Manali is nestled in the foothills of the mighty Himalayas and enjoys salubrious weather throughout the year. However, the best time to visit Manali is in summer and winter, when the region enjoys calming weather, making sightseeing comfortable. Snuggled between the Pir Panjal and Dhauladhar mountains, this high-altitude hill town boasts blissful weather year-round, except during treacherous rainy seasons.
Manali’s weather in May and June draws maximum tourist crowds. It is ideal for trekking, hiking, paragliding, mountain sports, rafting, and zorbing, as Manali’s temperature never soars high. Hadimba Devi Temple hosts an annual festival in May, which attracts a large number of devotees. Skiing and ice skating activities are most popular in the winter season between November and February when snow is plentiful. Here is a brief summary of each season to help you choose the best time to visit Manali for specific activities.
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| Summers | March to June | 10°c – 26°c |
| Monsoon | July to Sep | 10°c – 17°c |
| Winter | Octber to March | 1°c – 13°c |
When & Where to Visit in Manali
Manali in Summers: From March till June
During the summer season, Manali experiences moderate temperatures ranging from 10°C to 25°C. The weather remains pleasant throughout the day and starts cooling down by the evening, making it an ideal time to visit Manali. It is the perfect place to escape the scorching heat of the plains regions in North India. Various activities for tourists to enjoy during this season include camping, trekking, and white-water river rafting in places such as Raison and Solang Valley.
Travelers can take a stroll at the Mall Road in the evening and try the different cuisines as the weather remains pleasant during the day. Also, you can seek blessings at the famous Raghunath Temple and Hadimba Temple. This is also an amazing time to visit Rohtang Pass, as it opens in the summer season and indulges in adventure sports.
Average Temperature in Himachal Pradesh in summers: 10⁰ C to 25⁰ C
Things to do in Himachal Pradesh in summer:
- Trekking
- Camping
- Hiking
- Rock Climbing
- Paragliding
- Zorbing
- Zip lining
- River Rafting
- Horse Ride
Manali Tips:
- Manali gets chilly climatic conditions even during the summer. It is advisable to carry light woolen along with cotton clothes.
- Wear sunglasses and sunscreen to avoid sunburn while trekking.
- Stay hydrated while trekking.
- It is recommendable to book accommodation in advance as this is the peak season in Manali.
- Attend Basantotsav, organized in Manali in April.
Manali in Monsoons: From July till September
Manali experiences misty rain in the monsoon season, due to which this is not the ideal time to visit. However, the rain transforms the region into lush green and opulent. So if you are nature lover it can be the best time to visit Manali. Waterfall comes to life during the rainy season, showcasing the best of nature’s beauty. The mist-shrouded mountains become even more magnificent, and the sprawling meadows are carpeted with colorful flowers. The vibrant green trails offer the perfect opportunity to enjoy the serene beauty of this mystical place. This is the offseason, due to which tourists can get glimpses of the cultural heritage of the town by partaking in the local religious festivals. The monsoon season also brings in heavy rainfall, which usually leads to landslides and road damage.
Average Temperature in Himachal Pradesh in monsoon: 10⁰ C to 17⁰ C
Things to do in Himachal Pradesh in the monsoon:
- Embark on a Hampta Pass Trek.
- Bird watching in Van Vihar.
- Nature exploration.
- Sightseeing tour of Manali.
- Seek blessings at Hadimba Devi Temple, Manu Temple, and Vashisht Temple.
- Enjoy shopping at Mall Road and Old Manali.
- Café hopping and savor scrumptious local cuisines.
Note: Adventure activities remain close in monsoon season.
Manali Tips:
- If someone wishes to plan a tour, it is advisable to keep extra days as landslides are more likely on the Manali-Manali route.
- Carry gumboots if someone is planning for trekking.
- Carry ponchos, raincoats, and umbrellas to save yourself from the rains.
- Pack light woolens as the temperature drops in the evening.
- Plan the trip according to the weather and road conditions.
Manali in Winters: From October till March
Winters start setting in Manali in October and last till February. During winters, the temperature in Manali ranges from -6°C to 10°C. Therefore, it is suggested to carry some woolen if traveling during this season. This is the best time to visit Manali for those who wish to enjoy snowfall and have a great time viewing those beautiful snow-capped mountains. Also, the time is ideal for adventure lovers to indulge in thrilling activities such as trekking, camping, and rafting.
Visit the famous attractions of Manali, including the Atal Tunnel, Manali Wildlife Sanctuary, Jagannath Temple, Indrasan Peak, Manali Zoo, and Manu Temple. The major festival organized this season is the Manali Winter Carnival, held in January every year, making winter the best season to visit Manali Manali. The carnival offers glimpses of the region’s rich cultures and vibrant lifestyles.
Average Temperature in Himachal Pradesh in winter: 1⁰ C to 13⁰ C
Things to do in Himachal Pradesh in winter:
- Indulge in skiing in Manali.
- Experience the thrill of snowboarding.
- Sled down the slopes.
- Get a visual treat with a Gondola cable car ride.
- Try Ice climbing a frozen waterfall.
- Glide smoothly with ice-skating.
- Trek to Beas Kund, Hampta Pass, Pin Parvati Pass, Bhrigu Lake, and Chandrakhani Pass.
- Enjoy camping and stargazing.
- Partake in river rafting, paragliding, zorbing, and bird watching.
Manali Tips:
- Carry a lot of warm clothes as Manali gets cold in the winters.
- Pack snowshoes, gumboots, woolen caps, gloves, and layers of woolens.
- Pack your first-aid kit and the prescribed medicines (if any) and some over-the-counter medications for cold and cough in hand.
- Wear comfortable shoes while going trekking and carry a trekking pole.
- Keep moisturizers to avoid dryness and wear sunscreen to evade sunburn and tanning.
- Book your accommodations in advance as winter is the peak time and there are chances that you will not get the hotel or resort at a reasonable price at the last moment.
Average Temperature & Climate in Uttarakhand
- Manali experiences freezing temperatures in January, with an average range of -6°C to 10°C. It is the coldest month and often experiences snowfall, so it is essential to carry warm clothes.
- During February, temperatures in Manali range from -4°C to 12°C, and the climate remains quite cold. It is the best time to visit Manali if you want to enjoy snow sports.
- The average Manali temperature in March ranges from 0°C to 15°C. The weather starts to become milder, but it stays chilly, especially in the evenings.
- The temperature in Manali during April is moderately cool, ranging from 4°C to 20°C. It’s a great time to visit because the snow is beginning to melt, and it is not the peak season, so you can have more time to explore the town to the fullest.
- In May, Manali experiences warmer weather with temperatures ranging between 8°C and 25°C. The weather is pleasant, and most tourist attractions and outdoor activities are open, making it an ideal time to visit.
- The average temperature in Manali during June ranges from 12°C to 28°C. The weather is warm, yet still pleasant, making it the best time to visit Manali for those looking to escape the scorching heat. This period is popular among tourists who want to enjoy trekking and other adventure activities.
- In July, Manali experiences moderate to heavy rainfall at the onset of the monsoon season, with average temperatures ranging from 15°C to 25°C. It is advisable to take extra precautions and bring rain gear when visiting during this month.
- In August, Manali experiences heavy rainfall, so it is not advisable to plan your trip there. The temperature during this time ranges from 15°C to 24°C.
- In September, as the monsoon season starts to recede, the temperature in Manali ranges from 12°C to 23°C. The pleasant weather makes it ideal for travel and outdoor activities.
- The temperature in Manali during October ranges from 7°C to 20°C. It is the best time to visit the region because there are fewer crowds, so you will have more time to explore the area thoroughly.
- In November, the temperature in Manali starts to drop, making it the ideal time to visit with your partner. The temperature in Manali in winter ranges between 2°C and 15°C.
- Temperatures in Manali during December range from -2°C to 12°C. There is a lot of snowfall in the area, which transforms it into a winter wonderland.
Plan your Manali Trip With an Indian Holiday
Our guide to the best time to visit Manali provides information about each season, including what activities are popular during that season and why you should visit. If you’re still unsure about when to visit Manali, feel free to contact our travel experts who can help you decide the best time to go. Our Manali packages include lodging, meals, sightseeing, and transportation, ensuring a stress-free and enjoyable trip.
Manali Tour Packages
Things To Do in Manali
FAQs
Ans. The months of March to June, December and January are best to arrive in Manali. The climate allows tourists to set on an enthralling and exciting set of adventure activities. Rafting on the stream, skiing on milky white snow, paragliding in the clear skies, and trekking over huge peaks are popular adventure activities tourists can indulge in.
Ans. Mid October to February is the time you should consider going to Manali. The cold weather and pleasure of fresh snowfall will make your trip extraordinary.
Ans. Newlyweds should plan their honeymoon in the winter months – December to March. Heavy snowfall and cozy weather will add extra charm to their romance.
Ans. To fully relish the outdoor activities with friends and family, visit Manali during summer months. The pleasant weather will make outdoor activities more fun. Indulge in activities like river rafting, camping, trekking, etc.
Ans. The average temperature in Manali in the month of May remains around 20 degrees Celsius, in June it remains around 22 degrees Celsius and 21 degrees Celsius in the month of July.
Ans. The average temperature in Manali in the month of November remains around 18 degrees Celsius and 12 degrees Celsius in the month of December.
Ans. Visit Manali to get relief from the scorching summer heat. Witness the charm of Manali with clear skies and mesmerizing views. The temperature during this time ranges between 10°C to 25°C, which is perfect to admire its unparalleled beauty.
Ans. If you wish to witness snowfall, plan your trip to Manali in winters. The temperature remains around -1°C to 13°C and gets pretty chilly and frosty. Do not forget to carry a lot of warm clothes as it will get cold.
Ans. The months of December and January are the best to go skiing in Manali. During these months, Manali receives heavy snowfall and skiing zones are easily accessible from the main town of Manali.
Ans. Monsoon is the affordable season as there are fewer tourists around. Accommodation gets very cheap but it is not advised to travel in this season as the area is prone to landslides.