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

Shimla Travel Guide

Summer Capital of British India

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What Is the Best Time To Visit Shimla

Shimla, the state capital of Himachal Pradesh and erstwhile capital of British India, can be visited throughout the year except the monsoon season (July to September). This is to avoid landslides and road blockages. People who loves clear blue sky and few patches of white flakes of cloud on that, October to November is the best time to visit Shimla. This is the onset of winter season in Shimla 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 Kufri, December to February would be the best time. The temperature will be hovering around sub-zero and hence take appropriate clothing to protect yourself.

If you don’t want to experience the bone chilling winter cold and looking for a summer vacation trip, March to June is the time to visit Shimla. 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.
Each season in Shimla has its own charm as well as some challenges. Depending on your preference, you may choose the most suitable time for visiting Shimla.

Shimla Climate

	High °C	Low °C	Rainfall mm
Jan	9.2	2.1	66
Feb	11.1	3.5	63
Mar	15.3	7.2	70
Apr	20.2	11.6	45
May	24.3	15.4	61
Jun	25.1	16.8	163
Jul	21.7	16.1	417
Aug	20.8	15.7	343
Sep	20.7	14.3	172
Oct	18.8	11.2	44
Nov	15.8	7.5	13
Dec	12	4.5	29

Summer (Mar to Jun)

Photo by Rupika08, CC BY-SA 4.0

Summer in Shimla begins in March and continues till June. As summer months approaches, winter snow melts down and the green patches are grown again. In some high altitude areas like Kufri, you may see the winter snow patches till late April. Summer temperature in Shimla ranges between 10 degree Celsius to 25 degree Celsius. You will find the daytime comfortable and cooler nights. As summer is the peak season for Shimla, be prepared to see huge crowd.

Pros

1. Clear sky with mild weather
2. Good time for outdoor activities like hiking, trekking and camping
3. In line with summer breaks in Indian schools

Cons

1. Very crowded with tourists flocking to utilize the summer vacation and enjoy the cool weather
2. Car hire and hotel costs are higher

Monsoon (Jul to Sep)

Photo by Vikrant, CC BY-SA 4.0

Monsoon starts in June and extends till September with July and August receiving very heavy rainfalls. Even if its not raining, the sky remains cloudy and the mountain views are blocked in the mist. Sometimes, due to the heavy and regular rainfalls, landslides occur and roads are blocked. Monsoon is considered as a off season in Shimla.

Pros

1. Enjoy rainfall from your hotel room
2. Being a off season, hotel and other costs are lower

Cons

1. Not suitable for sightseeing due to regular rains
2. No outdoor activities like hiking, trekking and camping

Early Winter (Oct to Nov)

Winter season in Shimla starts in October and extends 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 late December. The sky remains crystal clear and offers the widest possible view of the mountain ranges.

Pros

1. Clear blue sky with very few days of rainfall
2. In general, weather is cold but not freezing
3. Good time for outdoor activities like hiking, trekking and camping
4. Cool day time with colder nights

Cons

1. With many tourists preferring early winter, hotel costs are generally on the higher side.

Winter (Dec to Feb)

Photo by Sukh1810, CC BY-SA 4.0

December to February is the peak of winter in Shimla. Regular snowfall occurs during this period and Sking activities are set up in Kufri

Dec to Feb – This is a perfect time for the tourists who are looking to enjoy the snowfall and planning for some skiing . The lovely hill station of Shimla will turn in to a dream world with the snow-clad surroundings

Pros

1. Experience snowfall and snow activities
2. Skiing at Kufri for both amateur and professional skiers
3. Being off season, lower cost of hotel and car hire rates.

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

In general, roads are open and all the places are accessible. If your purpose of visiting Shimla is for skiing at Kufri, it is advised to do some priority check on the snow condition. It is advised to plan for skiing after a fresh bout of snow fall.

Conclusion

When the destination is Shimla, 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.