When we think of family vacations, we think of picturesque hill stations like Shimla. And what could be the best time to visit Shimla other than in the months of summer? It is the perfect time to take a break from your routine; you can turn the hot days in the city into a fun-filled vacation for the whole family, making great memories on the way. With loads to do, Shimla makes for an idyllic and ideal travel destination. There is something for everyone–adventure seekers, laid back travellers, hikers, sports enthusiasts and the nature lovers–to look forward to here.

Although summertime makes for a great getaway time for families, Shimla also makes for a great year-round holiday destination. The summers are abuzz with tourists and for people wanting the best of experiences in terms of both mountainous views and a flurry of activities, this makes it the best time to visit Shimla. With foresight and great planning, this season can be best experienced with families since the entire valley is in a holiday mood. There is a different spark in the air at around this time. The winters are also a peak season with people coming in by the dozens to experience snowfall and snow-related activities.

Let us see below the seasonal breakup of climate in Shimla, so that one can know the best time to visit Shimla and plan family holidays accordingly:

 

Season

Avg Min Temp

Avg Max Temp

Summer

15°C

30°C

Monsoon

10°C

25°C

Winter

-2°C

8°C

 

Best Time to Visit Shimla

Shimla in Summer: March to June

This is an ideal time for families to plan a vacation since the daytime temperatures are quite pleasant and the night air is cool. You can plan many outdoor activities, since the temperature is very comfortable, ranging from 15 °C to 30 °C. Summer nights are mild and you may need a light jacket to keep you warm when you are out and about.

If you are an adventure seeker or sports enthusiast, this is the best time to visit Shimla. You can partake in a variety of outdoor activities like paragliding, parasailing, trekking, hiking, camping and rafting. One of the main attractions in Shimla is the Mall Road, a commercial area and a prime location for shopping. Wear comfortable shoes when walking around here as there is plenty to see and do. You can find amazing local eateries here in addition to many local handicrafts and souvenirs to take back home. As this is the peak season for tourists and honeymooners alike, you will need to plan and book your hotel stay and travel in advance to get competitive pricing.

Shimla in Monsoon: July to September

For many, this is not considered as the best time to visit Shimla. During this time, the monsoon hits the mountains hard and although it makes the surroundings look lush and beatific, this is not the peak season for tourists travelling to Shimla. The heavy rainfall and the potential landslides are also a deterrent for travel. Not many tourists plan for this place as a travel destination thanks to the monsoon season and hence, there is a considerable price drop on bookings for hotels and resorts in Shimla.

If you are an adventure seeker or a nature lover who loves the rains, and want to make the most of the great deals on great properties, then this season is the best time to visit Shimla for you. This is also a great time for a family holiday since you can get better deals for bigger groups. Use this time to enjoy your time with your family, rejuvenating yourselves with spa and other hotel amenities. You can even go on hikes; nothing like clean air and green lush surroundings to reset your mood and act as a stress buster. As they say, nature is the best “pick me up”.

Shimla in Winter: October to February

The average temperature during this season goes down anywhere from 8°C to -2°C and the snow-peaked mountains and the landscape look like a white blanket. It is truly a sight to behold! This makes it a peak season for tourism in Shimla and tourists throng this place to witness snowfall. Travellers can enjoy snow adventure sports like skiing and ice skating with their families and can go snow camping as well. The best time to visit Shimla during this season is in December as it is festive everywhere and you get to enjoy the beautiful white winters in their element! If you are travelling as a family, your kids will have a blast in the snowfall and you will take once-in-a-lifetime memories back home.These months are the best time to visit Shimla for families wanting to indulge in snow and winter activities, and also for honeymooners. For activities like skiing and ice skating, the months of December to February are the most conducive. You are likely to see some gorgeous snowfall at this time. Everything around you turns into a stark white blanket and the view is mesmerising. Just carry warm winter clothes to stay cosy and comfortable for a merry winter vacation.

 

FAQs

What is the best time to visit Shimla for snowfall?

November to February is the best time to visit in Shimla for snowfall.

What are some places to visit in Shimla with family?

Kufri, Green Valley, Chail, Kiala Forest, Jakhoo Hill, Kali Bari Temple, Shimla State Museum, Himalayan Bird Park, Viceregal Lodge, Kuthar Fort, Summer Hill and Chadwick Waterfall are some of the best places to visit in Shimla with family. The best time to visit Shimla would be during peak tourism season (October to February).

What are the things to do in Shimla?

You can go camping, visit Shimla Ridge, go trekking, bring out the adventurous side in you with river rafting, enjoy the toy train ride, try paragliding, ice skating and taking a historical walk are some of the things you can do in Shimla. Each of these activities have a different best time to visit Shimla so make sure to look up what activities are available and when.

Is Manali better than Shimla?

Manali and Shimla are hill stations that offer pleasant weather all year around so you can really visit anytime. But each of them have something unique to offer and that’s what sets each of them apart. The best time to visit Shimla is pretty much the same as Manali. If you are primarily looking for adrenaline-inducing adventures, Manali is the place to be. On the other hand, Shimla is more crowded but has a more relaxed vibe. There is no definitive answer as to what is better - it really depends on what you seek for while being on a holiday.

 

What is famous in Shimla to buy?

Handicrafts, wooden items, rustic and vintage jewellery, antiques and handmade items are some of the things that are very famous in Shimla and are must-buys. Since the best time to visit Shimla is during winter, you will want to stock up on woollen clothes and that is another famous thing you can buy in Shimla.

 

Do resorts in Shimla have free parking?

Yes, there is complimentary parking at the resort for guests.

Do any family resorts in Shimla have a spa on-site?

Yes, Club Mahindra Shimla family resort has a spa on-site.

Which resorts in Shimla have rooms with a private balcony?

At Club Mahindra Naldehra resort, rooms come with private balconies so that you can soak in the beautiful surroundings.

About Club Mahindra

Mahindra Holidays & Resorts India Ltd. (MHRIL), a part of Leisure and Hospitality sector of the Mahindra Group, offers quality family holidays primarily through vacation ownership memberships and brings to the industry values such as reliability, trust and customer satisfaction. Started in 1996, the company's flagship brand ‘Club Mahindra’, today has over 290,000 members , who can holiday at 140+ resorts in India and abroad.

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