Weather and Climate-Sikkim Tourism
Weather and Climate-Sikkim Tourism
Sikkim's geographical location with its altitudinal variation allows it to have tropical, temperate, and alpine climatic conditions within its small area of 7,096 km. Temperature conditions vary from sub-tropical in the southern lower parts to cold deserts in the snowy north. It is also the most humid region in the whole range of the Himalayas, because of its proximity to the Bay of Bengal and direct exposure to the Southern monsoon. Sikkim's climate ranges from subtropical in the south to tundra in the north. Most of the inhabited regions of Sikkim experience a temperate climate, with temperatures seldom exceeding 28 °C (82 °F) in summer. The average annual temperature for most of Sikkim is around 18 °C (64 °F).
Winter
January - March
Average daytime temp. : -5 to 7 ˚C
The winter season is charming and perfect for vacation as the whole area is enveloped in snow. Most areas of the state receive snowfall and get engulfed in the blanket of thick snow, thus luring tourists. During November, even though it does not snow, the temperature is quite apt for sightseeing. Almost all the places remain open for the tourist except for the high altitudes areas. At this time of the year, there are many festivals that are celebrated here such as the Mangan music festival, Maghey Sankranti, Lossing, Losar and of course Gutar Cham which gives an opportunity to the visitors to witness the very famous Cham Dance performed by the masked monks in the monasteries. One can feel the festivity everywhere, on the streets, in the market, even in the monasteries.If you are planning to visit Sikkim anytime between November and March, come prepared because while the days are bearably cold, nights experience subzero temperatures.
Summer
March - April
Average daytime temp. : 5 to 25 ˚C
April - December
Average daytime temp. : 4 to 17 ˚C
Monsoon is everyone’s beloved season. It is the time when nature wakes up from its deep sleep and rejuvenates. But the monsoon in Sikkim takes the form of incessant rain during the months from May till September while July be the wettest of all. Around 600-700 mm of rainfall takes place here each monthand the temperature lies between 17- 22 degree celsius.The waterfalls during this season become exuberant and surely entice the enthusiastic tourists to visit them. Other than this, for the bird watchers, the place turns into a chirpy heaven. One can even spot the rarest species of the birds at this time.If you are in Sikkim in the monsoon months, do not forget to enjoy monsoon flowering in North Sikkim, Changu Lake, Kupup, and Nathu La. Moreover, the low influx of tourists during the monsoon season ensures the availability of accommodation options at much cheaper rates than the peak tourist seasons
Rainfall In Sikkim
Snowfall in Sikkim
Sikkim, which lies in the lap of Himalayas is one of the coldest places in the country. The North Eastern part of India is home to one of the tallest peeks in the world, Kanchenjunga, where the temperature falls as low as -32° C. Sikkim is one of the few states in India to receive regular snowfall. The snow line ranges from 6,100 metres (20,000 ft) in the south of the state to 4,900 metres (16,100 ft) in the north. The tundra-type region in the north is snowbound for four months every year, and the temperature drops below 0 °C (32 °F) almost every night. In north-western Sikkim, the peaks are frozen year-round; because of the high altitude, temperatures in the mountains can drop to as low as -40 °C (-40 °F) in winter..Some people are often confused about the places where they can enjoy the view of snowfall. Places like Nathula, Tsomgo lake, Gurudongmar lake, Yumthang, Zero point, Zuluk etc. gets tons of snowfall every year. To be precise region of mostly North and West receives snowfall every year.The best season to experience snowfall would definitely be in winter if one can bear the cold but the snow remains till the end of March in most of the places. However, visiting these places during winter may not be possible due to heavy snowfall and roadblocks which increases the risk to travel to these places
Best time to visit Sikkim
The best time to visit any place depends on the type of activities the traveler wants to indulge in. Sikkim is blessed with quite a pleasant weather and a trip to Sikkim can be planned at any time of the year depending on the interest of the traveler.Still , It is imperative to know the best time to visit Sikkim because this Northeastern state tops the wish-list of many travellers across the globe. Every season of this state has something different to offer to it's tourists. This is because states lying in the north-east part of India are known for their unparalleled natural beauty and significant opportunities for adventure sports.Sikkim is place well-known for its delightful natural beauty and dramatic landscapes. Most people visit Sikkim just to experience the charm of the colourful flora and fauna as well as the serenity of hilltop Buddhist monasteries such as Pemayangtse. However , The best time to visit Sikkim is either between March and May or October and mid-December.If you want to witness the blooming natural beauty in Gangtok best season to visit would be in spring, from March to May. Autumn, on the other hand, brings the clear view of Himalayan Range. If you want to capture the picturesque view of Himalayan Range, then October to December is the best season to visit Sikkim. During this time you can be part of various festivals like the Maniram Bhanjyang Tourism Festival where you can enjoy local homestays among many other things. You can also be a part of the Cherry Tea Festival as well as Red Panda Winter Festival. These festivals showcase a different side of Sikkim.
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