Manali temperature by month
These are the long-term averages for 1991–2020 published by the India Meteorological Department. Individual days can be much colder, especially at night in a cold spell, and places higher up the valley such as Solang and Sissu are several degrees colder than town.
| Month | Average high | Average low | Record low |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 10.5°C | −1.1°C | −11.6°C |
| February | 12.0°C | 0.3°C | −11.0°C |
| March | 17.1°C | 3.3°C | −6.0°C |
| April | 21.4°C | 6.4°C | −1.0°C |
| May | 24.9°C | 9.3°C | 1.0°C |
| June | 26.4°C | 13.0°C | 4.4°C |
| July | 25.7°C | 16.0°C | 7.4°C |
| August | 25.3°C | 16.1°C | 7.0°C |
| September | 24.2°C | 12.2°C | 3.0°C |
| October | 21.6°C | 6.3°C | −1.5°C |
| November | 17.3°C | 2.6°C | −5.0°C |
| December | 13.5°C | 0.3°C | −10.0°C |
Rain and snow
Manali gets about 1,363 mm of precipitation a year. The wettest month is August, with about 217 mm, during the monsoon; the driest is November, with about 31 mm. Snow in town falls mostly between December and early March, and a typical winter brings several good falls, though some years are much drier than others.
Higher up the snow comes earlier and stays later. Solang usually has snow from late December into March, the Lahaul side beyond the Atal Tunnel from about December into April, and Rohtang is buried from November until the road is cleared in May or June.
Manali month by month
- January: the coldest month and the best chance of snow in town. Clear, freezing days between storms. Roads beyond Solang can close after heavy snow.
- February: still snowy and cold, slightly longer days. Good for skiing at Solang and snow at Sissu, with fewer crowds than the New Year rush.
- March: snow melting in town, still white higher up. Quiet, cheaper hotels, and a good shoulder month for Solang.
- April: spring blossom in the apple orchards, pleasant days and cold nights. The roads start to get busy towards the end of the month.
- May: warm, sunny and busy. Rohtang usually reopens between mid-May and early June. Peak season for families from the plains.
- June: the busiest month, with school holidays. Snow walls at Rohtang, paragliding and rafting all running. Book early.
- July: monsoon arrives. Green, misty and wet, with landslide risk on the highways to and from Manali. Fewer visitors and lower prices.
- August: the wettest month. Rafting usually stops, some days the high roads close. Good only if you're flexible.
- September: rain eases, skies clear, apples ripen. One of the best months for views and road trips to Lahaul, Spiti and Leh.
- October: crisp, clear and cool, with the Kullu Dussehra festival. Excellent for photography and drives.
- November: cold and dry, the quietest month. Rohtang closes for tourists, and the first snow can arrive late in the month.
- December: winter sets in. Snow becomes likely from mid-month, and the Christmas and New Year week is extremely busy.
The best time to visit Manali, by trip type
- For snow: late December to February. Mid-January to mid-February is the most reliable.
- For Rohtang Pass: late May to June for the most snow, or September to October for clear skies and fewer cars.
- For honeymoons: December to February for snow, or March to April and October for mild weather and fewer crowds.
- For road trips to Lahaul, Spiti or Leh: mid-June to September, when the high passes are normally open.
- For adventure sports: April to June and September to October for paragliding and rafting; January to February for skiing.
- For the lowest prices: March, July to August (if you accept the rain) and November.
Driving to Manali in each season
In winter, the highway from Chandigarh and Delhi stays open, but the last stretch from Kullu to Manali can be icy early and late in the day, and traffic into Manali on snow weekends is very slow. In the monsoon, the main risk is landslides along the Beas, especially near Mandi and Aut, so leave buffer time and don't plan tight connections. Spring and autumn are the easiest driving seasons. Our road and fares pages for each route note seasonal issues.
What to pack for Manali weather
Even in June, evenings can need a fleece, and Rohtang can be close to freezing. In winter you'll want thermals, a down jacket, gloves, a warm hat and waterproof boots. A light rain jacket is useful from July to September. Our Manali packing list covers each season.
Frequently asked questions
When does it snow in Manali?+
Mostly from December to early March. Mid-January to mid-February is the most reliable time for snow in and around town.
What is the best month to visit Manali?+
It depends on the trip. January and February for snow, May and June for Rohtang and summer activities, and September and October for clear skies and fewer crowds.
How cold is Manali in December?+
IMD averages show highs of about 13.5°C and lows near 0°C in December. Cold spells can be much colder, and records go down to −10°C.
Is it safe to visit Manali in the monsoon?+
It can be, with flexibility. July and August bring heavy rain and landslide risk on the highways, so allow extra days and check road status before travelling.
Is there snow in Manali in April?+
Not usually in town. You may still find snow higher up, at Solang's upper slopes and on the Lahaul side beyond the Atal Tunnel.
What is the weather like in Manali in June?+
Warm and sunny in the day, with average highs around 26°C and lows around 13°C. Nights are cool, and Rohtang is much colder.
