Shimla is perhaps one of the few places in India that has five distinct seasons: winter, spring, summer, the monsoon and autumn. Located at 7,400 feet the town never gets too hot and it’s advisable to always carry warm clothes even if it is the hottest time elsewhere in India. Temperatures generally range between -5 degrees C night time in the winters, to a general day time temperature of 20-25 degrees C at the height of summer.
The winter usually sets in by early November and can last up to end February. Now the days start getting cooler and the night time temperatures drop to freezing or below. The views from Ballyhack are stunning in this season as you can see the Greater Himalayan range in all its glory. One can expect snow fall anytime in this season but it’s more often than not in January and February these days.
March and April is spring time in the mountains and a delightful time to be up in Shimla. You wake up to the calls of birds, the air is crisp and clear and the flowers are opening up to the long awaited sun – filling the air with their lingering fragrances. Temperatures range between 7 – 18 degrees C.
The summer that spans May and June, is the peak season time in Shimla, when everyone is here escaping the scorching heat of the plains. It’s very pleasant and can get rather warm in the day with temperatures rising to 25 degrees C at its peak and the intense sun at 7,400 feet can get you sun-burnt! You might be tempted to be in light cotton clothes right through the day but come sun-set or a passing cloud cover, a sharp chill immediately sets in. Night time temperatures rarely rise above 15 degrees C so it’s prudent to carry adequate warm clothing especially for children and the aged.
The monsoon from July to mid-September is perhaps the quietest time in Shimla. Few visitors come to the hill station now and you feel you have the place all to yourself. In Shimla, when it rains, it pours – enjoy the weather curling up with a book by a cozy fire or sip at a warm drink. But be just as prepared to run out once it lets up, for immediately the skies get crystal clear with breathtaking rainbow sightings and the most flamboyant sunsets – a clear view of the snow mountains and hills beyond. It is generally cold right through the day with temperatures ranging between 8-12 degrees C.
Autumn, from mid-September to October is perhaps the best time to visit Shimla. The snowline of the majestic Greater Himalayas magically appears from behind the clouds and you can take in some stunning views from our garden and right around Shimla. With each passing day the night temperatures dip to single digit figures and each day seems to be bringing in the winter closer. Temperatures range from 5 – 12 degrees C.