You have ever wondered when’s the best time to visit Auli? Nestled in the Himalayas, Auli is like a winter wonderland. Situated high up at 2,500–3,050 meters, it’s India’s skiing hub. If you love skiing or snowboarding, this is your playground. And guess what? Auli boasts the longest and highest ropeway in Asia after Gulmarg. So, when’s the best time to pack your bags and experience this snowy haven? Let’s spill the beans and discover the ideal seasons to make your Auli adventure unforgettable.
Best Time to visit Auli
There isn’t a specific season to visit Auli; nearly every season is ideal for enjoying all that Auli has to offer. The best time to visit Auli varies depending on your agenda, but generally, October to June is considered the most favorable and popular period.
In the peak winter months from November to March, you can participate in various snow activities in Auli, such as skiing, snowboarding, and more. If you prefer witnessing the lush green beauty against clear skies and spectacular views, then April to June and October are the ideal months to plan your visit to Auli.
| Season | Avg. Temperature | Recommendation |
| Winter (November to March) | -5 to 6 deg C | Ideal for snow lovers |
| Summer (April to June) | 12 to 28 deg C | Ideal for everyone |
| Monsoon (July to September) | 10 to 20 deg C | Ideal for sightseeing |
| Autumn (Mid Sep to October) | 8 to 16 deg C | Best time to visit |
Now, let’s deep dive into each season and discover what unique experiences each one has to offer –
Auli in Winter (November to March)
Auli transforms into a snow lover’s paradise during winter, earning its title as the Skiing Capital of India due to its unparalleled beauty. The slopes in Auli are ideal for both skiing and snowboarding.
The months of December to February witnessed the highest amount of snowfall in Auli. During this time, Auli hosts the Skiing festival and Championship in January, attracting skiing enthusiasts from all around. If you are new to skiing, worry not; certified skiing centers are available to train individuals from beginners to advanced levels.
The winter temperature in Auli ranges from -2 to 6 degrees Celsius. The combination of low temperatures and a thick layer of snow creates the perfect environment for winter enthusiasts.
Things to Do:
- Participate in the Auli Skiing Championship held in January.
- Enjoy snow activities such as snowboarding and skiing.
- Take in the panoramic view of the snow-capped mountains of the Garhwal range of the Himalayas from the cable car ropeway.
- Admire the beauty of the Auli Artificial Lake, which freezes during peak winters.
- Visit one of the four maths of Hinduism created by Adi Shankaracharya and the winter home of Shri Badrinath in Joshimath.
- Hike to Kwani Bugyal to enjoy breathtaking views.
- Trek to Chenab Lake.
Auli in Summer (April to June)
In late March and early April, summer begins in Auli. The once-white landscape starts transforming into a lush green expanse, and the temperatures become pleasantly warm. The snowy slopes give way to vibrant green meadows, and the surroundings are painted with hues of green and orange.
Summer is the ideal season to visit Auli for sightseeing, trekking, strolls amidst nature, and camping. While the temperature rises, it remains cool enough to require jackets. The average temperature in Auli during the summer ranges between 12 to 28 degrees Celsius.
This season is perfect for enjoying a variety of outdoor activities in Auli, and it’s particularly romantic for honeymooners.
Things to do:
- Visit Nanda Devi National Park to observe different species of flora and fauna.
- Adventure enthusiasts can trek to Kuari Pass, Trishul Peak, Auli Gorson, Kwani Bugyal, and Chenab Lake.
- Take a stroll around Chenab Lake and indulge in camping activities.
- Revel in the lush green natural beauty at Kwani Bugyal.
- Experience the laid-back lifestyle of Joshimath.
- Enjoy a ropeway ride, the second-longest and highest cable car in Asia.
Auli in Monsoon (July to September)
Auli gets moderate rainfall during the monsoon season. This precipitation can adversely affect the hilly roads, making driving conditions challenging. Moreover, heavy rainfall at times may trigger flash floods and landslides, potentially impacting the quality of your trip. The villages surrounding Auli, such as Joshimath, are susceptible to landslides, making them unsafe to visit during the monsoon.
However, the highlight of Auli during the monsoon is its untamed, lush green beauty. The slopes of Auli offer breathtaking views of verdant meadows, majestic mountain ranges, and vibrant green valleys.
If you are considering a visit to Auli during the monsoon, it is advisable to regularly check the weather forecast and adhere to government guidelines. Be prepared for potential traffic delays and unforeseen situations like flash floods, cloud bursts, and landslides.
Note: We don’t recommend to visit Auli in monsoon
Auli in Autumn (Mid September to October)
After the monsoon season, autumn transforms the surrounding landscape with vibrant hues of gold and yellow, courtesy of falling leaves from coniferous and oak trees. It is mesmerizing to see the orange surroundings around Auli Lake. The crisp mountain air carries a hint of pine, creating a serene ambiance. Amidst the changing leaves, the majestic peaks stand sentinel, casting shadows on the meadows below. It’s a season of tranquility, where the clear skies and mild temperatures invite exploration.
The temperatures become pleasant for outdoor activities and sightseeing. Additionally, this is the best time to visit Auli for trekking, hiking, and camping.
If you ascend to higher parts of Auli, you can even witness the first snowfall of the season.
Things to Do:
- Camp at Chenab Lake and enjoy the stunning views. If you’re lucky enough, you might even witness the Milky Way galaxy.
- Trek to Gurson Bugyal and Kwani Bugyal.
- Enjoy a ropeway ride.
- Trek to Kuari Pass and relish magnificent views of Nanda Devi and Kedarnath peaks.
- Witness the Himalayan biodiversity at Nanda Devi National Park.
- Enjoy the laid-back lifestyle of Joshimath.
Auli Weather – Month Wise
| Month | Avg. Temperature |
| January | -2 to 5 deg C |
| February | -1 to 8 deg C |
| March | 2 to 12 deg C |
| April | 5 to 15 deg C |
| May | 10 to 22 deg C |
| June | 13 to 28 deg C |
| July | 12 to 24 deg C |
| August | 11 to 25 deg C |
| September | 10 to 20 deg C |
| October | 7 to 17 deg C |
| November | 5 to 15 deg C |
| December | -2 to 8 deg C |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the best time to visit Auli for snowfall?
December to March is the ideal time to enjoy snowfall in Auli. The temperature drops to minus and the entire landscape becomes white with a thick layer of snow.
How many days are enough for Auli?
A 3 day trip to Auli would be perfect to enjoy everything this town has to offer – Skiing, snowboarding, ropeway ride, Chenab Lake, Auli Artificial Lake, Nanda Devi National Park, Trishul Peak, Kwani Bugyal, and Joshimath.
What is Auli famous for?
Auli is renowned for its pleasant climate, heavy snowfall, Skiing Championship, exciting treks, camping, adventurous slopes and surrounding beauty.
How to reach Auli?
- By Road: Take a bus to Rishikesh or Haridwar, and then hire a private cab directly to Auli or opt for a shared taxi to Joshimath, which typically takes around 8 hours. Once in Joshimath, take the cable car for a breathtaking 20 to 30-minute journey, offering spectacular views.
- By Train: The nearest railway station to Auli is Haridwar, situated 283 KM away. From Haridwar, embark on a road journey to reach Auli.
- By Flight: The Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun is the nearest airport, located 294 KM away from Auli. Upon arrival, take a bus to Joshimath and then use the cable car to reach Auli.