Last updated: January 18, 2025
Himachal Pradesh, India, showcases a diverse range of climates, classified under the Köppen-Geiger system as Cwb, Cwa, Dwb, and Dwc. This mountainous region experiences a stark temperature variation, with minimum temperatures plunging to an astonishing -34°C (-29°F) during the coldest December nights, while summer peaks can soar to 45°C (114°F) in June. On average, the weather remains moderate with a comfortable temperature of 16°C (62°F), highlighting the unique climatic tapestry that influences the state's rich biodiversity and agricultural practices.
Himachal Pradesh experiences pronounced seasonal temperature fluctuations throughout the year, reflecting its diverse topography and climatic influences. Winter months, from December to February, witness extremely low minimum temperatures, plunging as low as -34°C (-29°F) in December and gradually moderating to -31°C (-24°F) by February. Average temperatures during this period hover around a chilly 6°C (43°F) in January, rising slightly to 9°C (48°F) in February. As spring approaches in March and April, temperatures increase significantly, with maximums reaching up to 42°C (109°F) in April, promoting a rapid transition into the warmer season. The summer months of May and June see peak temperatures hitting 45°C (114°F), accompanied by mild minimums around -20°C (-4°F) to -16°C (4°F). Monsoon conditions in July and August bring slightly cooler averages of 24°C (75°F) and 23°C (74°F) respectively, yet maximum temperatures remain high, particularly in July at 41°C (106°F). As autumn sets in during September and October, temperatures begin to decline, reflecting early winter patterns, with minimums again dipping to -27°C (-16°F) by October. The annual cycle concludes with winter re-emerging in November and December, echoing back to frigid minimums and a renewed chill in the air, showcasing the unique climatic characteristics of this region.
Manali experiences a minimum temperature of -30°C (-21°F) in January and reaches a maximum of 17°C (62°F) in August, making it one of the colder destinations in Himachal Pradesh. In contrast, Shimla records a minimum of -5°C (23°F) in January, while its peak temperature of 32°C (90°F) occurs in June. Dharamsala offers slightly milder conditions, with a minimum of -3°C (26°F) in January and a maximum of 35°C (95°F) in June. For further details, check the monthly temperatures in Manali, Shimla, and Dharamsala through their respective links: monthly temperatures in Manali, monthly temperatures in Shimla, and monthly temperatures in Dharamsala.
Himachal Pradesh experiences a distinct precipitation pattern that complements its varied topography and climatic conditions throughout the year. The winter months of January through March generate steady amounts of rainfall, averaging around 90 mm (3.6 in) to 82 mm (3.2 in), primarily attributed to Western Disturbances which bring moisture to the region. As spring progresses into April and May, precipitation decreases, reaching a low of 59 mm (2.3 in) by May, with rainfall days also tapering off. The onset of the monsoon season in June marks a sharp rise in precipitation, with June alone recording 115 mm (4.5 in) over 14 days.
The true peak of rainfall occurs during the monsoon months of July and August, where Himachal Pradesh experiences significant downpours, accumulating 345 mm (13.6 in) and 340 mm (13.4 in) respectively over 27 rainy days each month. This heavy rainfall plays a critical role in sustaining the region’s lush greenery and water resources. Precipitation begins to taper off in September with 188 mm (7.4 in), followed by a notable decline into the autumn and winter months, where October sees just 28 mm (1.1 in) and a gradual increase again in November and December, bringing 39 mm (1.5 in) and 44 mm (1.7 in) over fewer rain days, respectively. This seasonal variability in precipitation profoundly influences the ecology and agriculture of Himachal Pradesh.
Himachal Pradesh witnesses a notable variation in sunshine duration throughout the year, characterized by a steady increase from the winter months into summer. In January, the region receives approximately 222 hours of sunshine, which gradually rises to 281 hours in February. As spring unfolds, March showcases a significant leap to 334 hours, culminating in the peak sunshine month of May, where residents bask in an impressive 381 hours of sunlight. This trend underscores the gradual warming and intensifying brightness that accompany spring, making it an optimal time for outdoor activities and agricultural preparations.
As summer transitions into monsoon, the sunshine hours slightly decline but remain substantial, with June still enjoying 378 hours. The heavy rains in July and August lead to a noticeable decrease to 353 and 326 hours respectively, indicating the cloudy and rainy conditions typical of the monsoon season. However, September marks a return to brighter days, with 323 hours of sunshine, paving the way for a pleasant autumn. October continues this trend with 327 hours, while November and December experience a slight decline back to 286 and 285 hours, respectively. This seasonal ebb and flow of sunshine highlights the dynamic climate of Himachal Pradesh, offering residents and visitors distinct experiences year-round.
The ultraviolet (UV) index in Himachal Pradesh exhibits significant seasonal variability, influencing outdoor activities and health considerations throughout the year. In the winter months of January and February, the UV index is categorized as very high, peaking at 9 in February, with a burn time of just 15 minutes. As spring approaches, the UV index escalates dramatically, especially in March and April, where it reaches extreme levels of 16, necessitating increased caution for sun exposure with a burn time of only 10 minutes. This upward trend continues into May, when the UV index hits its peak at 17, reinforcing the need for protective measures like sunscreen and clothing during this period of intense sunlight.
As summer unfolds, the UV index remains consistently extreme, ranging from 16 in June and July to 15 in August, maintaining a burn time of just 10 minutes. Although the monsoon season shields the region with clouds and possible rain, UV radiation remains high due to the altitude of Himachal Pradesh. A gradual decrease occurs in September and October, with the UV index dropping to 14 and 11, respectively, while burn times remain short. The latter part of the year witnesses a return to very high levels in November (UV index 8) and a high level in December (UV index 6), with burn times extending to 25 minutes. The fluctuating UV index throughout the year emphasizes the importance of sun safety practices, particularly during the spring and summer months when the sun's rays are most potent.
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In Himachal Pradesh, daylight duration exhibits a clear seasonal pattern, varying from approximately 10 to 14 hours throughout the year. The year begins with a modest 10 hours of daylight in January, gradually increasing to 11 hours by February and remaining steady through March. With the arrival of spring in April, daylight duration increases significantly, reaching 12 hours, and continues on an upward trend throughout May, culminating in 13 hours of daylight. June marks the peak of the daylight hours, offering residents and visitors 14 hours of sunlight, perfect for outdoor activities and exploration of the region's natural beauty.
As summer transitions into monsoon, daylight begins to decrease but remains relatively stable, with July and August still enjoying 13 hours of daylight. This trend begins to reverse in September with a reduction to 12 hours, followed by a steady decline through October and November, where daylight hours dip back to 11 and then 10 hours, respectively. December sees daylight duration once again at 10 hours, mirroring January. This rhythmic cycle of daylight throughout the year highlights the geographical and climatic influences on the region, shaping daily life and seasonal activities for its inhabitants.
Bilaspur, India, experiences a diverse climate characterized by distinct seasonal changes. Winters (December to February) are cool, with temperatures ranging from 0°C to 30°C and moderate precipitation. The summer months (March to June) bring rising temperatures, peaking at around 41°C, alongside an increase in rainfall, especially during the monsoon season in July and August, which see heavy downpours. With an average of 379 sunshine hours in May, the region enjoys bright days before transitioning to more moderate temperatures in the fall. For more details, visit Bilaspur climate.
Chamba, India experiences a diverse climate characterized by cold winters and mild summers. January sees minimum temperatures drop to -16°C (3°F), while summer months like May and June peak at around 27°C (81°F) and 28°C (83°F). Precipitation is highest during the monsoon months of July and August, with July alone receiving 378 mm (14.9 in) of rain. Sunshine is abundant, especially in April and May, when hours of sunlight approach 384 hours. For more details, visit Chamba climate.
Dalhousie, India experiences a varied climate throughout the year. The temperature ranges from a chilly -9°C (16°F) in January to a warm 35°C (95°F) in June, with significant warmth peaking in May. Precipitation is highest during the monsoon months of July and August, receiving 379 mm and 289 mm, respectively. Meanwhile, sunshine hours peak in May at 382 hours, providing ample sunlight over several months. For more detailed information, visit Dalhousie climate.
Dharamsala, India, experiences a varied climate throughout the year, with temperatures ranging from a chilly -3°C (26°F) in January to a warm 34°C (94°F) in May. The summer months (June to September) are characterized by significant rainfall, particularly in July, which receives an average of 343 mm (13.5 in). Sunshine is abundant, reaching up to 384 hours in May. As winter approaches, temperatures drop, and precipitation decreases, especially in October and November. For more detail on seasonal weather patterns, visit Dharamsala climate.
Jawala Mukhi, India, experiences a varied climate throughout the year, characterized by hot summers and mild winters. January sees temperatures ranging from 4°C to 23°C (40°F to 73°F) and an average precipitation of 81 mm, while the peak heat is noted in May and June, with maximums reaching up to 42°C (108°F) and 43°C (110°F) respectively. The monsoon season in July and August brings substantial rainfall, with July recording 365 mm (14.4 in). Sunshine hours are plentiful, particularly in May with 380 hours, contributing to the region's overall warmth and humidity. For more detailed information, visit Jawala Mukhi climate.
Kalka, India experiences a diverse climate throughout the year, with temperatures ranging from a chilly 3°C (38°F) in January to a sweltering 40°C (104°F) in May. The region sees significant precipitation, especially during the monsoon months of July and August, receiving 285 mm (11.2 in) and 274 mm (10.8 in) respectively. Sunshine is abundant, peaking at 375 hours in May, contributing to a warm and humid environment. For more detailed information, visit Kalka climate.
Kasauli, India, experiences a diverse climate, characterized by cool winters and warm summers. January temperatures range from 0°C to 22°C, while reaching highs of up to 38°C in June. The region sees significant rainfall, particularly during the monsoon months of July and August, accumulating over 300 mm each month. Despite heavy rains, Kasauli enjoys ample sunshine, especially in May and April, with over 370 hours of sunlight. For more details on the climate, visit Kasauli climate.
Kulu, India experiences a varied climate throughout the year, with January and December being the coldest months, averaging around -1°C (30°F) and 0°C (32°F), respectively. The region sees a significant amount of precipitation, particularly in the monsoon months of July and August, with rainfall reaching as high as 581 mm (22.9 in). In contrast, the month of October is drier with only 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain. Kulu enjoys ample sunshine, peaking in May with 387 hours, which contributes to its lush landscapes. For more detailed information, visit Kulu climate.
Manali, India experiences a predominantly cold climate with winter temperatures dropping as low as -30°C (-21°F) in January. Throughout the year, average temperatures range from -15°C (6°F) in winter to around 9°C (48°F) during the monsoon season. Precipitation is highest in July (238 mm) and August (218 mm), with a noticeable dip in October (60 mm). The area enjoys considerable sunshine, particularly in April (351 hours) and May (390 hours), making these months ideal for visitors. For more detailed information, visit Manali climate.
Mandi, India experiences a diverse climate characterized by distinct seasons. Winter temperatures can plummet to a minimum of -9°C (16°F) in January, while summers peak at around 33°C (92°F) in June. The region receives substantial rainfall, particularly during the monsoon months of July and August, accumulating over 450 mm and 578 mm, respectively. Despite the heavy precipitation, Mandi enjoys significant sunshine, with May boasting the highest at 384 hours. For more details, visit Mandi climate.
Nagrota, India experiences a varied climate throughout the year, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 4°C in January to a maximum of 43°C in June. The summer months, particularly June and July, are marked by heavy rainfall, with July averaging 356 mm, making it the wettest month. Sunny days are prevalent, especially from March to May, which see over 300 hours of sunshine. Overall, the weather is mild during the winter months, with December and January receiving moderate rainfall. For more detailed information, visit Nagrota climate.
Nahan, India experiences a varied climate characterized by distinct temperature fluctuations and significant rainfall. January and December are the coolest months, with minimum temperatures around 3-4°C (38-40°F), while May and June are the hottest, reaching maximum temperatures of 43°C (109°F). The monsoon season from July to September sees heavy precipitation, with July averaging 292 mm (11.5 in) of rain. Despite the rain, sunshine is abundant, peaking in May with 372 hours. Overall, Nahan's climate offers a blend of warm summers and relatively mild winters, making it a unique place to visit year-round. For more details, visit Nahan climate.
Nalagarh, India experiences a varied climate throughout the year, with temperatures ranging from a chilly 2°C (37°F) in January to a scorching maximum of 44°C (111°F) in June. The region sees significant rainfall during the monsoon season, particularly in July and August, with precipitation peaking at 245 mm (9.7 in) in August. Despite the heavy rains, the summer months enjoy ample sunshine, with May recording up to 379 hours of sunlight. For more detailed climate information, visit Nalagarh climate.
Narkanda, India experiences a diverse climate characterized by cold winters and temperate summers. January sees harsh temperatures with lows around -16°C (3°F) and peak precipitation of 93 mm, while July is the wettest month with 325 mm of rain and average temperatures peaking at 26°C (80°F). Spring and autumn are mild and pleasant, with average temperatures in April reaching 14°C (58°F) and 9°C (49°F) in November. Sunshine hours are abundant, especially from March to May, where it reaches up to 381 hours. For more detailed insights, visit Narkanda climate.
Palampur, India experiences a varied climate throughout the year, characterized by cold winters and warm summers. January temperatures range from a chilly -2°C (28°F) to a mild 19°C (66°F), while summer months like June and July can reach up to 36°C (97°F) and 32°C (90°F), respectively. Significant rainfall occurs during the monsoon season, with July and August receiving the most precipitation, totaling 417 mm (16.4 in) and 488 mm (19.2 in). Sunshine is abundant, particularly from March to May, offering over 300 hours of sunlight each month. For more detailed information, visit Palampur climate.
Paonta Sahib, India experiences a diverse climate throughout the year, with temperatures ranging from a chilly 2°C (36°F) in January to a peak of 40°C (104°F) in May. The monsoon season brings significant rainfall, especially in July and August, where precipitation can reach over 400 mm (15.8 in). The area enjoys plenty of sunshine, particularly in April and May, boasting up to 372 hours of sunshine each month. Overall, Paonta Sahib's climate offers hot summers and mild winters, making it a unique destination for visitors. For more information, visit Paonta Sahib climate.
Parwanoo, India, experiences a diverse climate characterized by warm summers and mild winters. Average temperatures range from 11°C (52°F) in January to 28°C (82°F) in May, peaking at a sweltering 41°C (106°F) in June. The region encounters significant rainfall during the monsoon months, with July receiving the most precipitation at 285 mm (11.2 in). Despite the rains, Parwanoo enjoys ample sunshine, with May boasting the highest sunshine hours at 375. For more detailed information, visit Parwanoo climate.
The climate in Rampur, India, features cold winters with January temperatures dropping as low as -25°C (-13°F) and reaching a maximum of 10°C (50°F). This region experiences significant rainfall during the monsoon months, particularly in July and August, when precipitation exceeds 300 mm (12.1 in). Summers are milder, with average temperatures in May around 9°C (48°F) and a peak of 21°C (70°F). Sunshine is abundant, especially from March to May, where over 300 hours of sunlight are typical each month. For more detailed information, visit Rampur climate.
Rohru, India experiences a diverse climate throughout the year, with January temperatures ranging from a frigid -22°C to a maximum of 16°C, gradually warming up to an average of 14°C in May. The summer months of June to August witness significant rainfall, particularly in July, which receives about 327 mm of precipitation, while temperatures hover between 10°C to 27°C. Winter months see colder temperatures and substantial sunshine, particularly in March and April, with hours of sunshine peaking at 348 hours in April. Overall, residents and visitors can enjoy a vibrant climate with distinct seasonal changes. For more detailed information, visit Rohru climate.
Sarahan, India, experiences a diverse climate with cold winters and mild summers. January sees the lowest temperatures, ranging from -25°C to 10°C, and high precipitation of 112 mm, while sunshine is limited to 224 hours. As the year progresses, temperatures gradually rise, peaking in May with an average of 9°C and 21°C as the maximum, before experiencing a monsoon surge in July and August, where rainfall exceeds 300 mm. Autumn brings cooler temperatures again, with October averages around 7°C, and a moderate drop in precipitation to 36 mm. For more detailed information, visit Sarahan climate.
Shimla, India, experiences a varied climate throughout the year, with temperatures ranging from a frigid -5°C (23°F) in January to a warm 32°C (90°F) in June. Rainfall peaks during the monsoon months of July and August, accumulating 407 mm (16.0 in) and 357 mm (14.1 in), respectively. The city enjoys substantial sunshine, particularly in the spring and summer, with May receiving the highest at 380 hours. For an in-depth look at the climate details, visit Shimla climate.
Solan, India experiences a varied climate throughout the year, characterized by cool winters and warm summers. January sees temperatures ranging from 0°C to 22°C with significant sunshine (223 hours), while the summer months of June and July can reach up to 38°C and experience heavy rainfall, peaking at 325 mm in July. The area enjoys abundant sunshine, particularly in May, which records the highest at 379 hours. With pleasant averages in spring and autumn, Solan offers a temperate climate ideal for outdoor activities year-round. For more detailed information, visit Solan climate.
Theog, India experiences a temperate climate with significant seasonal variations. Winter months, especially January and December, can be quite cold, with minimum temperatures dropping to -5°C (23°F). Summer arrives around May and June, where temperatures can peak at 32°C (90°F), accompanied by substantial rainfall, particularly in July with an average of 407 mm (16.0 in). Sunshine hours generally increase as the year progresses, with May boasting the most sunlight at 380 hours. For detailed climate information, visit Theog climate.
In conclusion, Himachal Pradesh's climate, characterized by distinct seasonal variations in temperature, precipitation, sunshine duration, UV index, and daylight, profoundly influences the region's ecology, agriculture, and lifestyle. From the biting cold of winter months to the warmth and vibrant sunshine of summer, the interplay between these climatic factors creates a dynamic environment that shapes daily activities and seasonal practices. Understanding these trends not only enhances residents' ability to adapt to the changing conditions but also provides valuable insights for tourists seeking to experience the rich natural beauty of this Himalayan region. As climate patterns evolve, continued awareness and adaptation will be crucial in promoting sustainability and resilience within this diverse landscape.