When it comes to iconic hill stations of north India, Shimla pretty much dominates the list. From being the most loved summer capital of the British and offering respite to people tired from the horrible scorching heat of the plains, this quaint hill station is a great way to beat the heat. Taking a stroll in the lush forests or just getting lost in some nearby riverside chill spots and embracing a sense of peace and solitude is what Shimla is all about.
People living in nearby towns like Delhi, Punjab, Chandigarh, Haryana and more, visit Shimla in order to relax and take some time off from the chaos of city life. If you think that the mountains are calling, then it is important for you to know when is the right time to go. Being located on an elevation and on the uncertain hills of the Himalayas, it is important to know about the best time to visit Shimla.
Here is everything you need to learn about the weather conditions experienced according to months:
Best Time to Visit
If you are up for it and lucky at some points, then you can enjoy Shimla throughout the year. However, the best time to visit Shimla is from March to June. This is the time when tourists throng the place. People make their way to enjoy the clear blue skies and the lush green hills flaying in all its glory. The temperature remains comfortable enough in the morning for you to go out, check out some of the top sightseeing locations in Shimla and enjoy the cool refreshing breeze by sundown. This is also a great time to go out and indulge in adventure activities like rafting, trekking, and even hiking activities that take place in and around Shimla.
If you are someone who wishes to check out the incredible and super popular snowfall of Shimla, then November to February is the time for you to go there and have some fun in the snow. Remember that tourism is at its peak during the said months when the hotel prices and taxi fares are at their highest.
Summer Season in Shimla
Summertime is made for Shimla. March to June are the best months to go and explore the interesting attractions Shimla has to offer. This is also the time when most of the schools and offices shut down for summer vacation making Shimla an ideal place to go, bond with your family and loved ones, and chill out in the refreshing cool air. When compared with other hill stations, Shimla is a bit on the warmer side during the summer season with the overall average temperature ranging from 18 to 30 degrees Celsius. However, it is still a major respite from the heat of the scorching plains where the temperature during summer crosses 43 degrees Celsius.
Note that you should do your booking for these months way beforehand mainly because everything gets sold out and the hotels become full in no time. So you may end up with a sub or below par accommodation that is way too overpriced. Spring-summer is the time when Shimla receives the most footfalls of tourists from all over India. You can even plan your trip to check out the various summer festivals and fairs that take place here like Sipi Fair, Baishakh, and Holi festival.
Winter Season in Shimla
Wintertime on the Himalayan hill town of Shimla feels like you have stepped into a whole different world where real-life mimics a fairytale world. Wintertime in Shimla is marked by the months of October to February when there is a gradual yet quite drastic fall in the overall temperature which ranges from 8 to -6 degrees Celsius at its peak. You can expect to witness snowfall and indulge in fun snowball fights as well! If experiencing Himalayan winter is on your to-do list, then a no better and safer way of experiencing it than making your way to Shimla. As compared to the summer season, wintertime does not see as many tourists but still, there are many tourists who wish to experience snowfall.
Everything in Shimla during peak winter time gets completely blanketed in sparkling white layers of snowmaking every corner of the city look mesmerizing and super dreamy. There is so much for tourists to do in winter time like skiing, ice skating, snowboarding, and even ice trekking adventure activities. You can even camp the night out in wide snowfields under the clear glimmering starry night. Looking for a festival or fair to indulge in? This is the time for Bhoj Fair, Diwali, Navratri, Christmas celebration, and other carnivals.
Monsoon Season in Shimla
Monsoon months of July to September are not the best time to visit Shimla. However, if you keep a track of the weather conditions in Shimla then keep a lookout for some sunny windows amidst the rainy days and make your way to Shimla. This is the time when you will feel like Shimla is just for you due to a dearth of tourists flocking everywhere. You may even get some great deals on hotel bookings and taxi fares. During the said months the entire region receives a huge amount of rainfall which may disrupt your travel plans of sightseeing. The average temperature ranges between 14 to 20 degrees Celsius and if you are traveling on a low budget, then this is time to make it.
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