Best time to visit Himachal Pradesh

There is no specific best time to visit Himachal Pradesh. That’s right. The gorgeous state of Himachal Pradesh in the north of India has something to offer for every season. No matter what time you are planning to visit India, Himachal Pradesh is always a good idea for most of the year. Read this article to find out more about the best time to visit Himachal Pradesh.

Best time to visit Himachal Pradesh

The best time to visit Himachal Pradesh depends on the kind of experiences and the type of vacation you are looking for. Himachal Pradesh is a stunning state that shines in all seasons. With pretty landscapes and snowcapped mountains in the background, the region is a sight to behold no matter when you visit. The traditions and cultural richness of this enchanting region also make it a good place to explore. Overall, a great time to visit is between March and June, the spring and summer season in the state. With pretty views and blooming flowers, this is also the peak season for tourism in the region. However, if you want to experience snowfall and winter activities, the winter season is the best time to go, especially the months of December and January. Spring and autumn are ideal for exploring, enjoying the festivals and events, and taking in the natural beauty of Himachal Pradesh.

Generally speaking, the monsoon season is the only off-season for tourism in Himachal Pradesh, but if you don’t mind the rains, it is also a good time to see a uniquely beautiful side of the state, that too on a budget. However, there is often heavy rainfall, so make sure to check the weather forecasts before making any plans.

Winter season in Himachal Pradesh (October to February)

If you want to experience the winter wonderland of India, the best season to visit Himachal Pradesh is during winter. While the weather conditions start getting colder in October, you can experience the snowfall season from November to February. December and January are the coldest months, perfect to visit for a snow trip. In a few places, it is extremely cold, with the temperature dropping as low as -8 degrees Celsius.

Pristine white snow and frozen lakes make for some breathtaking landscapes. You can also enjoy winter sports and activities like skiing, skating, and hiking. Kufri, Shimla, and Narkanda receive heavy snowfall. The Rohtang Pass remains inaccessible for travel.

Kullu Dussehra is celebrated in winter in Himachal Pradesh. The Himalayan Paragliding Pre-World Cup Event is also held in November in Bir Billing.

Best places to visit in winter season

Hill stations like Shimla, Manali, Khajjiar, Kufri, Spiti Valley, McLeod Ganj

Spiti Valley

Spring and Summer season in Himachal Pradesh (March to June)

March to June is the summer and spring season in Himachal Pradesh. However, while most of the country faces intense heat during this time, Himachal Pradesh remains cool and pleasant, a perfect summer escape for tourists. Temperature ranges from 5 to 24 degrees Celsius. A lot of people travel to places like Manali, Dharamshala, and McLeodGanj in summer. It is the best season for domestic travelers to escape to the region, where the pleasant weather is perfectly cool as the intense heat catches hold of the rest of the country.

The snow starts to melt and new flowers start blooming. It is also the apple and cherry blossom season in March and April, which makes the surroundings quite picturesque.

It is the perfect time for adventure enthusiasts to visit the state. You can enjoy adventure sports and activities like trekking, hiking, nature walks, camping, rock climbing, paragliding, water sports like kayaking and white-water river rafting, and hot air balloon rides in Himachal Pradesh. You can also stroll through the cherry orchards in Kotkhai, Baghi, or Kumarsain, which is an experience not unlike the cherry blossom season of Japan. The Rohtang Pass also opens up in May or June, so people who are planning to visit Ladakh by bike can also explore a bit of Himachal Pradesh. It is also a good season to enjoy wildlife safaris.

Keep in mind that  this is the peak tourist season in Himachal Pradesh. Make sure to book your tickets and accommodations well in advance.

Best places to visit in summer and spring season

Hill stations like Dharamshala, Kasol, Kullu, Manali

Manali

Monsoon season in Himachal Pradesh (July to September)

Monsoon turns Himachal Pradesh into a stunning natural beauty, with lush greenery all around. The landscape becomes beautiful, but it is not the best time to visit the state. That’s because there are often unexpected rains and heavy rainfall in the region and an increased danger of landslides. Trekking and hiking are restricted during the season, making it an off-season for tourism. However, there are a few places like Kasauli, Spiti, and Kinnaur that you can visit for their serene beauty. The rainy season brings in sightings of many exotic bird species, making it a great time for birdwatching in this region.

While most people avoid taking any risks and visiting Himachal Pradesh in monsoon, there are a lot of budget travelers that take advantage of the low prices of train and flight tickets, accommodations, fewer crowds, and off-season discounts. However, make sure to check the weather forecasts regularly before making any plans to avoid any issues during your trip.

Best places to visit in monsoon season

Kullu, Manali, Solang Valley, Dharamsala, Mashobra, Narkanda

Dharamshala

Autumn season in Himachal Pradesh (September to November)

While autumn is not a very prominent season in most of India, the northernmost states do experience the falling of leaves as the landscape turns into hues of red and golden before making way for the cold winter. There are many festivals and adventure activities you can experience in autumn in Himachal Pradesh, such as Kullu Dussehra and Sair Festival.

This is an ideal time for couples to visit the state. The pleasant weather conditions are quite romantic, and there are a lot of outdoor activities to explore. It is also a good time for a family vacation.

Best places to visit in autumn season

Dalhousie, Tirthan Valley, Kasauli, Manali, Dharamshala

Festivals and events in Himachal Pradesh

Minjar Festival: The Minjar Festival takes place in July or August in the town of Chamba every year. This seven-day Minjar Fair sees a large procession of people who gather near the Laxmi Narayan Temple to offer prayers. The word “minjar” refers to maize stalk blossoms. The natives wear a special kind of silk outfit during this season. Maize blossom stalks are attached to these outfits.

Kullu Dussehra: Held in October, Kullu Dussehra is a seven-day festival with a procession honoring Lord Raghunath. There are many cultural music and dance performances that take place during the festival, attracting tourists from all over the country.

Losar: Losar is the Tibetan New Year, taking place in February or March. The fifteen-day vibrant festival has many traditional rituals and cultural performances, and is celebrated by the Tibetan community.

International Himalayan Festival: The International Himalayan Festival takes place in December every year in Kangra Valley. The three-day festival showcases cultural performances and art exhibitions.

Himalayan Paragliding Pre-World Cup Event: The Himalayan Paragliding Pre-World Cup event is held in Bir Billing as a precursor to the main world cup event. While it does not take place every year, it is quite a regular feature of the world cup. It is held in Bir Billing since the region is considered one of the best for paragliding.

Losar Festival

Tips to enjoy your trip to Himachal Pradesh

• If you are traveling to any rural areas in Himachal Pradesh, you may not find any ATMs nearby, plus, the network could be an issue. So make sure you carry enough cash with you.
• Pack your clothes according to the season you are visiting. While you may not need any cool or breathable clothing in winter, pack those for a summer trip. No matter which season you visit, carry warm clothes, sunscreen, sunglasses, and warm clothes.
• Stay hydrated. At high altitude regions, it is important to drink plenty of water and other fluids, especially if you are indulging in physical outdoor activities.
• The water current in the rivers of Himachal Pradesh is extremely strong and can often be deceptive. Make sure to keep a safe distance from the rocks and boulders near the water.
• Check the weather forecast before heading outdoors, especially in the monsoon season. Landslides can occur in some areas in this season, so make sure to be careful.

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