Things to do in Kalimpong — monasteries, hill views, orchids and the Teesta river
The best things to do in Kalimpong: the Durpin monastery, Deolo Hill, Dr. Graham's Homes, the orchid nurseries and the Haat Bazar, with times from the town.
ArticleVerified 2026-10-26
Best time to visit Kalimpong — the five seasons, the monsoon and the Kanchenjunga view
When to go to Kalimpong: the spring and summer season visitors prefer, the severe monsoon of June to September, the cold of December to February, and fog.
The year at Kalimpong (IMD 1991–2020)
Wikipedia's Kalimpong article carries the India Meteorological Department's normals for 1991–2020 in its weather box. At about 1,250 m the town has a temperate, monsoon-influenced climate with five seasons.
- January: mean high 16.3 °C, mean low 6.8 °C, rain 16.1 mm.
- February: mean high 16.8 °C, mean low 8.4 °C, rain 20.2 mm.
- March: mean high 20.5 °C, mean low 11.3 °C, rain 27.3 mm.
- April: mean high 24.2 °C, mean low 14.0 °C, rain 85.9 mm.
- May: mean high 25.3 °C, mean low 15.2 °C, rain 153.0 mm.
- June: mean high 25.5 °C, mean low 16.3 °C, rain 349.9 mm.
- July: mean high 25.1 °C, mean low 16.6 °C, rain 628.1 mm.
- August: mean high 25.6 °C, mean low 17.7 °C, rain 457.9 mm.
- September: mean high 24.7 °C, mean low 16.3 °C, rain 329.8 mm.
- October: mean high 23.5 °C, mean low 14.0 °C, rain 62.6 mm.
- November: mean high 20.9 °C, mean low 11.2 °C, rain 4.5 mm.
- December: mean high 17.6 °C, mean low 8.7 °C, rain 6.1 mm.
The seasons
- Spring and summer. The seasons that visitors favour, by Wikipedia's account. Wikivoyage says the moderate climate draws people from the plains in summer. The average August maximum is 25.5 °C, so summers are mild.
- The monsoon, June to September. Severe. Landslides often cut the town off from the rest of India, and fog is common. Keep spare days and ask about the road each morning.
- Autumn. The fifth season in Wikipedia's count, after the rains.
- Winter, December to February. Minimum temperatures are around 8 °C, and fog is common. Wikivoyage says the climate attracts people from higher towns in winter.
The view
Kanchenjunga, at 8,586 m, is clearly visible from Kalimpong by Wikipedia's account, and Wikivoyage says Deolo and Durpin hills give views of it on a clear morning. Fog is common in the monsoon and in winter, so go to Deolo Hill early and check the sky from the town first.
What to plan around
The roads down to the Teesta and out to Pedong are the first to go in heavy rain, and the road to the plains can close. Read how to reach Kalimpong and things to do in Kalimpong, and copy the one day in Kalimpong.
Places around Kalimpong
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How to reach Kalimpong — from New Jalpaiguri, Bagdogra, Darjeeling and Gangtok
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Questions people ask
What is the best time to visit Kalimpong?
Wikipedia says visitors favour spring and summer. The town has five seasons: spring, summer, autumn, winter and the monsoon. The monsoon is severe from June to September, and landslides often cut the town off from the rest of India, so keep spare days if you travel then.
How cold does Kalimpong get?
Wikipedia puts the annual average temperature at about 18 °C and the average August maximum at 25.5 °C. Winter lasts from December to February, with a minimum around 8 °C. Fog often covers the town in the monsoon and in winter.
Can you see Kanchenjunga from Kalimpong?
Yes, on a clear day. Wikipedia says Kanchenjunga, at 8,586 m the third highest peak in the world, is clearly visible from Kalimpong, and Wikivoyage says both Deolo and Durpin hills give views of it on a clear morning. Fog and cloud often hide it in the monsoon and winter, so go early.