Nestled in the Tehri Garhwal district of Uttarakhand, Kanatal is a hidden paradise situated in the foothills of the Himalayas. Its close proximity to Mussoorie, Rishikesh, and Delhi NCR renders it an ideal weekend destination. With its captivating natural beauty, idyllic campsites, and exhilarating adventures, it is rapidly gaining popularity among tourists. So before it becomes too overcrowded, it’s recommended to plan a trip to Kanatal.
When planning a trip to Kanatal, it’s crucial to select the best time as each season there has its own distinct charm and beauty. Therefore, it’s advisable to research the optimal time to visit Kanatal, considering the prevailing weather conditions and the availability of adventure activities.
Best Time to Visit Kanatal
Nestled amidst picturesque surroundings, Kanatal enjoys a pleasant climate all year round. However, the ideal time to explore this charming town is from October to June, offering comfortable weather for outdoor activities under clear skies.
During the months from December to February, Kanatal experiences its peak winter, with temperatures dropping to as low as 0 degrees Celsius and frequent snowfall enhancing the scenic beauty. From March to June, the weather remains delightful, with temperatures ranging between 10 to 32 degrees Celsius, providing an ideal atmosphere for exploration and outdoor adventures.
Notably, the month of October stands out as the prime time to visit Kanatal, when the golden leaves of oak and deodar trees, along with the blooming yellow flowers, create a breathtaking yellow landscape.
Before deciding on the best time for your visit, let’s delve into the details of each season and explore the unique experiences that each of them has to offer –
Kanatal in Summer (April to June)
Summer is one of the best seasons to visit Kanatal, as the cool climate provides respite from the scorching heat for people living in the plains. It’s the time when most people itch to go to hilly regions to escape the heat, and the pleasant climate of Kanatal makes it a perfect place to visit in India during summer. Also, this is the right time to witness the magical beauty of apple orchard blooming.
With an average temperature ranging from 20 to 35 degrees Celsius, the weather is pleasant for trekking and hiking. Even during the extreme heat, the refreshing breeze from the Himalayas and the sudden drop in temperature at night create the perfect atmosphere. Additionally, the clear skies help capture the stunning beauty of the Himalayas.
What to pack –
Things to do in Kanatal in Summer
- Indulge in camping, hiking and trekking.
- Take a day trip to Tehri, Dhanaulti, Chamba and Mussoorie.
- Explore local attractions like Surkanda Devi Temple, Kodia Jungle.
- Adventure lovers can try rock climbing, sky bridge and rappelling.
Kanatal in Monsoon (July to September)
During the monsoon, which occurs in July and August, Kanatal receives heavy rainfall, amounting to approximately 700 mm annually. These months also pose the risk of cloud bursts, flooding, and landslides, making it inadvisable to visit during this time. However, for those enamored with the beauty of rain and lush greenery, September emerges as the ideal month to explore Kanatal. During this period, rainfall decreases, characterized by intermittent showers, allowing ample opportunity to discover the stunning hill station.
The average temperature in Kanatal during the monsoon ranges from 10 to 25 degrees Celsius, resulting in chilly evenings and mornings, necessitating the use of light woolens and full-sleeved clothing.
Kanatal in Autumn (October to November)
In Autumn, Kanatal is at its most enchanting, with the landscape adorned in surreal hues from the abundance of golden leaves of oaks and deodar, along with blooming flowers. The aftermath of the monsoon showers gifts the region with an extremely pleasant climate, characterized by cascading waterfalls, sunny afternoons, and breathtaking mountain views. This is also the right time to experience the culture, apple harvesting and raw natural beauty of Kanatal.
The average temperature in Kanatal during Autumn ranges between 10 and 20 degrees Celsius, creating an ideal environment for a multitude of activities such as trekking, hiking, camping, stargazing, and nature walks.
By the end of October, the temperature begins to drop further, sometimes even granting the opportunity to witness early snowfall, if luck is on your side.
Moreover, Autumn heralds the arrival of numerous migratory birds to the lower regions of the Himalayas, making it an ideal season for birdwatchers and photographers to indulge in their passion.
- Best for – Photographers, bird watchers, trekking, camping, stargazing, and nature walks.
Kanatal in Winter (December to March)
Winter is one of the most crowded seasons in Kanatal, attracting tourists from all around due to frequent snowfall. The lush green landscape looks amazing when covered by a thick white layer of snow, with oak and deodar trees overwhelmed by the excessive snowfall. If you’re planning to visit Kanatal between 15th December to 15th January, it is recommended to book your stay well in advance, as a lot of tourists come here to celebrate Christmas and New Year.
For honeymoon couples, winter is the best time to visit Kanatal. The thick blanket of snow and cozy weather conditions make it the perfect time for a romantic outing. Just imagine drinking a hot cup of tea in bed, resting your head on your partner’s shoulder, and watching live snowfall. How romantic it sounds, and even more romantic it is to experience it.
The minimum temperature of Kanatal in winter can drop to 0 degrees, and the maximum can touch 15 degrees Celsius. Therefore, packing layers of warm clothes, woolens, hats, and sturdy shoes would be advisable.
Things to do in winter in Kanatal
- Enjoy live snowfall.
- Enjoy snowy things like making snowfalls, skiing, and snowboarding.
- Glamping and witness the amazing view of the night sky.
- Explore local attractions like Kodia Jungle, and Surkanda Devi temple.
- Go for a day trip to Dhanaulti, Tehri and Chamba
Kanatal Weather – Month Wise
| Month | Avg. Temperature | Recommendations |
| January | 0 to 10 | Best for snow lovers |
| February | 3 to 15 | Best for snow lovers |
| March | 5 to 20 | Best for snow lovers |
| April | 10 to 22 | Pleasant weather |
| May | 12 to 25 | Pleasant weather |
| June | 15 to 30 | Pleasant weather |
| July | 15 to 25 | Peak Monsoon |
| August | 12 to 24 | Peak Monsoon |
| September | 10 to 20 | Colorful surroundings |
| October | 8 to 18 | Colorful surroundings |
| November | 5 to 15 | Best for snow lovers |
| December | 1 to 11 | Best for snow lovers |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a snowfall in Kanatal?
Yes, from November to March Kanatal enjoy frequent snowfall. During these months the surroundings get covered by the white layer of snow. The sparse crowds ensure ample space for experiencing the live snowfall, making Kanatal an ideal destination to enjoy the wintry magic near Delhi.
What is Kanatal famous for?
Nestled in the midst of breathtaking mountain vistas, Kanatal is renowned for its pristine natural beauty, tranquil surroundings, and abundance of apple orchards. With its offbeat charm and the allure of frequent snowfall, the town offers visitors stunning views of the surrounding peaks, making it a haven for nature enthusiasts and those seeking a serene retreat.