Situated on the bank of the Beas river, Manali is a dream destination for every traveler. The snow-clad mountains, lush greenery, adventurous activities, ancient temples, orchards, and green landscape attract thousands of tourists every year. Manali is one of the most famous honeymoon places in India. In winter, tourists from different regions visit Manali for snowfall while in summer people visit Manali to skip the heat. If you’re planning to visit Manali then you must check out the best time to visit Manali. So that you can enjoy every bit of Manali offers you.
- Summer Season – April to June
- Monsoon Season – July to September
- Winter Season – October to March
Best time to visit Manali
Manali is a year-round destination however October to June is the best time to visit Manali. These are months when you can enjoy both sides of Manali – Chilly Winters and Pleasant Summer. So no matter what you’re planning to do in Manali whether you want to enjoy fresh snowfall or want to experience the lush greenery, these months covered everything you’re looking for a perfect trip to Manali. Let’s break each season to understand the best time to visit Manali easily:
Peak Season: In winter December to January is the peak season in Manali when tourists visit Manali to celebrate Christmas & New Year and experience the fresh snowfall. And in summer from March to June Manali gets crowded due to pleasant weather conditions and adventurous activities.
Off-Season: Monsoon (July to September) is the off-season in Manali due to heavy rain and risks of floods & landslides.
Best time to visit Manali for Snowfall: If you want to experience the fresh snowfall then from 15th December to the early part of February is the ideal to plan a trip to Manali. During these months there are 80 to 90% chances to have snowfall.
Best time to visit Manali for Honeymoon Couples: Jan to March and September to November is the best time to visit Manali for couples.
Best time to visit Manali by bike: Summer season, from April to June and September to October is the best time to travel Manali by bike. Monsoon must be avoided.
Best time to visit Manali for rafting: June and July are the best months to enjoy rafting in Manali as the temperature remains pleasant and rapids are just perfect for rafting.
Best time to visit Manali for trekking: March to July are the best months for trekking in Manali. The pleasant weather and wonderful surrounding make it an ideal time to visit Manali for trekking.
Best time to visit Manali with baby: March to July is an ideal time to visit Manali with baby. This is the time when the weather becomes pleasant and best suited for kids.
Best time to visit Manali with family: Any time is the best time to visit Manali with family except monsoon.
Best time to visit Manali for Rohtang Pass: April to October is the best time to visit Rohtang pass from Manali.
Best time to visit Manali on a Budget: Mid-January to the end of March and June to November are the best months to visit Manali on a budget. However, during the monsoon season, it is advisable to plan your trip according to weather conditions. Manali and the surrounding region are prone to landslides, so always stay updated with the weather forecast and adhere to government guidelines.
Best time to visit Manali with friends: September to June is the best time to visit Manali with friends. From December to Feb you can enjoy snowfall, from September to October you can witness colorful autumn season and from March to June you can enjoy the early summer in Manali with Holi.
Manali in December to March
December to March is an ideal time to visit for both friends and family as well as honeymoon couples. You can expect the chilly weather, especially from 15th December to February. This is the time when lots of people visit Manali to celebrate Christmas and New Year. Therefore, you can expect heavy crowds from 15th December to 15th January. And due to heavy crowds hotels and sightseeing prices goes higher. So it’s good to book a hotel well in advance.
For those who want to visit Manali to experience fresh snowfall then this is the perfect time to visit Manali. During these months you can see the live snowfall in Manali.
Activities to do:
- Skiing
- Snowboarding
- Snow scooter riding
- Horse riding
- Trekking
- Camping
- Sledging down the slopes
- Heli-Skiing
- Gondola Rides
- Ice Skating
Manali in April to June
April to June is the best time to visit Manali for those who want to skip the hot summer of India. During this session, in most of the regions of India like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Haryana, Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Punjab the temperature reaches 40 deg Celsius. However, due to a hill station, Manali is blessed with pleasant weather throughout the year, especially in summer. So you can visit Manali to beat the heat of summer.
Activities to enjoy:
- Camping
- Paragliding
- Zorbing
- Trekking
- Zip Lining
- Rafting
Manali in July to September
July to September is the time when Manali gets monsoon. It is off-season in Manali due to heavy rain and the risk of landslides & floods. And activities like rafting are not suitable. So one can expect fewer crowds during these months. Due to the offseason, it is the cheapest time to visit Manali. You can get the best deals on hotel booking, shopping, food and transport. So if you’re planning a budget trip to Manali then this is the ideal time to visit Manali.
Note: Due to heavy rains and unexpected weather it is advisable to stay away from the river. Before leaving it’s good to check the weather forecast.
Things to do:
- Trekking
- Camping
- Zip Lining
- Visit Jogini Waterfall
Manali in October to November
This is the time when you can enjoy the Manali at its best as After the heavy monsoon season Manali looks very fresh, surrounding becomes wonderful and waterfalls become heavier. The Kullu Dussehra is something you must experience in Manali that is celebrated during this season. This is the time when lots of love birds visit Manali for a romantic holiday.
Activities to enjoy:
- Trekking
- Rafting
- Zip Lining
- Camping
- Bungee Jumping
- Paragliding
- Zorbing
Manali Annual Weather:
The average temperature in Manali lies between -7 to 30 degrees Celsius over the year. The hottest day crosses 30 degrees Celsius while the coldest day goes down to -7 degrees Celsius. During summer the average temperature lies between 10 to 30-degree Celsius while in winter the temperature ranges between -3 to 15 degrees celsius.
| Months | Average Temperature in Celsius (low to high) |
| January | -1.1 to 10.8 |
| February | 0.2 to 12.1 |
| March | 3 to 16.7 |
| April | 5 to 22 |
| May | 10 to 25 |
| June | 12.8 to 27 |
| July | 15 to 27 |
| August | 16 to 25 |
| September | 12 to 24 |
| October | 6 to 22 |
| November | 2 to 17 |
| December | 0 to 13 |
- Hottest Month: June
- Coldest Month: January
- Wettest Month: August
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Is Manali a good destination for a summer getaway?
Manali is one of the most popular summer getaways in India. The pleasant climate of Manali attracts tourists from the plains who seek respite from the scorching heat. And summer is the perfect season to fully enjoy everything this destination has to offer without restrictions. Activities like trekking, camping, sightseeing, paragliding, rafting, and other adventure activities are available for enthusiasts to relish.
Q2: When should I visit Manali to see the apple orchards in full bloom?
March and April are the months when apple orchards are in full bloom. This is the time when apple trees are covered in white and pink blossoms. From August to October when apples are ready to harvest.
Q3: What is the monsoon season like in Manali, and is it a good time to visit?
July to September is the time when Manali experiences heavy rainfall. These months often bring about challenging conditions, including landslides, floods, and cloud bursts, not only in Manali but also in other regions of Himachal Pradesh. Therefore, it is advisable to avoid the monsoon season in Manali. If you still wish to visit during this period, make sure to closely monitor the weather forecast and adhere to government guidelines for your safety.