Cherrapunji (Sohra) in May
Meghalaya, India
Pre-monsoon rains make hiking treacherous despite the dramatic waterfall displays
May marks monsoon onset. Rainfall escalates rapidly. Nohkalikai Falls thunders. But root bridge treks become risky — slippery rock steps and leeches.
The May story
May is for experienced trekkers only. The spectacle of waterfalls at near-peak is stunning but the 3,500 steps to Nongriat are genuinely dangerous when wet. Viewpoint visits (Nohkalikai, Seven Sisters) still safe.
Why May scores 4.0/10
Weather
Monsoon building. 12-22°C. Heavy showers. Treks becoming risky. Waterfalls spectacular.
What to do in Cherrapunji (Sohra) this May
- 1Nohkalikai Falls at peak flow documentation from safe viewpoints
- 2Monsoon-building ecology observation and photography
- 3Very-early-morning treks only (5–7am before leech emergence)
Who should go
- ✓First-time travelers
- ✓Senior citizens
- ✓Pre-monsoon waterfall photographers seeking dramatic flows
- ✓Monsoon-building ecology researchers documenting green-landscape transition
- ✓Extreme trekkers comfortable with increasingly treacherous conditions
Who should think twice
- ✗Families—leeches emerge, trails treacherous (12–22°C, heavy showers)
- ✗Casual hikers—Nongriat trek becomes dangerous with mud and flow crossing
- ✗Comfort-prioritizing visitors—skip for October–March window
All 12 Months
| Month | Score | Note |
|---|---|---|
| January | 6.0/10 | Dry season. 5-15°C. Clear views of Bangladesh plains. Root bridge treks safe. |
| February | 8.0/10 | Dry. 6-17°C. Warming up. Excellent trekking. Clear canyon views. |
| March | 8.0/10 | Warming 8-20°C. Pre-monsoon. Good trekking. Light showers possible late March. |
| April | 6.0/10 | Warming 10-22°C. Pre-monsoon showers increasing. Waterfalls building. Tourist season. |
| Mayviewing | 4.0/10 | Monsoon building. 12-22°C. Heavy showers. Treks becoming risky. Waterfalls spectacular. |
| June | 2.0/10 | Full monsoon. 14-20°C. 2000mm+ this month alone. Treks dangerous. |
| July | 2.0/10 | Peak monsoon. Wettest month. 14-20°C. Record rainfall. Everything risky. |
| August | 2.0/10 | Heavy monsoon continues. 14-20°C. Slightly less than July but still extreme. |
| September | 4.0/10 | Monsoon retreating. 12-22°C. Rain decreasing. Landscape peak green. |
| October | 10.0/10 | Post-monsoon. 10-22°C. Dry, clear, waterfalls still flowing. Perfect. |
| November | 10.0/10 | Dry. 8-20°C. Clear views. Waterfalls still flowing. Root bridge treks optimal. |
| December | 8.0/10 | Dry. 5-18°C. Clear but cold. Waterfalls reducing. Good trekking. |
What to pack for May
- ▸Waterproof trekking jacket and pants
- ▸Waterproof hiking boots with superior grip
- ▸Leech repellent and salt
- ▸Trekking socks that go above boot tops
- ▸Quick-dry clothing layers
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