When to travel to the Himalayas?

There are four distinctly different seasons as far up north as Dharamshala. However, locals think the conditions are in a constant state of change and say there are up to eight seasons in the year: midwinter, snowy spring, spring, summer, harvest season, autumn leaf colour, first snowfall, and Christmas. Read more about the changing seasons and the annual cycle here. To find out what a year in a nutshell is like in Dhauladhar, see below. Please bear in mind that there is annual fluctuation in weather, and these are mere guidelines.

Winter

December & January is the coldest month of anywhere in Himachal & most of the snow peaks wear white shawls. In some upper regions of the state mercury dips below -25 as well. These months are best for you if you are looking for snow adventures like skiing, snowmobile, snow hikes, snow drives etc. Other adventure activities like Paragliding, ATV rides etc. are also open. Kindly check weather forecasted by The Metrological department of India. Most of the upper Himachal areas get disconnected with the world due to heavy snowfalls so must consult before making any plans or trips. Lower & Middle Himachal adventures continue but weather check is still must.

Typical average temperatures in the winter:

*This is the average temperature of Middle To Upper areas of Himachal Pradesh lower areas are not considered,

December: 2 to 10 degrees Celsius
January: -5 to 8 degrees Celsius
February: 0 to 15 degrees Celsius

Spring

March & April are considered the spring season in the Himalayas of Himachal. If you are a lover of flowers this is the best time to visit because most of the valleys are blooming with new flowers & trees are filled with new leaves. Weather remains mostly dry & cool but some places can still receive snowfalls. So it is advised to check the weather & plan accordingly.

Typical average temperatures in the spring:

*This is the average temperature of Middle To Upper areas of Himachal Pradesh lower areas are not considered,

March: 2 to 12 degrees Celsius
April: 5 to 15 degrees Celsius

Summer

May & June is the hottest month anywhere in Himachal & most of the snow melts & roads get open again. But snow can still be seen on the peaks. These months are best for you if you are looking for adventures like Hiking, Trekking, Road Trips etc. Other adventure activities like Paragliding, ATV rides, Ziplining, River rafting etc. are also open.

The trans Himalayan zone of the state doesn't receive much rain but it is advised to always check the weather of Alpine zones as weather is totally unpredictable in the Himalayas. Kindly check weather forecasted by The Metrological department of India.

Typical average temperatures in the Summer:

*This is the average temperature of Middle To Upper areas of Himachal Pradesh lower areas are not considered,

May: 10 to 25 degrees Celsius
June: 10 to 25 degrees Celsius

Monsoon

It rains a lot & a lot in the Himalayas. July & August are the wettest months in Himachal. Most of the snow washed away during this period. But mountains become so lush green & best time to gaze Himalayan landscapes. If you want to see the greenest Himalayas then this is the time for you. These months are also considered as the dangerous months to travel in the Himalayas as frequent landslides, roadblocks & flash floods can happen. Adventure activities like Paragliding, River rafting, River crossing, Sailing are closed by the government notification due to chances of mis happenings.

The trans Himalayan zone of the state doesn't receive much rain & can be explored without worrying. Kindly check weather forecasted by The Metrological department of India before travelling in monsoon.

Typical average temperatures in the Monsoon:

*This is the average temperature of Middle To Upper areas of Himachal Pradesh lower areas are not considered,

July: 10 to 22 degrees Celsius
August: 10 to 20 degrees Celsius

Autumn

From mid September, October & Till mid November it is considered as fall or autumn here. Most of the peaks remain dry, days are hot but mornings & evenings are cold. Adventure activities like Paragliding, River rafting, river crossings again get started as they get banned in monsoon seasons. Less rainfall happens in these months.

Typical average temperatures in the Autumn:

*This is the average temperature of Middle To Upper areas of Himachal Pradesh lower areas are not considered,