Shimla in Winter
Things to do: The famous Shimla Ridge is especially a spectacular sight to see during the winters. While the roads, trees, and the beautiful church are all covered in complete white, the spirit of the people is as high as ever. With colourful umbrellas over everyone’s head, there’s isn’t a moment of dullness or inactivity in Shimla, whether it may rain or snow! You can see people going about their daily routines like no big deal, and tourists flocking to get a view of the peaceful white calmness that takes over the city.
Another big reason why Shimla is a tourist hotspot even in winters is because of its annual Winter Carnival! The city organizes a festival where everyone comes together and takes part in fun-filled activities. And for thrill seekers, snowy Shimla is a godsent gift! Be it snowboarding or skiing, ice skating or paragliding, these activities really boom up during these freezing months.
While experiencing snow is something people tend to remember forever, it must be remembered that nights can get especially harsh during these months. It is important to layer yourself up in enough warm clothes, and don’t venture outside when the weather is turning out to be bad. A lot of road accidents also happen because of careless driving on icy roads, so make sure you take all necessary precautions before heading out to have fun!
Temperature: Shimla experiences an average of 10 degrees Celsius in winters during the day and an average of -4 degree Celsius during the winter nights.
Shimla in Summer
Shimla, the capital of Himachal Pradesh and most famously known as the Queen of Seven Hills, was also once the summer capital of India. The Britishers loved Shimla’s cool summer climate and the relief it provided from the strong summer heat in the rest of the country. Summers in Shimla are perfect with bright sunny days and cool nights. The temperature does not go to the extremes during the entire day and the months of April to July are as blissful as any summer can be, making it the perfect summer vacation spot!
Dense alpine forests and snow clad peaks glistening in the sun make it perfect for long leisurely strolls through the interiors of the city. And with the weather gods in your favour, what better time is it to visit Shimla than summers!
Things to do: With the flowers in full bloom and the warmth of the sun above, not only are summer days extremely beautiful in Shimla, but the clear summer nights in the mountains also give stargazers the perfect opportunity to spot the Milky Way Galaxy and other bright stars and constellations in the sky.
The most popular activities in Shimla during summers is trekking. Whether it is a short hike to Jakhoo Temple, or a two days’ trek to Hatu Peak, the weather is as good as it will ever be during this time of the year, making it perfect to get some blood pumping in the outdoors! The summers also make for the perfect time to walk across the Mall Road and feast in some freshly brewed beer in the state’s first-ever microbrewery, or go from café to café trying out their various shakes and mocktails!
Temperature: The average temperature in Shimla during the day is about 28 degree Celsius, and the average temperature during the night is 19 degree Celsius.
Shimla in Monsoon
If you are a mountain lover, you swear by the fact that the real charm of mountains can only be witnessed during the monsoon season. As the Rain Gods go all out on the Himalayas, their true beauty comes out, and the spirit of people lights up. The monsoon months in Shimla usually begin in June and go on till August, and with mist taking over the landscapes, and the lush green of the jungles dominating the vistas, Shimla in monsoon is a sight to see.
Things to do: One of the best things to do on a monsoon morning in Shimla is to wake up early and warm yourself with a cup of piping hot tea in one of the cozy cafes in the city. With astounding views of the valley and some goodness in a cup, there’s nothing better than a hot breakfast on a cold rainy morning!
Or if you’re just not an early morning person, take a bus to Sanjauli- the Old Shimla- and take longs walks as the smell of fresh rain slowly rises from the earth and fills your senses. Walking through these muddy trails in jungles dripping of rain feels just like a Ruskin Bond book! Another wonderful sight is the Toy Train that runs through Shimla. With the rains bestowing us with cool showers, curl yourself up in a seat in the train and spend hours looking out the window, marveling at how beautiful nature can be!
Temperature: The average temperature in Shimla during monsoon is 22 degree Celsius during the day and 14 degree Celsius during the night.
