Fair
Darjeeling in February
West Bengal, India
February is Darjeeling slowly thawing. Daytime temperatures climb to 8-12°C, though nights still hit 3-4°C. The sky remains winter-clear most days, and Kanchenjunga visibility is excellent — arguably the most reliable month for that sunrise view from Tiger Hill alongside October. Magnolias start blooming in the Botanical Gardens by mid-month, the first colour after weeks of grey-brown dormancy. The tea bushes are still sleeping, but estate managers begin preparing for the first flush harvest that starts in March. Tourist numbers remain low, making this a sweet spot of decent weather and empty trails.
The February story
February is the insider's pick for Darjeeling. You get 80% of March's clarity without any of the crowds that start building once first flush tea hits the news. The toy train runs reliably with clear skies — no monsoon delays, no fog cancellations. The Japanese Peace Pagoda walk is stunning with winter-bare trees framing Kanchenjunga. Padmaja Naidu Zoo is uncrowded, and the red pandas are more active in cool weather. Hotel prices are still off-season, and you can negotiate further. The Darjeeling-Rangeet Valley Ropeway operates without queues. By late February, the first spring wildflowers appear on the walk to Observatory Hill. Pack layers — mornings are cold, afternoons surprisingly warm in direct sun.
Why February scores 3/5
Weather
Cold 3-12°C. More clear days than Jan. Tiger Hill sunrise views improving. Tea gardens dormant. Good for monastery visits and Darjeeling Himalayan Railway.
Roads & Access
self drive: Manageable for experienced hill drivers. Parking scarce in town. road condition: Good tarmac, steep hairpin bends on Hill Cart Road. public transport: Shared jeeps and taxis from NJP/Siliguri. Local share taxis within town. from nearest city: Bagdogra Airport/NJP Station — 70km, 3hr drive. last km difficulty: easy
Safety & Emergency
Safety: 4/5. rescue: District disaster management — local admin. helpline: 100 (police), 108 (ambulance). ambulance: 108 ambulance service available. police station: Darjeeling Sadar PS — Mall Road. nearest hospital: Darjeeling District Hospital — in town
Network
VI: Yes, JIO: Yes, BSNL: Yes, NOTE: Yes, AIRTEL: Yes. Full 4G coverage in town. Patchy on outskirts near Tiger Hill
Kids
Kid-friendly (4/5) — Toy train ride is magical for kids, Tea garden walks are easy, Pleasant weather year-round, Zoo and botanical gardens available
Elevation
2,042m — Moderate altitude
Who should go
- ✓First-time travelers
- ✓Senior citizens
- ✓Photographers wanting Kanchenjunga clarity without March crowds
- ✓Couples looking for an affordable romantic hill station window
- ✓Birdwatchers — winter migrants are still present and the forests are quiet
- ✓Hikers who prefer cool, dry conditions on Sandakphu trail approaches
Who should think twice
- ✗Tea tourists — first flush hasn't started yet, estates are still dormant
- ✗Visitors who need warm weather to enjoy a holiday
- ✗Large groups expecting vibrant market atmosphere — the town is still sleepy
- ✗Anyone without proper cold-weather clothing — nights are genuinely frigid
All 12 Months
| Month | Score | Note |
|---|---|---|
| January | 2/5 | Cold 2-10°C. Morning fog blankets town but clears by 10am. Kanchenjunga visible on clear days. Toy train atmospheric in mist. Few tourists. |
| Februaryviewing | 3/5 | Cold 3-12°C. More clear days than Jan. Tiger Hill sunrise views improving. Tea gardens dormant. Good for monastery visits and Darjeeling Himalayan Railway. |
| March | 4/5 | Spring 8-18°C. Magnolias blooming, town colours returning. First flush tea season begins. Kanchenjunga more visible. Orchid season starting. |
| April | 4/5 | Peak spring, 10-20°C. Rhododendrons on Singalila Ridge. First flush Darjeeling tea at its finest. Tiger Hill clear mornings. Moderate crowds. |
| May | 3/5 | Warm 14-22°C. Pre-monsoon humidity building. Haze reduces mountain views. Plains tourists arrive for summer. Crowded but tea gardens lush. |
| June | 1/5 | Monsoon hits hard. Darjeeling gets 500mm+ this month. Landslides close NH-10 regularly. Toy train disrupted. Zero mountain views. Avoid. |
| July | 1/5 | Peak monsoon, 300-600mm rain. Town perpetually damp. Landslides strand tourists regularly. Mould in hotels. Toy train suspended. Do not visit. |
| August | 1/5 | Monsoon continues relentlessly. All outdoor activities cancelled. Roads treacherous. Tea gardens close for monsoon break. Miserable conditions. |
| September | 2/5 | Monsoon fading, 12-20°C. Occasional clear windows reveal Kanchenjunga in dramatic cloud breaks. Lush green but still wet. Unpredictable weather. |
| October | 5/5 | Best month, 10-18°C. Crystal clear post-monsoon air. Kanchenjunga sunrise at Tiger Hill unforgettable. Toy train running. Second flush tea. Perfect. |
| November | 5/5 | Excellent 5-15°C. Clear skies continue. Autumn flush tea season. Singalila Ridge trek at its best. Few crowds, great visibility. Highly recommended. |
| December | 3/5 | Cold 2-10°C. Christmas charm in colonial-era hotels. Glenary's and Keventer's cozy. Mountain views excellent on clear mornings. Carry heavy woolens. |
Practical Details
How to reach
Bagdogra Airport/NJP Station — 70km, 3hr drive. Roads: Good tarmac, steep hairpin bends on Hill Cart Road. Self-drive: Manageable for experienced hill drivers. Parking scarce in town. Public transport: Shared jeeps and taxis from NJP/Siliguri. Local share taxis within town. Last stretch: easy
Elevation
2,042m
Difficulty
easy
Budget tier
mid-range
Nearby in West Bengal scoring high in February
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