be one of the most beautiful and heavenly places in India. So as to explore the place in its entirety, then you would require about 12-15 days to the max. But if you want to skip a few places, then you can say there for about 8 to 10 days as well.

2. Where Is Snowfall In Sikkim?

Ans: To experience snowfall and snow, you have to travel towards Northern Sikkim. Places such as Yumthang Valley, Zero Point, and Gurudongmar Lake are a few of the areas in Northern Sikkim that experience snow and snowfall during the winter months.

3. Which Is The Coldest Place In Sikkim?

Ans: The coldest place in the whole of Sikkim is a part of the Northern Sikkim called Zero Point. It is best for its snow-covered valleys and landscape. If you want to enjoy beautiful snow, then this is the place for you.

Visit Now!

Now that you know what the best time to visit Sikkim is, you can easily plan your next trip to Sikkim. Don’t forget to pack enough warm clothes and necessary gear to beat the chilly weather. 

If you find this article helpful, then write down in the comment section which is your favorite hill station in India or in the World.

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Nabamita Sinha loves to write about lifestyle and pop-culture. In her free time she loves to watch movies and TV series and experiment with food. Her favourite niche topics are fashion, lifestyle, travel and gossip content. Her style of writing is creative and quirky.

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February Vacation Ideas for a 9 to 5 Corporate Girlie! 

BY  sagnika Feb 13, 2025

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A two-week vacation that includes a bit of adventure, a bit of fun, and loads of beautiful memories to keep you going for the rest of the year. Comment below on what is your favorite vacation ideas or plans during February and why!  Also read Luxury Antarctica Holidays | Beautiful Places In Antarctica. Best Romantic Experiences In Orlando | A Travel Guide For Couples. You Cannot Miss These Things To Do In Wilmington, NC (With Tour And Travel Tips And Tricks)

READ MORE Great Barrier Island beach guide

The Great Barrier Island Beach Guide: What Are The Best Beaches On The Great Barrier Island, New Zealand? 

BY  Sibashree Nov 17, 2025

The beaches add to the laid-back vibe and off-the-grid living of the Great Barrier Island, New Zealand. Surfing breaks, boating, canoeing, or just relaxing by the sea, the beaches are ideal for families, surfers, couples, nature seekers, and solo travelers.  Furthermore, it is the largest island of the Hauraki Gulf in the Auckland region, and it has protected the Auckland Harbour from the rampage of the Pacific Ocean and storms. It is now a Dark Sky Sanctuary and a boating paradise.  Also, while exploring the beaches of the Great Barrier Island, I saw a remarkable difference between the eastern and western beaches. The beaches on the eastern side have long white surf beaches and high cliffs. On the other hand, the beaches on the western side are way calmer and have deep, sheltered harbors.  Tryphena, on the southwestern side of the Great Barrier Island, is the largest settlement. The calmer and picturesque beaches of Tryphena are ideal for families. These are also ideal for spotting dolphins.  Whangaparapara Harbour, on the southeastern side, is another important beach location on the Great Barrier Island. I was fortunate enough to meet Tony & Carol Litherland, who have been living on a catamaran here since October 1979.  So, the top beaches to visit on Great Barrier Island, New Zealand, are beyond water and sand. They are the telltales of human history and home to distinct ecosystems.  In this article, I will share the Great Barrier Island beach guide, which will include the top beaches to visit on Great Barrier Island, including hidden gems, pet-friendly spots, and insider tips. What Are The Top Beaches To Visit On The Great Barrier Island?  The beaches of the Great Barrier Island get transformed into a planetarium after sundown. 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However, they have to stop at 100 meters north of the creek.  However, for me, the biggest attraction of the Medlands Beach has been the Good Heavens Dark Sky. In my Great Barrier Island travel tips, I have mentioned how the sunset moments were magical, adding to our anticipation for the stargazing moments.  2. Awana Beach The Awana Beach, on the eastern coast of the Great Barrier Island, is a popular surfing destination. The DoC campground on the northern end is a favorite spot for watching wetland birds.  Awana Beach is also a prominent location for wildlife tours in the Great Barrier Island for spotting marine life.  3. Kaitoke Beach On our way from Auckland to the Great Barrier Island, we met the long sandy stretch of Kaitoke Beach. Our flight overlooked the Kaitoke beach on its way to the runway.  It is a popular spot for watching hammerhead sharks and sting rays. 4. 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Kids love to splash around these pools when the tide goes away.  From here, you can go to the southern end and take the walkway over to Mulberry Grove. 8. Mulberry Grove Beach The Mulberry Grove Beach on the Tryphena harbour is easily accessible. It is ideal for snorkeling, swimming, and boat launching.  Furthermore, the Mulberry Grove store behind the beach, a playground for young children, and the half pipe for skaters are some of the popular attractions of Mulberry Grove Beach.  You can also spot nesting native birds here. Moreover, indulging in an ice cream or fish and chips and watching the Sun go down with your family will be the most delightful moments on the Mulberry Grove Beach.  Camping And Eco Stays Near These Popular Camping Sites In Great Barrier Island, New Zealand The DoC campsites and eco-friendly lodges are the best options for staying near these beaches.  BeachesNearby AccommodationsMedlands Beach Campsite, Harataonga Beach Campsite, Awana Beach CampsiteDoC CampsitesMedlands BeachMedlands Beach Lodge• Address: Medlands Beach 149 Sandhills Road, Medlands, Tryphena 0961, New Zealand• Contact No: +64 9 429 0335 What Are The Best Beaches For Photography And Drone Footage? Kaitoke Beach is the ideal destination for sunrise photography. The beaches suitable for sunset photography are Blind Bay, Tryphena Bay, and Medlands Beach.  For drone photography during golden hours, use ND filters. Also, respect the privacy of the designated zones and ensure that flying birds are not harmed by flying drones.  What Is The Family-Friendly Beach Guide? Harataonga and Gooseberry Flat are the best options if you are on holiday on the Great Barrier Island with your family. These have shared areas, picnic tables, and toilets.  When exploring the family-friendly beaches of the Great Barrier Island, you will have to bring reef shoes, especially for hiking in the rocky areas. Moreover, determine the child safety zones by monitoring the tides.  What Are The Hidden Beaches And Local Secrets Of The Great Barrier Island? Yes, Kaitoke, Medlands, and Awana are the best crowd pullers of the Great Barrier Island. However, as I talked to the locals, they suggested some really cool hidden gems. These, with their unkempt beauty, helped us connect to the wild spirit of Aotea.  1. Puriri Bay North of the Tryphena Harbour, Puriri Bay is a quiet beach with a rocky shoreline. The low tide makes pockets of dark sand on the shore.  Puriri Bay is also famous for spotting dolphins in the summer season.  2. Schooner Bay Schooner Bay is another hidden gem near Tryphena. Visiting Schooner Bay is a bit of adventure and fun at the same time. You have to pass through a winding road to reach this spot.  It is a favorite for stargazers and couples, and with a cliffside landscape, it is one of the quietest beaches in the Great Barrier Island, New Zealand. The silence here is so powerful that the experience is almost spiritual.  3. Nagle’s Cove Nagle’s Cove is on the Northwest coast near Orama and Kawa. Framed by native bush and volcanic ridges, it exudes a remote and pristine vibe. You have to access it via a kayak or a boat, as there is no marked trail.  In addition, Motairehe Marae, affiliated with Ngātiwai Ki Aotea, is an important community center for weddings, social celebrations, and funerals.  Why These Hidden Beaches Are The Attractions You Must Not Miss? The hidden beaches of Great Barrier Island are beyond scenic. As cultural treasures or cultural taonga of the Great Barrier Island, New Zealand, they stand for the off-the-grid lifestyle.  They are also the telltale signs of the Māori heritage, and community spirit. To respect the local heritage and culture, you must stick to the following practices.  Avoiding Nesting Bird Zones  Leaving No Trace Staying on the Marked Path Cooperating with Biosecurity Measures  How To Explore These Hidden Beaches On The Great Barrier Island?  Renting an electric bike or a 4WD is the best way to explore the hidden beaches on the Great Barrier Island. Also, as always, it is best to take suggestions from the locals and cafe owners.  They can guide you to the best unnamed spots and directions where Google Maps fails or the network is unavailable.  Also, it’s unfortunate that we could not meet Benny Bellerby during our trip. But, he is like a wizard of the conservation process and stargazing on the Great Barrier Island. He is the adventure operator of Star Treks and is the most passionate about protecting the cultural and natural heritage of the island.  In addition, I have already mentioned Tony & Carol Litherland, who live on a catamaran on the Whangaparapara Harbour, epitomizing the signature hospitality of Great Barrier Island, New Zealand.  What Are The Adventure Add-Ons Near These Beaches Of The Great Barrier Island?  Glenfern Sanctuary, Windy Canyon, and the Kaitoke Hot Spring are the attractions near the beaches of the Great Barrier Island.  1. Glenfern Sanctuary Glenfern Sanctuary opens your door to the Kotuku Peninsula. It is located in the northwest of Great Barrier Island, and it takes us through nearby walking tracks such as the Cooper’s Castle Track. Aotea Track and Old Lady Track.  Furthermore, it is a must-visit to experience how biosecurity and the endeavors to protect the endangered plants, animals, and birds are essential for the Great Barrier Island.  2. Windy Canyon Windy Canyon and the Palmers Track, which continued from there, is one of the most picturesque hiking routes on the Great Barrier Island.  Along with being the route to Mount Hobson, it is also home to many rare species, such as black petrel and tomtit. Moreover, North Island robins are being reintroduced on this route. So, it is a wholesome hiking and birdwatching experience.  3. Kaitoke Hot Springs The walk to the sulphurous Kaitoke Hot Springs continues along the edge of the Kaitoke Swamp. It is one of the most accessible tracks with pushchairs, and the walk through the ancient shoreline continues through the Kaitoke wetlands and kānuka forest.  Furthermore, the umbrella fern and orchids near the creek keep the path filled with colors. Also, a nature soak after a long beach day feels very refreshing. What Are The Best Conservation And Safety Tips?  Aotea is not just a scenic destination. It’s a culturally rich and ecologically sensitive island with deep Māori heritage and a close-knit community. Respecting local customs and beach etiquette is essential for a positive experience and responsible tourism. 1. Respecting The Maori Heritage And Sacred Sites Avoid trespassing on private land or areas marked as tapu (sacred). Do not touch or move carvings, stones, or natural markers, as they may hold spiritual significance. Ask before photographing people or cultural sites, especially near marae (Māori meeting grounds). Learn basic greetings like “Kia ora” and show appreciation for local stories and traditions. 2. Being Mindful With Pets There are designated on-leash and off-leash areas on the Great Barrier Island, New Zealand. Furthermore, walking with the pets through the bird nesting areas, especially in the breeding season, is an absolute No-No.  Furthermore, after hiking, you have to clean your pet to stop soil transfer and prevent the resurgence of the Kauri Dieback disease. Proper disposal of the pets is also very important.  Moreover, you must be aware of the conservation and pet policies of the ferries and accommodations before taking them as your companions.  3. Leaving No Trace The Great Barrier Island does not have strategically placed dustbins. So, you will have to pack and carry all the biodegradable items, food scraps, and rubbish, especially when you are hiking and camping.  There is a dumping ground at Claris Landfill PDS at 70 Gray Road for cleaning the campervans and caravans. In addition, you cannot use detergent or soap when swimming on the beaches, as the practice can impact the marine life.  Moreover, staying on the marked trails while hiking is necessary to ensure protection of the flora and fauna from the Kauri Dieback Disease.  4. Respecting The Peace And Privacy If you are staying in eco lodges or near the residential areas, you have to keep your noise level in check, and you cannot play loud music. You have to be more mindful, especially when camping on the beaches.  In addition, be careful when using drones near the sacred sites and wildlife of the Great Barrier Island. You may need permission from local authorities for the same. 5. Being Safe During Swimming And Other Water Activities We could rarely find a lifeguard on the beaches of Aotea. Still, the western beaches of the Great Barrier Island are calmer and suitable for swimming. Also, you have to ensure that you are not blocking the surfing zones.  Stingrays and Jellyfish are common in the shallow waters of the Tryphena Harbour. So, be careful when swimming.  6. Supporting Local Sustainability Efforts We can support the local economy of the Great Barrier Island by shopping at the shops and businesses owned by the Island. Furthermore, you can protect marine life by wearing a reef-safe sunscreen.  Also, participate in beach cleanups and local cleanup activities. In addition, stick to the water conservation rules of the Great Barrier Island, as the supply of fresh drinking water is limited on the island.  7. Ask, Listen, And Learn You cannot know the Great Barrier Island unless you are talking to the locals. The island is the cradle of the incredible Maori heritage, and it is them who told us about Kupe, the mythical navigator and one of the first people to arrive on the Great Barrier Island.  The Okupu settlement or Ō-Kupe-Mai-Tawhiti is named after him.  8. Transport Tips Take a Barrier Air flight from Auckland to reach the Great Barrier Island in New Zealand. You can even take a SeaLink ferry and reach the Great Barrier Island from Auckland in 4.5 hours.  Also, once you reach the Great Barrier Island, you will have to rent a car, e-bike, or scooter to move across the rugged landscape of the island.  9. Embracing Local Culture Off-the-grid living is the essence of the Aotea Great Barrier Island, New Zealand. So, you will not find any banks or ATMs on the island.  You will have to pay by EFTPOS or credit card. However, sometimes the local businesses may refuse to take cards. So, carry enough cash to support your stay and other expenses on the Great Barrier Island.  Why The Beaches Of The Great Barrier Island Will Be On Your Bucket List?  Are you chasing waves, or are you seeking solitude and moments of introspection by the waters? The beaches of Great Barrier Island are ideal for both types of experiences. Add to that the rugged landscape and rich flora and fauna of the Great Barrier Island.  Before you plan your trip, you can read this Great Barrier Island beach guide to experience the magic of Aotea.

READ MORE Best time to visit Saudi Arabia

What Is The Best Time To Visit Saudi Arabia?

BY  Sibashree Jan 11, 2025

Thinking about what's the best Time To Visit Saudi Arabia? The colder months are always the best time to visit Saudi Arabia. Most tourists come here for the purpose of their Hajj. But, Saudi is also a place for exploration apart from it being a pilgrimage for the Muslims.  It’s a big country that tends to have different climes. This region has desert, mountain, and coastal regions. While some places have reasonably pleasant winters, others are better suited for visits during the colder months.  As for the history of the kingdom and its culture, it will also be interesting to mention. Tourists come to see historical and archaeological sites, as well as modern structures and places of worship. Travel agencies providing Islamic Travel Agency, including flights,  frequently offer additional services during the visit. So, what’s the best time to visit Saudi Arabia? Read on to find out the right answer.  How to Choose the Best Time to Visit Saudi Arabia?  The time to go also differs. 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Summer heat can be intense in the central and the Northern areas of this country. However, temperatures remain tolerable, especially in the Western and southern parts of the country.  Basically, the southern and central kingdom’s best temperatures for traveling are from October to April. Choose Umrah packages including flights in winter during your pilgrimage. Cultural Events invite There are several cultural holidays observed in the KSA. It is critical to eat local cuisine and enjoy the atmosphere of festivals and other religious events.  The most specific rite is Hajj, which is performed once per year and involves a pilgrimage to the city of Mecca. This convenience occurs in the Islamic lunar calendar month of Dhu al-Hijjah. It can occur in summer or early in the next autumn.  Regarding the various events of Hajj. However, the spiritual pilgrimage is limited to Muhammad's followers, many other parts are open to tourism. The Janadriyah Festival is probably one of the most famous festivals in the KSA.  It takes place in Riyadh annually in February or March. The celebration pays homage to Saudi traditions and customs. There are traditional dances, songs, cuisine, etc. If you're interested in the country's culture, now is a great moment to visit the kingdom.  The other event is Saudi National Day which takes place on September 23. It is commemorated by a decorated parade and a fireworks display. Best Time to Visit Saudi Arabia for Outdoor Activities There is no better time to visit the KSA for outdoor activities than before the summer. From October to April, the weather is fairly good for surviving and enjoying outdoor activities. The best seasons for trekking, hiking, and other forms of natural exploitation are spring and fall.  There are lower odds of encountering a desert. If you are planning for a Hajj package, this is an ideal time. The Asir region in the southwest has cooler climatic conditions, and it formed terrains endowed with natural beauty. The majority of the region is mountainous, providing excellent opportunities for outdoor sports; the climate is temperate all year. The summer resort area is located in the 'Asir region, which is also home to the city of Abha. On the other hand, the climate of different cities in the desert is very hot in summer. Exploring the desert dunes is best done in the winter because the heat is too harsh for travelers.  Ideal Time for Visiting Coastal Regions The country has a good length of shoreline along the Red Sea and Arabian Gulf. There are some stunning sandy beaches and fauna in the coastal areas.  This is because October through April, the dry season, is the best time of year to explore these places. It can be smelly during the summer, and the beaches are not all that comfortable. Jeddah, the biggest city on the Red Sea coast has beautiful beaches for sun tanning and beautiful resorts. A lot of tourists choose Hajj packages, including those coming in search of snow during the winter season.  The breeze is ideal for sunbathing and swimming in the tempting, clean waters of the sea. These events create a frenzy of festivals, and different celebrations happen throughout the city during this time. In contrast to the Red Sea coast, the Arabian Gulf coast, which includes Dammam and Al Khobar, experiences scorching summers. Consider Ramadan when Planning Your Visit When arranging your trip to the Kingdom, you should also consider the Ramadan time. This is the Islamic month of fasting. Ramadan is an Islamic lunar month. The dates for observing it vary from one year to another. It is a special time when even the daily rhythm in the KSA is quite different. During Ramadan, many establishments and tourist destinations have shortened hours. While some travelers avoid visiting during Ramadan, others eagerly await the opportunity to tour the kingdom.  Avoid eating or drinking in public during Ramadan. For example, one is not permitted to eat, drink, or smoke in public throughout the day. It may still be hot during Ramadan but observing the month in the Islamic world makes for interesting cultural discovery. Summary The duration of a trip to the kingdom depends entirely on the traveler's goals and desired destination. The dry season, which lasts from October to April, is the best time of year for outdoor enthusiasts. In terms of cultural events and festivals, it is best to visit during the winter or spring. The greatest time to travel inland or visit the beaches is between November and March. Remember that traveling during Ramadan and the Hajj trip will be very different. Read Also: Do I Need a VISA to Visit Saudi Arabia? Yachting In Dubai – A Memorable Experience Best Time To Experience Dubai: The City Of Gold