Best Time to Visit Manali - Climate in Summer, Winter and Monsoon

Manali Travel Guide

Honeymooner Paradise – Explore How to Reach, Weather, Places to Visit and Things to Do in Manali

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What Is the Best Time To Visit Manali

You can visit Manali anytime throughout the year except the monsoon season (July to September) to avoid landslides and road blockages.

If you are a nature lover and clear blue sky is your priority, October to November is the best time to visit Manali. This is the onset of winter season in Manali where the temperature will be pleasant ranging between 5 degree Celsius and 20 degree Celsius.

If you want to experience snowfall and enjoy winter sports at Solang Valley, December to February would be the best time to experience the same in Manali. The temperature will be hovering around sub-zero and hence take appropriate clothing to protect yourself.

For people who don’t want to experience the bone chilling cold and looking for a summer vacation trip, March to June is the best time to visit Manali. If you visit during early summer, the chances to viewing snow covered mountain peaks are more, as it takes some time for the winter snow to melt. At few high-altitude places snow patches could be seen throughout the summer.

Each season in Manali has its own charm as well as some challenges. Depending on your preference, you may choose the time to visit.

Manali Climate

	High °C	Low °C	Rainfall mm
Jan	10.6	1.7	128.9
Feb	11.7	0.7	124.3
Mar	16.1	2.4	189.6
Apr	21.9	5.9	103.7
May	24.9	8.6	82.5
Jun	27.2	12.4	74.3
Jul	25.9	15.3	217.5
Aug	25.4	14.9	205.4
Sep	25	11.2	111.9
Oct	22.4	5.4	37.9
Nov	18.4	1.5	31.7
Dec	13.8	0.4	56.1

Summer (Mar to Jun)

Photo by confused_me, Pixabay License

Summer in Manali begins in March and continues till June. You will see colourful flowers bloomed throughout the valley. In some regions mostly located at high altitude will have snow patches. The temperature will range between 10 degree Celsius to 25 degree Celsius. You will find the daytime comfortable; however, may expect cold in the night. As summer is the peak season for Manali, be prepared to see huge crowd in this hill station spending their vacation.

Photo by raman Virdi, CC BY 2.0

Pros

Plan for multiple adventure activities like paragliding, river rafting, trekking or riverside camping. Weather remains very pleasant

Cons

Much crowded with the tourists, as this is the peak season

Monsoon (Jul to Sep)

Photo by Aniket431, CC BY-SA 4.0

There will be heavy rainfall which may lead to landslide and hence may cause road blockages. This time is considered as off season in Manali and most of the time the weather would remain cloudy. We will not encourage to visit Manali during the monsoon, as the activities will be very much restricted at this time

Pros

One can enjoy the rainfall staying from the hotel

Cons

Landslide, bad weather, road blockage.

Early Winter (Oct to Nov)

Winter season in Manali starts in October and stays till February. Winter has two phases – Early Winter (before snowfall) and Winter (snowfall).

Oct to Nov – During this time of the season temperature begins to drop; however, snowfall normally starts in December. If you are looking for a clear blue sky with snow-capped wide mountain range with bright green valley, this is a perfect time for you to visit Manali and cherish the memory forever.

Photo by Aniket431, CC0 1.0

Pros

Cold but ‘Manageable’ winter, clear blue sky which provides great opportunity to photographers

Cons

Not much of snow-clad surroundings

Winter (Dec to Feb)

Photo by Saurc zlunag, Public domain

December to February is the peak of winter in Manali. This is the time when regular snowfall occurs and winter sports activities are set up in Solang valley

Dec to Feb – This is a perfect time for the tourists who are looking to enjoy the snowfall and wants to cherish playing with the snow. The lovely hill station will turn to another world with the snow-clad surroundings

Pros

Winter sports at Solang valley. Experience of snowfall

Cons

Bone chilling cold as the temperature will be hovering around sub-zero
Some of the sightseeing spots may be out of reach due to snow and road blockage.

Accessibility

If your purpose of visiting Manali is to visit some specific spots like Rohtang Pass or Manikaran, it is advised to do some priority check. For example, Rohtang pass is accessible between May/June to October/November depending on the road condition. It usually remains closed between late November to mid of May.
During heavy snowfall, the road from Manali to Manikaran may be risky as well.

Conclusion

When the destination is Manali, the place can be visited throughout the year except the monsoon. Both Winter and Summer are equally beautiful for a nature lover. Be it your honeymoon trip, adventure trip with friends, leisure tour with your family – this beautiful hill station will never disappoint you.