Manali is one of India’s most picturesque and popular hill stations, located at an altitude of 2050 m in the Beas river valley. The weather in Manali can be characterized as predominantly cold during winters and moderately cool during summers. Snowfall often takes place from November end till early February.

To help you plan a perfect vacation in Manali, here are our tips on the Manali weather and the best time to visit Manali. Inevitably though, opinions vary on the best time to visit Manali, depending primarily on the individual traveller’s choice

March to April is when spring sets in the mountains. With the melting of snow and the growth of fresh leaves and flowers, the valley bursts into colours after the long winter. The rejuvenating air, blossoming apple orchards and swarms of multi-coloured butterflies flying around makes for an unforgettable experience.

During these months, the average high temperature ranges from 15°C to 20°C, and the average low from 2°C to 6°C.

The Manali weather in the months of May-June provides the much sought after summer escapade and the hill station is perhaps at its busiest at this time. The average high temperature is between 25°C to 28°C, while the average low ranges from 8°C to 13°C; providing a welcome relief from the blistering heat. Summer is the perfect time for adventurous tourists to indulge in thrilling pursuits such as paragliding, zorbing, river rafting, rock climbing and trekking. The major tourist attraction Rohtang Pass is also open in summer which attracts a huge number of visitors to Manali. Another summer attraction is the famous Hadimba Temple Festival which is held annually in May. With lush greenery all around, the spectacular mountain flora in full bloom, pleasant weather and plenty of exciting activities on offer, summer in Manali is tourist paradise.

July-August is the time when the monsoon sets in. The average high temperature of the season stays around 25°C while the low average low hovers about 15°C. Monthly rainfall level exceeds 200 mm. Occasionally heavy rainfall triggers landslides which makes travelling in the mountains dangerous. Consequently, the footfall of tourists decrease and Manali sees a dip in the number of visitors. The rains start relenting in September and Manali witnesses a gradual increase in tourist activity.

Winter in snowy Manali is enchanting. Winter starts setting in from October. December and January are the coldest months of the year. Temperature often drops to -2°C accompanied by snowfall. The average high increases as the season progresses, with February at an average high of 12°C. Tourists arrive in huge numbers to enjoy the snowfall and pursue winter sports like skiing and skating. Manali also hosts an exciting Winter Carnival in January each year. However winter also has a few downsides. The charming villages of Vashisht and old Manali which are extremely popular tourist haunts remain closed for some parts of winter.

Each season reveals the Manali weather in a new avatar, providing many exciting options to travellers round the year. Generally, leaving aside the precarious monsoon season, anytime can be the best time to visit Manali owing to its year-round beauty and charm.