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Monsoon In Sikkim
Southern Sikkim comes under the influence of the
North - east monsoon. In particular, the region south of Kangchenjunga and
the main Himalayan
range is subject to heavy rainfall lasting from early June through till
the beginning of September. During this time, the region experiences some
of the heaviest rainfall in the Indian Himalayas, with pu to 700 mm per
month falling in July and August
Post Monsoon
The post monsoon season extends from the beginning of October until
mid-November. Although the daytime temperatures rarely average more than
50C, at altitudes above 3,500m at this time the settled conditions are
ideal for trekking.
Winters
The first of the winter snows fall by mid to late November, and snowfalls
continue throughout the winter until early March. From mid-March onwards,
the snows begin to melt on the mountain passes and the snows begin to melt
on the mountain passes and the daytime temperatures begin to rise to
between 100C and 150C.
Visiting Season
Monsoon clouds form by early May, with intermittent storms, which last
for a day or two, reflecting the gradual build up of the monsoon. However,
this should not preclude trekking at this
time. The mornings are generally clear, and clouds do not build up until
mid-morning. This is also the time when the
Rhododendrons and
Magnolias are in full bloom.