Climate of Meghalaya: Rainfall, Temperature & Climatic Regions
The climate of Meghalaya is dominated by the southwest monsoon and the dramatic relief of the Meghalaya Plateau. Conditions range from warm tropical foothills to cool subtropical and near-temperate uplands, while the southern Khasi Hills receive some of the heaviest rainfall recorded anywhere on Earth.
Mawsynram is widely cited by the Meghalaya Government as receiving about 11,872 mm of average annual rainfall. Nearby Sohra/Cherrapunji is also globally famous for extreme monsoon rainfall.
Climate of Meghalaya at a Glance
| Feature | General Pattern |
|---|---|
| Main climate control | Southwest monsoon + plateau relief |
| Wettest belt | Southern Khasi Hills around Mawsynram and Sohra |
| Mawsynram average annual rainfall | About 11,872 mm as cited by Meghalaya Government |
| Spring | March–April |
| Summer / Monsoon | May–September |
| Autumn | October–November |
| Winter | December–February |
| Broad vertical zones | Tropical, subtropical and temperate/highland |
Factors Controlling Meghalaya's Climate
- Elevation of the Meghalaya Plateau
- Steep southern escarpment facing moisture-laden monsoon winds
- Bay of Bengal branch of the southwest monsoon
- Distance from the southern escarpment
- Local valley and slope orientation
Rainfall Distribution
Rainfall varies enormously across Meghalaya. The southern slopes of the Khasi Hills receive extreme orographic rainfall, while northern and western interiors receive much less. Moist monsoon air is forced rapidly upward against the steep plateau edge, cools and condenses, producing intense rainfall.
Mawsynram and Sohra Rainfall
Mawsynram, about 56 km from Shillong, is widely described by the state government as the wettest place on Earth, with an average annual rainfall of about 11,872 mm. Sohra/Cherrapunji has one of the world's longest instrumental rainfall records and remains an internationally recognised extreme-rainfall location.
Temperature of Meghalaya
Temperature decreases with elevation. The central highlands around Shillong are much cooler than low-lying Garo foothills and southern valleys. Summers are generally mild in upland Shillong but warm and humid at lower elevations; winters can be distinctly cool in the higher plateau.
Climatic Regions of Meghalaya
| Zone | Approx. Elevation | General Character |
|---|---|---|
| Tropical | 100–300 m | Warm and humid lowlands/foothills |
| Subtropical | 300–1,100 m | Mild to warm hill climate with high rainfall |
| Temperate / highland | 1,100–2,000 m | Cooler upland climate, including Shillong-region conditions |
These working zones are also used by the Agriculture Department for horticultural planning and help explain crop distribution.
Seasons of Meghalaya
State power-policy material divides the year into spring (March–April), summer/monsoon (May–September), autumn (October–November) and winter (December–February). The monsoon season supplies most annual rainfall.
The Rainfall-Water Paradox
Despite extreme annual rainfall, some communities experience dry-season water shortages. Steep slopes cause rapid runoff, storage is limited, springs can weaken seasonally and rainfall is highly concentrated in a few months. Climate policy therefore emphasises water conservation and spring/watershed management.
Climate Change in Meghalaya
Meghalaya's State Action Plan on Climate Change 2.0 records historical warming and spatially variable rainfall change, and projects continued warming together with changes in rainfall extremes. Agriculture, forests, springs, landslides and urban water supply are important climate-sensitive sectors.
Climate of Meghalaya for MPSC
Wettest belt: Southern Khasi Hills
Mawsynram: About 11,872 mm average annual rainfall cited by state government
Main rainfall mechanism: Orographic uplift of southwest monsoon winds
Main monsoon period: May–September
Cool upland centre: Shillong region
Broad climatic zones: Tropical, subtropical and temperate/highland
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Meghalaya receive heavy rainfall?
Moist southwest monsoon air from the Bay of Bengal is forced up the steep southern escarpment of the Meghalaya Plateau, producing intense orographic rainfall.
Which is the wettest place in Meghalaya?
Mawsynram is widely cited as the wettest place, while nearby Sohra/Cherrapunji is also globally famous for extreme rainfall.
What is the climate of Shillong?
Shillong has a cool subtropical/highland climate compared with the warmer lowlands because of its elevation.
Conclusion
Meghalaya's climate is defined by strong relief, extreme monsoon rainfall and altitudinal contrasts. The extraordinary rainfall of Mawsynram and Sohra is only one part of a wider climatic mosaic extending from tropical foothills to cool plateau uplands.
Read More from AAMMNEST
Sources Consulted
- Meghalaya Government Portal – Mawsynram and Climate
- MoEFCC – Meghalaya State Action Plan on Climate Change 2.0
- Draft Meghalaya Power Policy 2024
- Department of Agriculture, Meghalaya – Climatic Zones