The climate of Sikkim: when to go to Sikkim

The climate of Sikkim can be divided into three types of climate in relation to altitude, there is therefore a sub-tropical climate zone, an area with a temperate altitude climate and a mountain climate zone.

The rains are subject to monsoon and are particularly abundant from May to September, the country’s capital, Gangtok receives over 3,500 mm of precipitation per year. Southern areas, which are located at lower elevations have a humid sub-tropical climate.

The areas of the highlands, which are the most densely populated regions in the country, has an altitude temperate climate with mild temperatures in summer and not too cold temperatures in winter. The average maximum temperatures vary between 25°C and 22°C in summer and 15°C and 10°C in winter, while the average minimum temperatures vary between 17°C and 15°C in summer and 6°C and 3°C in winter. In these areas the fog is common during the winter and during the monsoon, between June and September, while the snow is a rare event.

In the mountains of the north of the country the climate is alpine or mountain, temperatures drop well below zero and the area is covered with snow for more than four months a year. The area of glaciers starts over 5,000 meters high.

WHEN TO GO TO SIKKIM?

The best time of year for a trip to Sikkim are the driest months between October and March.

SIKKIM CLIMATE: CLIMATIC TABLES