Best Time to Plan a Trip to Manali

With a scenic Himalayan backdrop, Manali is an idyllic hill town nestled in the beautiful Beas River valley. Featuring lush green meadows strikingly set against snow-capped mountain peaks, this place is known for its stunning natural landscapes. There was a time when Manali used to be a small village with a rich cultural heritage and traditions dating back several centuries. But in today’s time, it is one of the most sought-after tourist destinations in the northern part of the country. Since this town has an abundance of natural beauty and a cool climate, it enthrals a large number of tourists throughout the year. If you are looking for a holiday destination that can offer you some respite from the scorching heat, Manali is just the right place for you.

Before you start exploring options for Manali tour packages, there are a few things that you should know, such as the best season for a Manali trip, major tourist attractions to visit, activities to experience in every season, etc. Here is a comprehensive guide that you can use to plan your vacation and make it more memorable:

Best Time to Visit Manali

Like most other Indian hill stations, Manali also experiences a number of different seasons. Since every season has its own charm, you can’t really say which is the best month to go to Manali. It completely depends on the type of trip you are planning for. For example, if you want to go there to witness snowfall, you should plan your trip in the winter. On the other hand, if you are planning a nature retreat, summer is the best season to visit Manali, Shimla, and other similar places.

For your convenience, here is a season-wise breakdown of the things that this beautiful hill station has to offer:

Winter (October – February)

With temperatures dropping below 0°C, Manali can get extremely cold. During these months, this place receives a great amount of snowfall and turns into a white wonderland. So, the winter season is undoubtedly the best time to visit Manali for snowfall.

Things to Do and See

With heaps of white, cotton-like snow, this is the time when you can indulge in a number of adventure sports like skiing, snow sleds, tubing, etc. Other than this, you can also be a part of various celebrations and festivities that take place at different times. The major highlight of this season is the Winter Carnival, which is held in the month of February. From relishing delectable food items to enjoying several cultural programs, there is a lot you can do at this time. Or, you can also head to places like Gulaba, Marhi, and Rohtang Pass and witness snowfall at its best. These are some of the popular snow points where you can engage in all kinds of snow activities.

Important Tips

• Since this place can get extremely cold during the winter, it is important to keep enough warm clothes and other essentials with you.
• Some people can find it difficult to get acclimatised to the high altitude and heavy snowfall. So, it is recommended to be aware of your tolerance levels and choose outdoor activities accordingly.

Summer (March – June)

With temperatures ranging between 10°C and 25°C, the weather remains perfect for all kinds of outdoor activities. This is the reason why summer is the best time to visit Manali with family. During these months, you’ll get to see plenty of greenery with just the right amount of chill in the air. The days are comfortably warm, so you can easily stay outdoors for long hours. However, the nights get a little chilly, but you can easily plan things like overnight camping, etc. So, if you are someone who cannot handle those freezing temperatures, then this is the best time to visit Manali.

Things to Do and See

This is the best time for a Manali trip if you plan to indulge in some adventurous sports like rafting, paragliding, and trekking activities. Other than this, you can also enjoy a number of unique festivals and events that take place around this time. All these events and celebrations give you a great opportunity to learn more about the culture of this place. The most popular of all is the Doongri Forest Festival, which is celebrated to pay tribute to the local deity, Hadimba Devi.

Important Tips

• Since this is one of the peak times in terms of tourism, the tickets and accommodations can be a little expensive. So it is best to make all the bookings in advance.
• Although the days are relatively warmer, the temperature can take a dip at night. So, it is best to pack some warm clothes.

Monsoon (July – September)

During this time, the temperature fluctuates between 10°C and 16°C, and there are chances of torrential downpours. Manali also has an occasional threat of landslides in the rainy season, and moving around can be a little challenging. This is the reason why monsoon season sees a significant drop in the number of tourists. However, if you want to witness the rain-washed beauty of this hill town, these are the best months for a Manali trip.

Things to Do and See

One of the main highlights is the Haryali festival, which is celebrated to welcome the monsoon season. Before the festivities start, locals sow seven different types of seeds close to their household deities. After that, the celebration continues with some traditional dancing and singing performances. You can also engage in activities like river rafting (only if weather conditions allow) or pay a visit to any of the enchanting monasteries here. Other than this, you can simply book a nice resort in Manali and enjoy some quality time, surrounded by nature.

Important Tips

• With more chances of landslides, the monsoon season is definitely not the best time for activities like trekking, etc. So, it is best to plan your outdoor activities accordingly.
• In this season, always book an accommodation that is centrally located and easily accessible. This will save you a lot of time and effort.

Now that you have enough information to plan a trip to Manali, aren’t you tempted to pack your bags and leave right away? To plan your holiday in the most effortless manner, choose Veena World as your travel partner. We offer a wide range of all-inclusive Manali tour packages from Mumbai, Delhi, and other major Indian cities. Or, if you are planning a romantic getaway with your spouse, choose a suitable Manali tour package for couples and enjoy your trip to the fullest!