Visiting the capital of the state of Meghalaya? Shillong is a gorgeous city and hill station in northeast India. It is a place that has serene lakes, the greenest gardens and many mountain-top views of Shillong itself. Be it a trek, or just a morning walk -the streets of Shillong welcome it all. In a place that has so much to see, it is natural that the question of ‘What to wear in Shillong in winter?’ might spring up. The blog here is just about that. 

What to wear in Shillong in winter: Shillong Winter Packing List

A city that has numerous natural wonders to offer, Shillong is a definite must-visit. I, being someone from Mumbai, have only visited Matheran or Mahabaleshwar but Shillong is a hill station in the truest form! Being one of the places that receive the highest rainfall in the country, the city is replete with natural wonders that definitely shouldn’t go amiss.

Shillong, Meghalaya

Cherrapunji or Sohra near Shillong is considered one of the wettest places on earth! Read on to know more about the winter, the maximum and minimum temperature to be expected, the places to visit and what to wear in Shillong. 

Where is Shillong located?

Being more towards the east than the actual ‘east India’ the region goes by the name of north east India or the (NER) Northeastern region. Shillong is a city located in Meghalaya. The NER comprises of eight states namely Sikkim, Tripura, Mizoram, Manipur, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Assam and Arunachal Pradesh.This region (barring Sikkim) is locally known as the ‘seven sisters of India’. 

Being the capital of the state of Meghalaya, Shillong is also called ‘The Scotland of the East. Meghalaya has Assam as its neighbouring state in the north. It further has the country of Bangladesh sharing its southern boundary. 

Shillong, like the rest of the country, witnesses three main seasons of summer, winter and monsoons.

• Summer - The summer in the city ranges from April to June. The average temperature during this duration is 15 degrees Celsius to 25 degrees Celsius.
• Monsoon - This season ranges from July to September. You can find yourself in temperatures that range from 12 degrees Celsius to 16 degrees Celsius. 
• Winter – This season lasts a little longer than the other two. It starts in October and extends till March. The average temperature range recorded in winter is 2 degrees Celsius to 23 degrees Celsius. 

Average winter temperatures in Shillong

The city has a pleasant, airy winter. The minimum temperature recorded is around 2 degrees Celsius, making the average recorded to be about 4 degrees Celsius. Expect the temperature to fall the most from December to February. If you can handle this weather then it is a very apt time of the year to visit Shillong for comfortable exploring and sightseeing purposes. 

What to wear in Shillong in Winter

Shillong Winter Packing List

Outerwear like puffer jackets and parkas

If you’re someone who is not used to places where the temperature goes to single digit, then these winter wear jackets would be the best option for you. Puffer jackets and Parkas are the types of winter gear that provide the maximum insulation. Kosha, being one of the leading stores for winter apparel, has a great selection of these winter jackets. Catering to the range of temperature mentioned, a puffer jacket would be a better choice.

Kosha Puffer Jacket for women

Kosha’s puffer jackets can be worn in a weather range of 15 degrees Celsius to - 5 degrees Celsius. It has various features like two front pockets and one chest pocket for keeping any documents safe and sound. The jacket is light in weight and compressible making it easier to carry around. It can be worn during outdoor activities like visiting a waterfall as it is waterproof and allows free flow of movement.

This jacket has great utility as it can be worn along with base layers in countries having temperatures below - 5 degrees Celsius.

You can check out warm jackets for men here.

You can check out warm jackets for women here.

Sweaters and Pullovers

You can never go wrong with the classic winter apparel- A sweater. A pullover or a hoodie is just the new sweater. These classics will help you stay warm and comfortable, especially if you are one of those who are used to tolerating cold temperatures.

Doon Black Supima Pullover

Kosha’s sweaters are made of merino wool which negates the most common complaint with sweaters – the itchiness and harsh texture. This merino wool sweater is soft on the skin and durable in use. Sweaters for men being reversible are available in dual colors. They can be worn in weather conditions of 15 degrees Celsius to - 5 degrees Celsius. Wear it with a base layer to get the extra heat! 

You can check out neat sweaters for men here | For women here

Made with 100% organic cotton, these sweatshirts are an absolute must-have for an environmentally conscious individual. They form a great mid-layer as their versatility helps in flaunting them in absolutely any environment. 

Kosha’s organic sweatshirts are soft on the skin and made with breathable fabric that keeps you cosy during Shillong’s chilly winter. The sweatshirt can be worn in temperatures ranging from 10 degrees Celsius to 20 degrees Celsius and can also be worn in lower temperatures with base layers. If you want to stay warm effortlessly, these sweatshirts are your go-to! 

You can check out comfy sweatshirts for men here | For women here

Made with superior quality Pima cotton or Supima cotton, Kosha’s pullovers are the best fit to go with a casual and effortless look. Depending upon one’s resistance to cold, these work well as mid-layers in a temperature range of 10 degrees Celsius to 20 degrees Celsius. For a colder environment, wear the pullover by pairing it with a base layer. Be it a stroll across the city or just a casual visit to a friend’s place, these pullovers will make the correct fit for the windy Shillong weather!

You can check out stylish pullovers for men here | For women here.

Baselayers 

The base layers form a very important part of any winter wear. Be it a city like Shillong or a place like Iceland, base layers should always be a part of your travel packing. Kosha’s base layers are available in such variations that they can be donned as casual tees or leggings. 

Aqua Merino Wool Bamboo Thermal Sleeveless Vest

Made with a combination of merino wool and bamboo, these base layers ensure an itch-free, breathable and odor-free product for the user.

Read more: What is thermal clothing?

Woolen bottoms - Snow Pants

Woollen pants are also a great way to manage Shillong’s chilly climate. Wearing heavy denim pants or jeans would become a tedious task for you as the material may fail to provide the required insulation. Wearing jeans has become a burden altogether, thanks to around two years of working from home.

Purple Waterproof Ski Pants

If I were to give my example, my jeans have shrunk (let’s go with that) and the material is extremely uncomfortable if you compare it to your cotton pajamas! The woollen ski pants are so very easy on the body, it is almost surprising that they also provide the necessary synthetic insulation. 

The woollen pants are made out of merino wool, bamboo, and elastane whereas the ski pants are made with breathable nylon. They ensure free movement and are soft on the skin. Both can be worn in normal weather of 15 degrees Celsius to 10 degrees Celsius and with base layers if temperatures dip even further.  

You can check out merino wool thermal bottoms for men here | For women here

You can check out ski pants for men here | For women here.

Warm accessories

Visiting a beauty like Shillong? You are going to click heaps of upload-worthy pictures that you rightly should! 

Black & Grey Touch Screen Friendly Merino Wool Gloves

So, why not look the best you can in your winter clothes and make the most out of them? It is a fun fact or maybe common knowledge that these accessories are hardly for show. They might look super cute but they have a lot of utility. 

They cover the parts of the body like the neck region, the ears, etc. that are otherwise directly exposed to the outside winds. Accessories like scarves, mufflers, beanies, and gloves are a must-carry even to places that are not considered extremely cold. 

You can check out scarves for men here | For women here.

You can check out gloves for men here |for women here.

You can check out beanies for men here | for women here.

Warm shoes or snow boots

Footwear that keeps you warm and cozy is something anyone planning a trip to a cold place should look into. The shoes you plan to carry can make or mar that trip. I remember a school picnic which could have been a great one had it not been for my shoes that gave up after a few km of walking.

Please don’t put yourself through it. Looking for winter shoes in a completely new city will take a lot of time out of your pre-planned sightseeing schedule. 

Warm socks 

Socks are as important as shoes if not more. If you have carried uncomfortable shoes, the socks help your feet from getting a shoe bite. Socks further keep the foot odour in control. 

Namik No Blister Merino Wool Brown-Black Regular Socks

Kosha’s blister-free socks aim to provide the best experience to the user. Made with 100% merino wool, these socks also have other features. They have a soft cushion near the toe and the heel as an added comforter, they are breathable with arch support providing a ribbed weave near the ankle to stop slippage. I don’t know about you but that sounds like something worth investing in me! 

You can check out winter socks for men here.

You can check out winter socks for women here.

Importance of layering in Shillong in winter

Base layers, mid-layers and shell layers are super important when it comes to winter packing. You don’t want to feel cold or warm or your holiday, layering helps you make yourself comfortable over everything else.

Scotland of the East

Depending on your resistance to cold, layers can be worn by themselves or with outerwear. As Shillong is a city that offers a pleasant winter to its visitors, carrying appropriate base layers is a must. Base layers form the innermost lining of the winter clothes and are therefore in direct contact with your skin. This is why soft material is the correct choice for base layering.

Kosha’s base layers are made of a combination of organic cotton and bamboo. Initially, these were only made out of merino wool which caused problems like itching for some users. Kosha took this feedback into serious consideration and updated its make. 

By adding bamboo to the base layers, they resolved the problem of discomfort and itchiness. Further, Kosha’s base layers are 100% organic thus helping you take a conscious step towards a sustainable and environmentally friendly future.

Shillong in winter Activities guide - Meghalaya Tour

Are you one of those who read travel books that go like ‘What to do when in Shillong?’ or the ones who go through articles praying that you get what you are looking for? Or website resources and links like ‘Meghalaya Tourism’, ‘Meghalaya tour’ ‘Shillong travel’. Well, you are here so it seems like the latter. Don’t worry we’ve got you covered.

October is when the weather starts turning agreeable. Depending upon the purpose of your visit, plan in advance so that you can make the most of what Shillong has to offer! The end of October to mid-November is the period during which this north-eastern city has the most gorgeous cherry blossoms! Yes, when I tell you the Northeast is an underrated gem, it really is! 

You can now cancel that trip to Japan! (Kidding, we might have a blog about Japanese winter clothes too) Jokes apart, these cherry blossoms are known as Prunus Cerasoids and are mostly seen across the east Khasi hills and west Khasi hills. There is an international cherry blossom festival hosted here, in Shillong, every year which celebrates the local crafts and culture. 

The Umiam Lake is another place that should be on your to-do list when you explore Meghalaya. It is a one-hour cab ride from any place in Shillong. Colloquially known as Bara Pani, this lake has an interesting backstory- It was created when the Umiam river was dammed to save water for the hydroelectric project.

The main marketplace of Shillong is called ‘Police Bazar’. It is the to-go place if you love shopping and fashion. Replete with local and branded stores for clothes and accessories, with hotels serving the local and other cuisines, Police Bazar also is a hub for finding locally made crafts and flea-type products. Be it a tour, a mini-trip, a staycation or one of those weekend getaways, make sure you visit all these places!

Depending upon the time, day, and month of your visit, the temperature and the degree of cold weather experienced can vary. The recommendation would be to plan and book in advance so that you get the best deals and packages from airlines and hotels and also because then you can pack wisely. 

FAQ's

Q: What is the weather like in Shillong in winter?

A: Shillong experiences a cold winter, with average temperatures ranging from 5°C to 15°C (41°F to 59°F).

Q: What are the best things to do in Shillong in winter?

A: Some of the best things to do in Shillong in winter include visiting the Shillong Peak, Mawphlang Sacred Forest, and Elephant Falls.

Q: What should I pack for a trip to Shillong in winter?

A: Be sure to pack warm clothes, including a winter coat, hat, gloves, and scarf. You should also pack waterproof shoes or boots, as the weather can be unpredictable.

Q: Is it safe to drive in Shillong in winter?

A: Driving in Shillong can be challenging in winter, due to the cold weather and fog. It is important to drive slowly and carefully, and to be aware of the road conditions.

Q: Where can I stay in Shillong in winter?

A: There are many hotels and guesthouses in Shillong that offer winter discounts. You can also stay in homestays, which offer a more authentic Shillong experience.

Conclusion

In conclusion, dressing for winter in Shillong requires a thoughtful approach that balances comfort and style in this charming northeastern Indian city. By following the guidelines and recommendations in this comprehensive guide, you can ensure that you're well-prepared to embrace the cool and misty winters of Shillong.

From layering with warm clothing, investing in quality winter accessories, and choosing appropriate footwear, you can stay cozy while exploring the picturesque landscapes and vibrant culture of this beautiful hill station. Remember to check the local weather forecasts before your trip to make any necessary adjustments to your packing list.

With the right attire and a spirit of adventure, you can make the most of your winter visit to Shillong, creating lasting memories of this enchanting destination. So, bundle up and get ready to enjoy the unique charm of Shillong's winter wonderland.

For any queries related to wearing thermals, base layers, or winter wear in general, visit Kosha’s store and get a free consultation! While you’re at it, check out Kosha’s website for the wide range of thermals and jackets available at Kosha.

This blog article is written by Kosha Team Member – Sanika Totade.