Best Time to Visit Shimla

Cover photo by Kumar Chandugade

An Insight to one of India’s Most Breathtaking Locations

Shimla has earned the title of ‘Queen of Hills’ because of its gorgeous mountains and hills. It is the capital of Himachal Pradesh - the state that defines the beauty of India in an indescribably remarkable way. The places to visit in Shimla are quite enchanting too, making you forget all your work stress and fall in love with the allures of the city.

Shimla has a very intriguing and interesting history, making the city a complete package of greenery, hills, and heritage tours. It is located on the south-western ranges of the Himalayas and extends along a ridge with seven spurs. An interesting fact about Shimla is that it is situated on the top of seven hills, namely the Inverarm Hill, Observatory Hill, Prospect Hill, Summer Hill, Bantony Hill, Elysium Hill, and Jakhoo Hill. Quite interestingly, Jakhoo Hill is the highest point in the city that is elevated at a height of 2,454 metres.

The weather in the city is always pleasant which is why the best time to visit places in Shimla can be all throughout the year! The summer season is all about blue skies and colourful blooms and winters welcome snowfalls. If you are a lover of the chilly white beauties, then Shimla during winters is your deal. The city offers a lot of tourist spots that you can explore during your visit there. Right from the embrace of Mother Nature to the sparkling city lights, Shimla is a city that will definitely leave you relaxed and mesmerised. And, to make things easier for you, here’s some much-needed information about the best time to visit places in Shimla.

Best Month to Visit Shimla

If we have to recommend you a time-frame, then March to June is an amazing time to visit the city. However, if you love winters, then the best time to go to Shimla is from December to January; it is the time when the city soaks in the aura of romanticism and cosiness. The powdery white crystals are complemented with the mild fragrance of the pine trees, firs, cedars, and oak trees. The spring-summer months are not behind either - the warm rays of the sun coupled with the cool breeze of the trees take the summer trip to the next level. The best takeaway from the summer trip in Shimla would definitely be the clear blue skies that are nothing less than a picturesquely magical world. The eye-pleasing sight that the city offers makes both summers and winters the best seasons for a Shimla trip. The beauty of Shimla is even more amplified by the old Elizabethan architecture, town squares, and the sweet local residents who make your vacation even more amazing with their warm welcoming vibes and loving gestures

Best Season to Visit Shimla: Summer (March to June)

The spring season in Shimla starts in March and ends in April post which the summer season starts and lasts till June. After the extreme winters that the city goes through, Shimla embraces the sun’s warmth along with the mesmerisingly beautiful views that it offers – this makes the summers the best months to visit Shimla. As the snow melts, it brings the lush greens and colourful blooms visible, magnifying the gorgeousness of the city even more.

While the other parts of the country face scorching heat and rising temperatures; this city experiences a lower temperature keeping the atmosphere cool and warm, which is why summers are the best season to visit Shimla for those wanting to escape the rising heat of their city. Oh wait, wait…it is not just the temperature but also the number of adventurous activities that make the summer season a good choice. If you are an adventure junkie and have that adrenaline pump to participate in activities then, you can enjoy paragliding, hiking, camping, trekking, and much more in Shimla during the summer. Along with this, festivals and occasions like Holi, Baisakhi, Sipi Fair, and so on are celebrated in full fervour in the city. Are summers the perfect season for a visit to Shimla? Definitely!

Shimla in the Snowfall Timing (October to January)

Those looking to enjoy their time amidst the powdery whites and chilly breeze - winters are the best time to visit Shimla for a snowfall experience. The winter season in the city starts to hit from October - the atmosphere around this time of the year is simply the best. As the month of October experiences mild chilly weather, the proper winter season begins from November and goes up to February. However, December and January are the coldest months in the city and also the best timing for snowfall in Shimla. Right from sitting in your hotel room in a cosy ambience while sipping on a hot cup of tea to going out and playing with the snow with your loved ones - it weaves memories that you will cherish for a lifetime. You can also try to make a snowman or indulge in a fun snow fight with your friends and family; it can bring out some of those amazing childhood memories. That said, though the winter season starts to subside in February, it is still the best time to go to Shimla as you can plan a surprise for your spouse/lover on Valentine’s Day (you can take some cues from a movie, maybe?). With this, festivals and events like the Bhoj Fair, Navaratri, Diwali in November, Ice-skating Carnival & Christmas Celebrations in December, and Lohri in January are grandly celebrated in the city and the atmosphere at that time is marvellous.

Visiting Shimla in the Months of Monsoon (July-September)

Not exactly the best time to visit places in Shimla, but for those who love rains, monsoon in this city is totally your deal. With the development of well laid-out roads and travel bloggers taking up vacations during the monsoon season, a lot of people have started exploring cities in these months. It is said that Shimla receives an average rainfall of about 1400 mm with the temperature being on the cooler side. A reason why monsoon can be considered as the best season to visit Shimla is the considerably low budget accommodation and travel options.

Tips to Keep in Mind While Visiting Shimla

If you are visiting the city in summer

Summer is considered to be one of the best times to visit places in Shimla, however, there a few things that you need to keep in mind while planning your trip -

• The city experiences occasional light rains in the summer so don’t forget to carry an umbrella or a raincoat.
• Along with your stylish summer clothes, also pack a light jacket or shawl as nights in Shimla are quite cold in summer too.
• Pack comfortable shoes - the beauty of the summer season combined with the exquisiteness of Shimla might make you want to walk around the city instead of taking a cab or bus. Also, if you are planning on participating in hiking or trekking, make sure you carry a comfortable pair of trekking shoes and clothes.

If you are visiting Shimla during snowfall

Many tourists plan for a winter trip to the city as it is the best time to visit Shimla for snow and if you are one of them, here are a few tips to consider: -

• Pack a good number of warm clothes. Right from woollens, mittens, thermals to scarves, hats, and jackets, ensure that you have enough warm clothes to sustain Shimla winters.
• Carry a good and comfortable pair of sturdy boots that will help you walk in the snow with ease. Also, carry ear muffs in case you want to cover your ears with an additional layer.
• Carry an umbrella, windcheater, and gumboots as well.
• Don’t forget to pack medicines. For those who are prone to catching a cold or have sinusitis, ensure that your nasal drops are with you.

Nowadays, you get a plethora of options for Shimla tour packages that are customized season-wise and are available at affordable prices. Book one, head up to this wonderful place, and revitalize!