Best Time to Visit Manali: Month-by-Month Guide

The best time to visit Manali depends on what you want: pleasant weather and sightseeing, snow, or quiet green hills. Manali can be visited all year, but each season feels very different. This guide explains what to expect month by month, so you can pick the right dates for your trip.

The quick answer

• For pleasant weather and sightseeing: March to June.
• For snow: December to February, and at Solang Valley from about December to March.
• For clear, quiet days: October and November.
• Plan carefully for July to September, the monsoon, when landslides can delay road travel.

Month by month at a glance

• January: the coldest month, with snow in the higher areas.
• February: snow is still around, and the days start to feel a little warmer.
• March: the snow melts from the lower areas, while Solang Valley can still have snow.
• April: pleasant days and clear skies as the spring season begins.
• May: warm days and large crowds, and Rohtang Pass usually opens.
• June: the last month of good weather before the rains, although showers can start late in the month.
• July: the monsoon begins, with a risk of landslides.
• August: heavy rain, so it is best avoided unless your plans are flexible.
• September: the rain slowly eases and the hills stay green.
• October: clear skies and cool days.
• November: cold nights, and temperatures close to freezing by the end of the month.
• December: snowfall begins, and the last week is the busiest of the year.

March to June: pleasant and busy

Daytime temperatures are usually around 10°C to 25°C, which is comfortable for sightseeing, walks and adventure activities. The snow melts from the lower areas through March, and high roads such as Rohtang Pass open later in the season, usually around May. These are busy months, so book your room early.

July to September: the monsoon

The hills turn green and the crowds are smaller, but heavy rain can cause landslides and slow the roads, especially on the highway to Manali. If you travel in the monsoon, keep your plans flexible, check the road conditions before you leave, and avoid long trips on rainy days.

October and November: clear and calm

The air is cool and the skies are often clear, which gives good views of the mountains. Days are comfortable, and nights get cold, with temperatures close to freezing by late November. Late October and early November is a good choice if you want a quieter trip and no extreme cold.

December to February: snow

This is the season for snow. Winter nights are below freezing, and January is usually the coldest month, with temperatures from about -6°C to 5°C. Solang Valley usually has snow from around December to March. The last week of December is very busy for Christmas and New Year, so book early. A room heater is available on request at our hotel, at extra cost.

Rohtang Pass and the Atal Tunnel by season

Rohtang Pass is usually open only from about May or June until October or November, and it needs a permit. The Atal Tunnel, which leads to Lahaul, stays open most of the year, weather permitting, and needs no permit. In winter you can still find snow at Solang Valley, so you do not need Rohtang to enjoy it.

What to pack

• March to June: light layers, and a jacket for the evenings.
• July to September: a raincoat and shoes with a good grip.
• October and November: warm layers.
• December to February: heavy woollens, gloves, a cap and boots.

Which month suits you

• Families: April to June, and September and October, when the weather is comfortable.
• Couples: most months of the year, except the monsoon.
• Snow lovers: January and February are the strongest snow months.
• A quieter trip: October and November.

Choose your dates

Room rates change between peak and off season. You can see the rates for both seasons on each room page, for example our Deluxe Room with Common Balcony. If you want help choosing dates, send us a message. For ideas on what to do, read our guide to places to visit near Mall Road.