Winter: December to February
Average lows in Manali are around or below freezing from December to February, and record lows have gone below −10°C. Solang and Sissu are colder, and the wind on open snow makes it feel colder still. Dress in three layers: thermals, a fleece or sweater, and a windproof outer jacket.
- Thermal tops and leggings, two sets.
- A warm fleece or wool sweater.
- A down or padded jacket.
- Waterproof gloves, plus thin liner gloves for using your phone.
- A woollen cap that covers the ears, and a scarf or neck gaiter.
- Waterproof boots with a good grip; trainers soak through in snow.
- Thick wool socks, and a spare pair for snow days.
- Lip balm and moisturiser: the air is very dry.
Spring and autumn: March to April, September to November
Days are pleasant, between about 17°C and 24°C, but evenings and early mornings are cold, especially in March and November. Pack for both.
- T-shirts and long-sleeved tops for the day.
- A fleece or light down jacket for evenings.
- Comfortable walking shoes for Old Manali's lanes and forest walks.
- A warm layer and gloves if you're going up to Rohtang or Sissu.
Summer: May to June
Daytime highs average about 25°C to 26°C, so light clothes work in town. But Rohtang, at almost 4,000 m, can be close to freezing with snow on the ground, and the sun at altitude burns fast.
- Light cotton clothes for town.
- One warm jacket for evenings and the high trips.
- Sunglasses with UV protection, essential on snow.
- Sunscreen of SPF 30 or more, and a cap or hat.
- Trainers or light hiking shoes.
Monsoon: July to August
August is Manali's wettest month, with about 217 mm of rain on average. Expect showers most days and mist in the valley.
- A proper rain jacket or poncho, and an umbrella.
- Quick-drying clothes and shoes with grip; avoid canvas.
- Zip bags for phones and documents.
- A light fleece for cool evenings.
For a snow day at Solang, Sissu or Rohtang
- Your warmest layers, even if Manali feels mild that morning.
- Sunglasses: snow glare is strong enough to cause snow blindness.
- Gloves you can get wet, and a spare pair of socks.
- Water, snacks and some cash for stalls and rentals.
- A small towel and a change of trousers for children, who will end up soaked.
Documents and essentials
For Rohtang, the vehicle permit is your taxi operator's job, and the official portal says the printed permit must be carried in the vehicle.
- Photo ID for everyone; hotels require it at check-in.
- For foreign nationals: passport and visa, and copies.
- Phone chargers and a power bank; cold drains batteries quickly.
- Cash as well as cards and UPI, for places with weak signal.
- Your hotel and taxi booking details offline, in case there's no data.
Medicines and health
Bring any prescription medicines you need, plus basics for travel sickness (the hill roads are winding), headaches, upset stomachs and colds. If you're going to Rohtang, Sissu or beyond, read up on altitude sickness, and talk to a doctor beforehand if you have heart or lung problems or are pregnant. Our altitude sickness guide explains the symptoms and what to do.
What you can rent in Manali
You don't need to buy heavy snow gear for one trip. Shops in Manali and stalls on the road to Solang and Rohtang rent snow suits, boots and gloves by the day for a few hundred rupees each. Check the size and that boots are dry before you pay. Skis, snowboards and helmets are available to rent at Solang in winter, and the Mall Road shops sell inexpensive woollens, caps and socks if you're caught short.
Frequently asked questions
What should I wear in Manali in December?+
Thermals, a fleece, a down or padded jacket, a woollen cap, gloves and waterproof boots. Lows are around freezing, and colder at Solang.
Do I need a jacket in Manali in June?+
Yes, a warm one. Days are warm, but evenings are cool and Rohtang can be close to freezing.
Can I rent snow clothes in Manali?+
Yes. Snow suits, boots and gloves are rented by the day in Manali and on the roads to Solang and Rohtang.
Which shoes are best for Manali in winter?+
Waterproof boots with a deep tread. Ordinary trainers get wet and slippery in snow.
What documents do I need for Manali?+
Photo ID for hotels. Foreign nationals need their passport and visa. The Rohtang vehicle permit is arranged by your taxi operator.
Do I need sunscreen in Manali in winter?+
Yes. The sun at altitude and the glare off snow burn quickly, even when it's cold.
