Last updated: January 18, 2025
Meghalaya, India, characterized by a Cwa Koppen-Geiger climate classification, showcases a diverse range of temperatures throughout the year. With minimum temperatures plunging to 2°C (37°F) in January and average yearly temperatures hovering around 22°C (72°F), the region experiences a significant thermal spectrum. This culminates in peak temperatures reaching as high as 38°C (101°F) in the sweltering month of April, marking a distinct seasonal variation. Such climatic conditions contribute to Meghalaya's rich biodiversity and varied ecosystems, making it a noteworthy subject of study in the context of climate science.
Meghalaya, India, exhibits distinct seasonal temperature patterns throughout the year, transitioning from the cooler months of winter to the warmth of summer. January marks the cold season with minimum temperatures dipping to 2°C (37°F), gradually rising to 3°C (38°F) in February and peaking at 6°C (43°F) by March. Spring begins in March with average temperatures increasing significantly, reaching 21°C (70°F) and maximums soaring to 36°C (98°F). April stands out as the hottest month, peaking at 38°C (101°F), before temperatures slightly decrease in May as the onset of the monsoon approaches. The summer months of June and July bring stabilized temperatures with averages around 26°C (79°F), maintaining similar highs of 37°C (99°F). As the monsoon continues, August and September see slight dips in temperatures before transitioning to the cooler autumn months of October and November, where temperatures again begin to decrease. By December, the cycle returns towards cooler conditions, illustrating a vibrant array of thermal variations shaped by Meghalaya's unique climate.
Cherrapunji experiences a minimum temperature of 4°C (40°F) in January, rising to a maximum of 33°C (92°F) in July, making it a region with significant seasonal variation. In comparison, Shillong has a slightly cooler minimum of 3°C (37°F) in January, with its maximum reaching 30°C (87°F) in July. For more details on the climate, you can refer to the monthly temperatures in Cherrapunji here and in Shillong here.
Meghalaya, India, is renowned for its substantial rainfall, which exhibits marked seasonal variation throughout the year. Starting from January, precipitation is minimal at just 11 mm (0.4 in), gradually increasing to 28 mm (1.1 in) in February. The month of March sees a significant rise to 81 mm (3.2 in), indicating the onset of the pre-monsoon period. April heralds a dramatic increase in rainfall, with 260 mm (10.2 in) recorded, and this upward trend continues into May, reaching 425 mm (16.7 in). The onset of the monsoon leads to June's peak precipitation of 518 mm (20.4 in), followed closely by July, which is the wettest month with rainfall totaling 633 mm (24.9 in).
As the monsoon season progresses into August and September, rainfall remains substantial, measuring 510 mm (20.1 in) and 352 mm (13.8 in), respectively. The months following the monsoon, such as October and November, witness a decrease in rainfall, with 224 mm (8.8 in) and 20 mm (0.8 in), respectively. December brings a further drop, accumulating only 18 mm (0.7 in). This seasonal precipitation pattern is also marked by an increase in rainy days, peaking at 29 days during both July and August, while the drier months of January and December see just 2 days and 1 day of rainfall, respectively. Such a significant variation in precipitation underlines Meghalaya's reputation as one of the wettest places on Earth.
In Meghalaya, India, sunshine duration exhibits a clear seasonal pattern characterized by fluctuations that correspond to the monsoon cycle. The year begins with January offering 242 hours of sunlight, which increases significantly in February to 284 hours. March sees the highest increase, reaching 332 hours, marking it as the sunniest month of the year. This peak is followed by a slight decrease in April (311 hours) and May (310 hours), as the region transitions into the monsoon season. As the rain begins in June, sunshine hours drop to 274 hours, establishing a trend of reduced sunlight that continues through the peak rainy months.
The monsoon, particularly during July, further diminishes sunshine to only 236 hours, highlighting the period of maximum cloud cover and rainfall. Following the rains, August sees an uptick to 267 hours, while September stabilizes around 272 hours. As the year progresses into the autumn months, sunshine begins to rebound, with October bringing 300 hours and November slightly lower at 296 hours. December concludes the year with 295 hours of sunshine. Overall, the data reveals a distinctive curve, with increasing sunshine during the winter-spring months, a significant reduction during the summer monsoon, and a subsequent recovery as the year draws to a close.
The UV Index in Meghalaya, India, illustrates notable seasonal variations, reflecting the intensity of solar radiation throughout the year. In January, the UV Index is relatively moderate at 6, categorized as high, with a burn time of 25 minutes. As winter transitions into spring, February and March see a significant increase in UV levels, reaching 8 and 10, respectively, where exposure is considered very high. April marks a dramatic escalation, with the UV Index soaring to 11, classified as extreme, necessitating a burn time of just 10 minutes. The period from May to July establishes the peak UV exposure, consistently hitting 13 and 14. These months demand prudent sun safety measures, given the extreme classification and minimal burn time, which indicates a high risk of skin damage.
As the monsoon seasons wane into late summer and the early autumn months, the UV Index begins to taper off but remains elevated. August through October maintains levels at 13 and 11, corresponding with the continued need for sun protection. November marks a decline back to 8, while December returns to a high category at 6. Overall, the data underscores the heightened UV risks prevalent during the spring and summer months, emphasizing the importance of effective skin protection strategies during Meghalaya's sun-intensive periods.
UV Risk Categories
In Meghalaya, India, daylight duration varies noticeably throughout the year, aligning with seasonal changes. Beginning in January, the region experiences around 10 hours of daylight, which gradually increases as winter transitions into spring. February sees an increase to 11 hours, followed by a surge to 12 hours in March. This duration remains consistent in April, laying the groundwork for further seasonal changes as May approaches. By May, daylight stretches to 13 hours, where it stabilizes through June and July, showcasing the extended sunlight typical of the summer months.
As the monsoon season concludes, daylight hours begin to decrease slightly in August and September, reverting back to 12 hours. The transition into autumn is marked by a return to 11 hours in October, after which daylight diminishes to 10 hours in both November and December. This cyclical pattern reflects the natural rhythm of Meghalaya’s climate, where the longest days occur in the heart of summer, while shorter daylight hours dominate the winter months. Overall, this dynamic daylight variation emphasizes the region's unique environmental conditions throughout the year.
Cherrapunji, India, experiences a subtropical highland climate characterized by significant rainfall and mild temperatures. The warmest months are May to September, with average highs reaching up to 33°C (91°F) and heavy monsoon rains peaking in July at 1039 mm (40.9 in). In contrast, January is cooler, featuring average temperatures around 14°C (58°F) and relatively low precipitation of 9 mm (0.4 in). Sunshine is abundant in the earlier months, peaking in March with 333 hours, while summer months see a reduction in sunny days. For more information, visit Cherrapunji climate.
Shillong, India experiences a temperate climate, with temperatures ranging from a chilly 3°C (37°F) in January to a warm 30°C (87°F) in July. The city sees significant rainfall, peaking in July with 698 mm, while the drier months include January and December, receiving only 21 mm and 28 mm respectively. Despite substantial precipitation, sunshine is plentiful, particularly in March with 333 hours. The pleasant weather and lush landscapes attract many visitors, making it a popular hill station. For more details, visit Shillong climate.
In conclusion, Meghalaya's climate is marked by distinct seasonal variations in temperature, precipitation, sunshine duration, UV Index, and daylight hours, all of which interplay to create a richly diverse environmental landscape. The data highlights the region's remarkable thermal range from the cool winters to the sweltering summer months, accompanied by significant rainfall that establishes it as one of the wettest places on Earth. Additionally, variations in sunshine hours and the intensity of UV radiation underscore the importance of adaptive lifestyle choices and sun safety measures, especially during the peak months. By understanding these climatic patterns, residents and visitors alike can better appreciate the ecological richness of Meghalaya while effectively navigating its weather-related challenges.