The best time to visit Shimla depends on the type of vacation you want. Known as the Queen of Hills, Shimla is the charming capital of Himachal Pradesh. Nestled in the Himalayas, it is a picturesque region full of hills, valleys, and forests. Shimla is one of the favorite tourist destinations in India. Read on to find out the best time to visit Shimla for you!
Winter season in Shimla (December to February)
December to February is the winter season in Shimla. The region transforms into a snowy paradise. Temperatures range from -1 to 10 degrees Celsius, sometimes dropping as low as -7 degrees Celsius. For those who want to enjoy the snow, this is the best time to visit Shimla.
The magical atmosphere and cozy, romantic vibe of Shimla in winter makes it a good time for couples to visit the region. There is a lot to do in Shimla in the winter season. The winter wonderland is perfect for long walks in the snow, trying the delicious Himachali cuisine, and enjoying winter activities.Visit Kufri, a short drive from Shimla, for winter sports like skiing, sledding, snowboarding, ice skating, and tobogganing.
This is a festive time in Shimla. Along with Christmas and New Year, the Winter Carnival is another annual event that takes place at the beginning of the season.
Although winter is preferred by many tourists to visit Shimla, it is still not a peak tourist season. Shimla is not fully operational in the snow, so check the available activities before planning. Make sure you pack warm woollens and snow boots for the season, and carry sunglasses and moisturizer. Check accommodations for central heating beforehand, and book everything in advance to get better rates.
Shimla turns into a winter wonderland in winter (Picture credits: Travel and Leisure Asia)
Summer season in Shimla (March to June)
Unlike many other parts of India, summer in Shimla is extremely pleasant. Spanning March to June, summer is a great time to visit Shimla. The temperatures range from 15 to 30 degrees Celsius, and the days are warm and mild. This is the perfect time for exploring the great outdoors, and naturally, it is the peak season for tourism in Shimla.
Adventure enthusiasts can indulge in activities like trekking, hiking, camping, rafting, and paragliding. For a relaxing alternative, enjoy boating or a picnic in the hills. You can also go for nature trails, or explore tourist attractions like The Ridge, Mall Road, Jakhoo Temple, and Summer Hill. Of course, don’t forget to enjoy the enchanting toy train ride to Kalka. Go shopping at Mall Road, where you will also find many eateries selling local delicacies like Siddu, Chha Gosht, and Madra.
Read more: Things to do in Shimla
Monsoon season in Shimla (July to September)
July to September is the monsoon season in Shimla. July and August see heavy rains, making it an off-season for tourism. The temperatures range from 15 to 25 degrees Celsius, and the climate is damp, but quite cool and pleasant. The landscape becomes lush green, a paradise for nature lovers.
Due to the intense rainfall, exploring the outdoors can be challenging. Many outdoor activities are closed for the season. There are various issues as well, such as slippery roads and possibility of landslides and waterlogging. Visiting Shimla in monsoons is not recommended.
However, if you still want to visit Shimla in the monsoon season, you can enjoy local cafes and restaurants, temples, and museums. It is a great time for nature lovers to visit, since the swelling waterfalls and misty hills offer some mesmerizing views. Spend time in nature, by going on walks and nature trails. The festival of Rhyali takes place in monsoon. There are also fewer crowds and good discounts on accommodations.
If you visit Shimla in monsoon, carry an umbrella or raincoat, light woollens, as well as extra clothing. Be prepared for delays and cancellations in plans, and stay updated with the weather forecast.
Autumn in Shimla (October to November)
Towards the end of September, Shimla starts turning cold and chilly, with clear skies and crisp air. Autumn in Shimla spans October and November, with temperatures ranging from 10 to 22 degrees Celsius. The landscape slowly changes from lush green to warm hues of golden and oranges.
Autumn is a good time to visit Shimla if you want to enjoy summer activities in a colder climate with fewer tourists – this season offers a bit of each. The air is cleaner, and apple orchards are ready for harvest. It is a great time to go on treks, nature trails, or even heritage walks in the city. Trek to Chadwick Falls or visit the Tara Devi Temple.
Hotels and homestays offer accommodations at low rates. Carry light woollens and layers, as well as sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat or a cap for the daytime.
Events and festivals in Shimla
Shimla Summer Festival: The Shimla Summer Festival takes place in early June at The Ridge, celebrating the Himachali heritage with flower shows, food stalls, sports competitions, and folk music and dance performances.
Ice skating and Winter Carnival: The Winter Carnival of Shimla takes place from late December to early January at The Ridge. It showcases the culture of Himachal Pradesh through folk dances, parades, talent shows, and more. The ice-skating rink hosts competitions like ice-skating, ice-hockey, and figure skating.
Rhyali Festival: Rhyali, or Haryali Teej, is a monsoon festival taking place in July. It marks the arrival of monsoon in Shimla and is celebrated to appease the rain gods for good harvest.
Lavi Fair: The Lavi Mela near Shimla is one of the most renowned trade fairs in Himachal Pradesh. Dating back 300 years, the trade fair originated from a treaty between Rampur and Tibet. The fair takes place in November in Rampur, marking the beginning of winter.
So, when will you be visiting Shimla? Let us know! At India Someday, we curate personalized itineraries to India for you based on your requirements and necessities. Contact us and together we can plan the perfect trip to India for you!
Frequently Asked Questions
The best months to visit Shimla are March to June for outdoor activities, September to November for cooler weather and cozy vibes, and January to February if you want snow.
Shimla experiences snowfall between December and February.
2 to 3 days are enough to explore the major tourist attractions in Shimla, but for a more relaxed experience, we would recommend 4 days.
About Aishwarya Shete
Aishwarya Shete is a content writer at India Someday. Her passions are writing, photography, and more importantly, food. She hopes to travel the world someday and document it through her pictures and words.
helping you travel your way
Everything you need to know about India is here We have tried writing about everything you may need help with for your trip to India, If you need help in planning a trip to India Get in touch with us to to plan your trip of a life time.
