Best Time (When) to Visit Shimla – Months, Season

Best Time to Visit Shimla

Shimla, also popularly called as the summer capital of India, is full of beauty. With its magnificent and fantastic weather, Shimla is one of the most famous destinations to visit in northern India and one must know about the best time to visit Shimla. The breathtaking view of the Shimla hills makes it all the more attractive to tourists. Snow-capped mountains, sumptuous valleys and a busy shopping center, the Mall Road, have made Shimla the best choice for tourists. Shimla stretches on the steep side of a mountain at 2,000 meter above sea level. Shimla, home to beautiful Victorian mansions, unfolds nostalgic past of British era. If one wants to have shots in the most picturesque place, then Shimla is the place to explore. Shimla is dotted with magnificent tourist attractions like the Mall Road , Viceregal Lodge, Summer Hill, Shimla Ridge, Glenn, Prospect Hill, State Museum & Library, Jakhu Temple, Christ Church etc.

Visiting Shimla in Summer: The summer season commences in April and lasts till June last. Since summer season is characterized by pleasant weather and conducive climate, this is the best time to go to Shimla. The largest number of tourists reaches Shimla during these months. The temperature mostly varies between 15 to 30 degree celsius. The landscape remains filled with blooming flowers. The weather demands woolen clothes and permits longer day time to explore maximum under soothing sunshine. Tourists from all over India reach Shimla in large numbers to beat the heat, as most of India reels under scorching high temperature during these months.

Visiting Shimla in Winter: Earlier Shimla used to be considered a hill resort best visited during summer season, but, now-a-days, Shimla has witnessed a steep rise of tourists’ inflow in winter season. It happens to be the perfect time to visit Shimla to enjoy the snowfall. The winter season in Shimla lasts from October to February and the temperature varies from a maximum of 8°C to a minimum of -6°C. During winter season, Shimla Carnival is organized annually. Several recreational activities like cultural programs, ice skating, skiing etc are performed. Visiting Shimla during winter season offers opportunity to enjoy the nature, city landscape and shopping.

Visiting Shimla in Monsoon: Normally a visit to hill station during rainy season is avoided. Shimla is also not an exception to it. During monsoon season (from July to September), when the temperature varies between 14 degree celcius to 20 degree celcius and the average rainfall happens to be 1400 mm, various rivulets and likely landslides may obstruct the roads and cause hindrances in travelling. Only the adventure-seeking and adrenalin-filled tourists go to Shimla in monsoon season. But, the season offers an advantage in the form of lower tariffs of hotels and cabs. Also, one can enjoy Rhyali Festival during monsoon season. Thus, it can safely be said that it is an off-season keeping in view the tourism in Shimla during rainy weather.