When Does It Snow in Himachal Pradesh?
Published by Travelxploria on Sat Nov 01 2025
Few things in India feel as magical as the first sight of snow in Himachal Pradesh. The air turns crisp, pine forests wear white crowns, and mountain towns glow softly under the winter sun. From honeymooners seeking cozy escapes to photographers chasing that perfect frame of falling flakes, Himachal becomes something out of a dream during the snowfall season.
But the question everyone asks is simple: when does it snow in Himachal Pradesh?
The answer isn’t the same everywhere. Because Himachal’s terrain ranges from 350 meters to over 6,000 meters above sea level, the timing, intensity, and duration of snowfall vary dramatically between destinations like Shimla, Manali, Kufri, Dalhousie, and Spiti.
This guide breaks it all down, when and where it snows, what to expect in each region, how to plan your trip, and a few insider tips to make the most of your winter journey.
The Snowfall Season in Himachal Pradesh - An Overview
Broadly speaking, Himachal Pradesh experiences snowfall between late November and early March, peaking in December and January.
Early snowfalls sometimes appear by late November, especially in high-altitude regions such as Lahaul, Spiti, and Kinnaur.
Main snowfall months:December to February, when most hill stations receive consistent snow.
Lingering snow: In very high areas (above 10,000 ft), snow may last until April or even May.
If your goal is to see snowfall rather than just snow-covered landscapes, the sweet spot is mid-December to early February.
Month-by-Month Breakdown of Snowfall in Himachal Pradesh
November: The First Hints of Winter
In most of Himachal, November brings cold winds, fog, and frost, but only the highest passes and peaks receive light snow.
Where you might see snow: Rohtang Pass (near Manali), Kunzum Pass, and Spiti Valley.
Snow quality: Powdery and thin; great for early trekkers or offbeat travelers.
Weather: Pleasantly chilly days (10–15°C), cold nights (-1°C to 5°C).
If you’re visiting in late November, don’t expect heavy snow in popular towns yet — but you might catch a few early flakes in Kufri, Narkanda, or Solang Valley.
December: The Real Snow Season Begins
By mid-December, snowfall officially begins in full swing. This is the time when Christmas and New Year travelers rush to Himachal’s hill stations.
Best places: Manali, Shimla (Kufri, Narkanda), Dalhousie, Khajjiar, Solang, Kalpa.
Snowfall intensity: Moderate to heavy at higher elevations.
Travel note: Roads to higher passes like Rohtang are usually closed due to snow, but Solang Valley and Gulaba are accessible.
This month is perfect for honeymooners and families who want both comfort and a snow experience — you can play in the snow without extreme cold like in January.
January: The Heart of the Snow Season
If you want guaranteed snowfall, January is the safest bet.
Where you’ll see snow for sure: Manali, Solang Valley, Kufri, Narkanda, Kinnaur, Keylong, and Spiti.
Temperature range: -5°C to 8°C.
Snow quality: Deep, soft, and fresh — ideal for snow activities and photography.
January transforms Himachal into a postcard-perfect world. Expect frozen rivers, snow-capped pine forests, and roofs blanketed in white. However, be prepared for disruptions — road closures and occasional power cuts are common.
February: Late Snow and Fewer Crowds
February is a wonderful time for quieter snow travel.
Why it’s ideal: The crowds thin out after the New Year, and fresh snow still falls in many regions.
Where to go: Manali, Kalpa, Narkanda, Dalhousie, and the lower Spiti routes.
Temperature: 0°C to 10°C.
February also marks the start of slow melting at lower altitudes, but higher regions remain fully snowbound. It’s the month when romance and calm meet adventure — perfect for couples or photographers.
March: Melting Beauty & Last Snow
By March, snow begins to retreat from popular towns, but the mountain slopes remain covered.
Where to still see snow: Narkanda, Kalpa, Kinnaur, and upper Spiti.
Temperature: 5°C to 15°C in most places.
March is best if you want a mix of winter landscapes and easier travel conditions — roads are mostly open, and the weather is gentler.
Region-Wise Snowfall Guide
1. Shimla and Kufri
Snow season: Late December to February
Snow highlights: Kufri, Narkanda, Mashobra, Fagu
Ideal visit: Christmas to mid-February
Shimla itself doesn’t always get heavy snowfall, but Kufri (16 km away) almost always does. For easy access to snow without extreme cold or travel disruptions, this region is ideal.
2. Manali and Solang Valley
Snow season: Mid-December to early March
Peak snowfall: January
Activities: Skiing, paragliding, snow biking, and gondola rides
Manali is the classic snow destination in Himachal. Solang Valley and Gulaba are the prime snow spots when Rohtang is closed. Even if you don’t trek, you’ll find snow easily reachable by road.
3. Dalhousie and Khajjiar
Snow season: Late December to February
Experience: Misty pine forests, meadows under snow, frozen lakes
Dalhousie’s snowfall is often gentler but beautifully scenic. Khajjiar, often called “Mini Switzerland,” looks breathtaking in January when its meadows turn white.
4. Kinnaur and Kalpa
Snow season: November to March
Best for: Long stays, offbeat travel, photographers
Kalpa offers one of the most dramatic winter backdrops — the Kinnaur Kailash range covered in snow. Roads remain open longer than in Spiti, so it’s accessible even in peak winter.
5. Lahaul–Spiti Valley
Snow season: October to May
Conditions: Harsh but surreal
Spiti is for those who love remote, raw beauty. Winters here are long, silent, and extremely cold — but for experienced travelers or photographers, it’s unforgettable.
Expect sub-zero temperatures (as low as -15°C) and icy roads.
What to Pack for Snow Season
Warm layers: Thermal inners, fleece, and waterproof jackets
Footwear: Snow boots or high-traction shoes
Accessories: Woolen gloves, cap, muffler, sunglasses (for glare)
Essentials: Sunscreen, moisturizer, lip balm, and power bank
Tip: Snow reflects UV rays strongly — even in freezing temperatures, you can tan or burn easily.
Travel Tips for Visiting Himachal During Snow Season
Check weather forecasts and road conditions before traveling — especially if you’re heading to Manali or Spiti.
Carry cash — ATMs may not work in remote snowbound towns.
Avoid self-driving unless you’re used to icy mountain roads.
Book accommodation early for December–January — popular towns fill up quickly.
Travel insurance is wise — it can cover delays due to roadblocks or cancellations.
Always keep a day’s buffer — snow can delay buses or flights.
Snow Adventures and Activities
Skiing & Snowboarding: Solang Valley, Narkanda, Kufri
Snow treks: Prashar Lake, Triund (snow-covered in Jan), Hampta Pass (partial)
Snow biking: Solang and Gulaba
Cable car rides: Solang Valley, Kufri.
Ice skating: Shimla’s open-air rink (operational in Jan-Feb)
Even simple experiences — like sipping tea by a frozen window or walking through snow-dusted pine forests — can be the highlight of your trip.
Approximate Costs
Here’s a quick idea of average trip costs (per couple):
Budget trip (5–6 days): ₹25,000 – ₹45,000
Mid-range (comfort hotels + transfers): ₹55,000 – ₹80,000
Luxury winter escape: ₹1,00,000+
If you include skiing lessons or private transfers, add another ₹10,000–₹20,000 depending on your route and duration.
But if you book a Himachal tour package from Kolkata via a reputed travel agency in Kolkata, prices can get as low as ₹12500 per person.
When Not to Visit for Snow
Avoid expecting snowfall in:
April–October: Most of Himachal is green and warm — beautiful, but snow-free.
Monsoon months (July–September): Heavy rains and landslides make travel risky.
If you want snow specifically, stick to late December–February.
Responsible Snow Travel
Don’t litter or step on fragile snow plants.
Use eco-friendly heating in homestays.
Avoid plastic bottles — refill from mountain water filters.
Respect local advice about restricted or avalanche-prone zones.
Snow brings not only beauty but also fragility — respecting that balance keeps Himachal pristine for future travelers.
So, when does it snow in Himachal Pradesh?
Typically between late November and early March, peaking in December and January, but the exact timing depends on where you go and how high you climb.
Whether it’s Kufri’s family-friendly slopes, Manali’s romantic Solang Valley, Spiti’s haunting white silence, or any other coldest hill stations in Himachal Pradesh, Himachal’s winter season offers something for every traveler.
If you plan well — checking the weather, booking early, packing smartly — you can witness snow in its most enchanting form, without chaos or crowds.
Himachal Pradesh in winter isn’t just a place; it’s an experience — where every snowflake seems to fall in slow motion, reminding you why some journeys are worth the cold.