Himachal Pradesh is all about larger than life sceneries, glorious mountains and comfort food. It is a tryst with the hills as the clouds bow down to greet you. February to June (Spring and Summer) is the best time to visit Himachal. Pleasant and most popular time to visit is the winters, i.e., between October and February when it's the snowfall season. Dotted with hill stations that have been visited by tourists and travellers from all over the world, Himachal still has some hidden gems and undiscovered valleys just waiting to be explored. Be it the summer, monsoon or winter season, Himachal changes its colours as each season unfolds. 

In order to decide which colour you want to see this hamlet don, you must weigh your options before you settle on when to visit this destination. We, at Thomas Cook, will help you choose when to head to this location by weighing out the pros and cons of each season. Here, we have for you all the information that you may require in order to choose the most ideal time to travel and you can also check out more ways on How to Reach Himachal Pradesh.

Conclusion - If apples, lush mountains and thrilling adventure are your things, you have to pay a visit to Himachal Pradesh.  To get the best out of the region, in terms of comfortable climate and terrains, the months from February to June are the best time to visit Himachal Pradesh.

Listed for you are also the things you must keep in mind before and while you are on your trip. 

Take a look!

Peak Season – March to June

Shoulder Season – November to February 

Low Season – July to September 

Himachal in Summer (March to June)

Temperature: The air temperature during the season of summer fluctuates between 22°C and 37°C

Weather: As the rays of the sun reveal the light of day, magical vistas of the nature come into sight. Himachal in summer seems like a warm embrace with cold winds still kissing your face as night falls. The cold no longer sends shivers down your spine as you wrap your fingers around a steaming hot cup of tea. This season makes you feel like you are snuggled up inside your blanket as the air conditioner runs right on the perfect temperature. Neither too hot nor cold. This is the best time to visit Himachal Pradesh if you wish to venture outdoors and explore this quaint hamlet and the many marvels that it is home to. 

Significant events: As summer awakens the mighty mountains from their deep slumber in the winter, tourists from all over the globe flock to this destination in huge numbers. Himachal makes for the coolest summer getaway with comfortable warm days and cosy cool nights. This is also the most suitable time for you to venture outdoors and acquaint yourself with the surroundings. However, this season comes with its own share of festivals and celebrations. The main highlight of this season is the Doongri Fair, better known as the Hadimba Devi Fair which celebrates the onset of summer. This festival is a riot of colours and vibrant displays of blooming flowers with dance and musical performances by locals. Another significant festival celebrated in the month of May and June is the Summer Festival, celebrated in Shimla at The Ridge every year. This ten-day event will leave behind a taste of Himachal with its folk-dance performances, sports activities for the adventurer in you, handicraft exhibitions if you are looking to take home some souvenirs. They also have a treat for all the pet lovers out there with dog shows, as your favourite puppies walk the ramp strutting their stuff. This festival has a little something for everybody in the family and we are sure there will never be a dull moment! 

Why you should visit now: The season of summer welcomes you with its arms wide open. Himachal loves her tourists and is buzzing with activity at this time of the year. If you wish to explore and trek along the lush green valleys, verdant landscapes and glorious mountains of the Himalayas, this is the best time to visit Himachal. This is the most suitable time to camp in the wild as you gape at a rich spread of twinkling stars holding the moon in the night sky. Summer is also home to a number of festivals and events that will keep you entertained. If you are feeling a little adventurous, head to the less frequented Himachal trekking trails such as the unexplored Jubbal region located 90 km from Shimla. 

Things to know before the visit: Make sure you have enough cash in hand if you plan to travel to remote places in Himachal since they may not be having ATMs in close proximity. Pack at least one pair of trekking shoes in case you decide to venture outdoors. 

Tips: Since this is the peak season, ensure that your tickets are booked well in advance. Plan your activities and itinerary according to the weather. While you pack, make sure you include both warm and cool clothes as well as a sunscreen and some glasses. 

Himachal in Monsoon (July to September)

Temperature: The air temperature during the season of monsoon ranges between 15°C and 25°C.

Weather: Himachal in monsoon is all about petrichor with this hamlet clad in dewy droplets giving it a fresh look. This time of the year is characterised with freshly bathed streets as the rains knock at your door like an eager friend urging you to come out and play. Be it sitting amidst the mist in the hills at a quaint café and sipping on a cup of tea or going out there and experiencing the magic of the rains, Himachal in monsoon is a breath of fresh air.  

Significant events: The rain dances along the topsy-turvy roads of Himachal as the scent of wet earth fills your senses. However, the rain does not just blanket the hamlet with a mystical aura but also brings with it a series of festivals that make sure the monsoons don’t dampen the spirit of Himachal. One such festival celebrated between the months of July and August is the Minjar Festival widely celebrated in the town of Chamba. Minjar stands for maize flowers, a stalk of which is attached to the silk costumes that the locals don at this time of the year. The Minjar Fair is a seven-day festival and is marked by a grand procession. Heaps of locals gather around the Laxmi Narayan Temple and offer their prayers to it. Sweets and money are exchanged to indicate the expectations of a good harvest. 

Why you should visit now: With the season of Monsoon revealing different hues and shades of green, the rains breathe life into Himachal. Visit during this time of the year and you will feel like you are in a fairy-tale. This is also a good time to head to Kasol where you can sit for hours on the banks of River Parvati that looks scenic as the raindrops create ripples in the water. 

Things to know before the visit: Do not forget to check the weather reports before booking your tickets and accommodation. This time of the year is synonymous with threatening landslides, hence plan your trip and itinerary accordingly. Book a hotel that is centrally located, accessible and has a central heating system since the nights could get chilly.

Tips: Do carry a lightweight jacket since cold winds prevail at this time of the year. Watch out for hotel discounts since this is the off season.  Carrying windcheaters, mosquito repellents, mufflers and torches is advised. 

Himachal in Winter (December to February)

Temperature: The air temperature during the season of winter fluctuates between 0°C and 15°C.

Weather: Himachal in winter is a snowy heaven. Be it indulging in some light-hearted snowball fights with your family or cascading through sheets of white as you engage in winter sports; this season is indeed a gift for every traveller out there. With snowclad mountains and frozen lakes, this hamlet is engulfed in all kinds of white. Witness the breath-taking Khajjar Lake at this time of the year as you trudge along the crystalline ponds. 

Significant events: Winter in Himachal Pradesh calls out to you with its assortment of festivals and celebrations that attract tourists from all over the world. One such exciting festival is the Winter Carnival that simply celebrates the existence of the winter season in Himachal. Held in Shimla and Manali, this Carnival provides you with engaging winter sports at the Rohtang Range and the ski slopes of Solang Valley. Another major attraction of this carnival is the Beauty Contest better known as the Winter Queen contest in Manali. 

Why you should visit now: If you would rather go for the road less travelled by, this is the best time to visit Himachal Pradesh. The nature remains untouched by the rush of the tourists at this time of the year as you and your family remain undisturbed. There are also a number of treks such as the Bijli Mahadev Trek and the Triund Trek, if you are up for a challenge.  

Things to know before the visit: Do check for discounts that may be available at this time of the year since this is the off season. Plan your activities and itinerary keeping the weather in mind. Beware of frostbites and altitude sickness while travelling or trekking. Be weary of the fact that some places and routes may be blocked due to heavy snowfall.

Tips: Carry woollens, thermals, sunglasses and a sunscreen to protect yourself from the sun. Keep sipping on a cup of tea or some water to keep yourself hydrated at all times. 

If you are intrigued and tempted to pack your bags right away, visit our website and go through the Himachal Pradesh Tour packages that we offer. If you have any more questions, you will get the answers that you are looking for on our page. Contact us immediately to book your tickets and accommodation immediately!