With Himachal Pradesh being the top summer destination of India, tourists from all over the world flock to Himachal between March to June to escape the scorching heat. Having said that, this paradise shows its different colors in each season. Summer is blue with its balmy weather, Monsoon is green with its lush mountains, autumn is orange with the falling leaves and winter is white with the blanket of snow. Each season unveils a unique tapestry of landscapes making it perfect to visit anytime throughout the year. However the best time to visit Himachal Pradesh mainly depends on which color you want to see and what kind of experience you are after. Our attempt here is to decode each season to help you plan a perfect vacation.
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Best Time To Visit Himachal Pradesh: Decoding The Three Seasons
Like any other destination, Himachal too experiences three seasons: Summer, Monsoon and Winter. Let’s dig deep to know what each season has in store for us.
Summer In Himachal (March To June)
The weather in Himachal during the summer season is pleasant with a few pre-monsoon showers cooling down the temperature further. If you are looking to indulge in some adventure activities, this is the best time to visit Himachal Pradesh with family and friends. Tourists come in from all parts of the world to enjoy the hills during this time. As it is the peak season, travel and accommodation are on the higher side. Make sure you book in advance to get the best deals. Through the summer months there are a lot of festivals and activities happening throughout the state.
Places To Visit During This Time: Shimla, Kullu Manali, Dharamshala, Bir Billing, Dalhousie, Spiti Valley, Kasol, Khajjiar, Kasauli, Palampur, Kinnaur
Tips: Though the weather is great, make sure to pack sunscreen, sunglasses, both warm and cool clothes.
Monsoon In Himachal (July To September)
Monsoon season is the best time to visit Himachal Pradesh because of the beautiful transformation that this state goes through. Rains rejuvenate everything around, the misty hills and the breath of fresh air makes the whole place look like a freshly painted poster. The monsoon season is considered as off season, hence it is easy to find budget friendly accommodations. The overall cost of your trip will drop during this season. For bird watchers, honeymooners and nature lovers, this is one of the best time to visit Himachal Pradesh. Monsoons bring out the best of Himachal but it is advisable to avoid certain areas that are prone to landslides.
Places To Visit During This Time: Narkanda, Kullu, Manali, Dharamsala, Solang, Shoghi, Mashobra
Tips: Check for weather and road conditions before venturing out as landslides can occur during this season.
Winter In Himachal (October To February)
Winters in Himachal Pradesh is like straight out of a Yash Chopra Movie as this place turns into a snowy wonderland. It is one of the best time to visit Himachal Pradesh for honeymooners and adventure enthusiasts. The higher regions are completely covered in a white bed of snow. If you are a snow enthusiast, then this is the perfect time to plan a trip. Many winter sports activities like skiing, snowboarding, Ice Skating, snow trekking and heli-skating can be enjoyed during this time of the year. The temperatures drop below 0 ° Celsius during the months of December and January, making it the coldest months. With snowflakes falling all around, your winter vacation will indeed be an unforgettable one.
Places To Visit During This Time: Manali, Kufri, Solang Valley, Narkanda, Shimla
Tips: Book accommodations that are well equipped to handle the extreme weather as it can get really cold during winter nights.
Book Now: Superb Himachal Honeymoon Tour
Month By Month Weather In Himachal Pradesh
| Month | Average Temp | Season | Expected Rain | Activities |
| January | 0°C / 32°F | Dry Season | 3 Days | Skiing, Ice Skating, Winter Carnival, Hot Springs |
| February | 5°C / 35°F | Dry Season | 3 Days | Snowboarding, Ice Skating, Winter Carnival |
| March | 10°C / 50°F | Dry Season | 8 Days | Hiking, explore apple orchards, temples visits, local festivals |
| April | 15°C / 59°F | Dry Season | 5 Days | Trekking, paragliding, visiting apple orchards, Spring Festival |
| May | 15°C / 59°F | Dry Season | 5 Days | Trekking, paragliding, visiting apple orchards, Doongri Festival |
| June | 20°C / 68°F | Start of wet season | 9 Days | Trekking, paragliding, local festivals |
| July | 15°C / 59°F | Wet season | 15 Days | Trekking, hot springs, monsoon festivals |
| August | 15°C / 59°F | Wet season | 15 Days | Trekking, Minjar Mela in Chamba, visiting monasteries |
| September | 15°C / 59°F | End of wet season | 10 Days | Trekking, apple picking, Kullu Dussehra |
| October | 10°C / 50°F | Transition from wet to dry season | 3 Days | Trekking, apple harvesting festivals, paragliding, Dussehra celebrations |
| November | 8°C / 46°F | Dry Season | 3 Days | Trekking, paragliding, apple orchards visit, attending the Renuka Fair |
| December | 5°C / 35°F | Dry Season | 2 Days | Skiing, Ice Skating, Winter Carnival, exploring snow-covered trails |
Important Festivals/Events To Look Out For In Himachal Pradesh
Sazo Festival – January
Manali Winter Carnival – January
Halda – February
Losar – February/March
Mandi Shivaratri Fair – February/March
Nalwari Cattle Fair – March/April
Spring Festival – April
Doongri Fair – May
Shimla Summer Festival – May or June
Minjar Festival – June
Kasol Music Festival – June
Pori Festival – July/August
Phulaich Festival – September
Sair Festival – September
Kullu Dussehra – October
Renuka Fair – November
Himachal Hills Festival – December
Winter Carnival – December
Also Read: 17 Amazing Things To Do In Shimla This Year
Final Thoughts
Be it the adventures of summer, the magic of monsoon or the chills of winter, Himachal never fails to amuse. With the help of our guide to the best time to visit Himachal Pradesh, choose which color you want to see this paradise in. We assure you that, regardless of the season, you will return embracing the beauty of the Himalayas and with memories to cherish for a lifetime.
FAQs
Himachal Pradesh receives a good amount of snowfall between the months of December and February. The temperature drops to as low as –15°C during these months. Places like Rohtang and Keylong are almost frozen during this time, making it impossible to go.
All of Himachal is beautiful but Himachal tourist places like Manali, Shimla, Kullu, Spiti Valley, Tirthan Valley, Kinnaur, Kasol, Parvati Valley and Chamba are exceptionally beautiful.
During the summer month of June the temperature reaches as high as 32°C in some parts of Himachal. Hence June is considered as the hottest month.
Avoid travel during the monsoon months of July, August, and September as the Himachal weather is very unpredictable during this time. There are high possibilities of heavy rainfall which may hamper your travel plans. Restricted outdoor activities, inaccessible to remote areas, landslides, increased risk of accidents and fear of getting stuck are challenges that you may have to face.
