The Queen Of Hill station, Udhagamandalam or shortly known as Ooty is the most prestigious hill station to visit in India. With lush green landscapes, breathtaking views, picturesque tea plantations, serene lakes, verdant meadows and pleasant weather, makes it a perfect place for those who are looking to get away from the stress of modern life.
Choosing the best time to visit Ooty can be tricky as the weather stay pleasant throughout the year. The summer would be warm but not like plain lands, the winter can be chilly but not like Manali and the monsoon would be rainy but not like Uttarakhand. So, to help you plan your trip, we have put together a guide on the best time to visit Ooty based on your preferences and interests. So, whether you’re a nature lover, adventure enthusiast, or seeking a romantic getaway, there’s a perfect time to visit Ooty for you. Let’s explore the best time to visit Ooty and make the most of your trip to this beautiful hill station.
Is Ooty Worth Visiting?
Yes, Ooty is definitely worth visiting. With the chain of hills surrounded by the lush green carpet, a pleasant climate, and a variety of activities for visitors, Ooty becomes one of the best hill stations in India. The surrounding beauty of tea plantations, lush green hills, and dense forests, make it a perfect destination for nature lovers.
The town is also known for its rich colonial history and has many historical landmarks to explore. Additionally, Ooty is home to some of the best trekking trails in South India, making it an ideal destination for adventure enthusiasts. Overall, Ooty is a great destination for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and immerse themselves in the natural beauty of India.
Best Time To Visit Ooty
Ooty enjoy pleasant weather condition throughout the year. However, the best time to visit Ooty is from October to May. Despite being an exciting year-round destination, these months are best to enjoy adventure activities and sightseeing. These months include the peak winter (Oct to Feb) and summer season (March to May). So, if you’re planning to visit from Oct to May then prepare for the big crowd and do book your hotel & flight tickets in advance.
Off-season in Ooty – Due to heavy rain and harsh weather conditions Monsoon (June to September) is the least advisable time to visit Ooty. During this season you can expect less crowd, more greenery, picturesque settings of clouds and lots of rainfall. The less crowd means the hotel tariffs become low and entry fees for the tourist attractions are also reduced. So, this is the cheapest time to visit Ooty.
Ooty In Summer (March to May)
Summer is the best time to visit Ooty. While most of India experiences hot and humid summers, Ooty’s location in the Nilgiri Hills makes its weather much more pleasant. The average temperature in Ooty during summer ranges between 15°C to 20°C, making it a perfect escape from the scorching heat of the plains. And the occasional rain makes the climate much more pleasant to enjoy the picturesque beauty of this town. The nights can be slightly cooler, with temperatures dropping to around 10°C, so it’s recommended to bring warm clothes for the evenings.
Best things to do in Ooty in Summer
- Explore the scenic beauty: Enjoy the lush green hills, tea plantations, and botanical gardens in full bloom during summer
- Trekking and Hiking: Ooty is home to some of the best trekking trails in South India, and summer is an ideal time to explore them.
- Wildlife Safari: Explore the flora and fauna of the region with a wildlife safari at Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary.
- Visit the Ooty Lake: Take a peaceful boat ride on the Ooty Lake and enjoy the serene surroundings.
- Doddabetta Peak: Trek to the highest peak in the Nilgiris and enjoy breathtaking views of the valley below.
- Enjoy the Toy Train Ride: Take a scenic ride on the Nilgiri Mountain Railway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that offers stunning views of the hills and valleys.
- Government Botanical Garden: Stroll through the stunning garden that houses over a thousand plant species, including rare ferns and orchids.
- Emerald Lake: Take a scenic drive to Emerald Lake, located 25 km from Ooty, and enjoy the beautiful surroundings.
- Tea Plantations: Visit the tea plantations and learn about the process of tea-making while enjoying the beautiful surroundings.
Festivals
Ooty Summer Festival – The Ooty Summer Festival is a ten-day event held in May each year. The festival celebrates the beauty of Ooty and includes flower shows, boat races, and a fruit show. The festival attracts various national and international tourists.
What To Expect?
As we said above that summer is the peak time to visit Ooty so you can expect a heavy crowd and long queues at tourist attractions. The prices of hotels, food and transportation will be higher so it is good if you make all the bookings in advance.
Ooty In Monsoon (June to September)
Monsoon is the least advisable time to visit Ooty if you’re trying to visit many tourist spots. Due to heavy rain and fog, visibility becomes low and transportation gets slow. So, it would be harder to move from one place to another. But if you’re a nature lover like me who love raw natural beauty and hate huge crowd then this is the best time to visit Ooty.
The average temperature in monsoon ranges between 13 to 26 degree Celsius. The day becomes pleasant with the frequent showers while the night can be colder with temperatures dropping to 8 degrees Celsius.
The frequent shower of rain makes the surroundings clean & green, the waterfall gets new life, the mountains look surreal and the views become spectacular. The whole range of flora & fauna reveals itself in the forest through the monsoon. The slopes and valley are filled with an abundance of rare plants and flowers which you will not get to see in other seasons.
The rain filled the new life in the mountains which makes the surrounding cozy and romantic. Therefore, it becomes the best time to visit Ooty for couples.
Best Things To Do In Ooty in Monsoon
- Enjoy the misty weather: Experience the cool, misty weather and enjoy the lush greenery of Ooty.
- Visit the waterfalls: Ooty is home to several beautiful waterfalls such as Catherine Falls, Pykara Falls, Kolakombai falls Laws falls, Katary and Kalhatti Falls.
- Trekking and hiking: Monsoon is a great time to explore the several trekking trails in Ooty such as the Mukurthi Peak trek, Ketti Valley trek, and Parsons Valley trek.
- Nilgiri Mountain Railway: Experience the scenic toy train ride that offers misty views of the hills and valleys.
- Visit the tea plantations: Visit the tea plantations and enjoy the lush greenery of the hills during the monsoon season.
- Government Botanical Garden: Explore the stunning garden that houses over a thousand plant species and enjoy the freshness of the plants and flowers.
- Ooty Lake: Take a serene boat ride on Ooty Lake and enjoy the lush greenery around it during monsoon.
- Thunder World: Visit Thunder World, a unique theme park that has various attractions like 5D cinema, haunted house, and mirror maze.
What To Expect?
Due to inconsistent rain lots of people cancel their plans to visit hill stations. Therefore, you can expect less crowd. The prices of hotels, food and transportation become low which makes monsoon the cheapest time to visit Ooty. But due to the monsoon, the roads get slippery, visibility gets low by heavy fog and the risk of landslides gets increase so traveling from one place to another become risky.
Ooty in Winter (October to February)
Like summer, Winter is the peak season in Ooty. The temperature varies between 5 to 18 degree Celsius which makes the weather pleasant to explore the tourist spots. The temperature during the day would be pleasant to enjoy the adventure activities like trekking, hiking, boating, camping etc. The nights become cooler enough to wear warm clothes and drink the famous tea of the mountain.
The visibility gets low due to the heavy fog which makes the weather romantic and perfect for honeymoon couples. The misty mountain range with chilly breeze attracts love birds from all around. Gazing deep into the valley while holding the hands of your partner with a hot cup of tea would be the experience that couple dreams of in their life.
Best Things To Do In Ooty In Winter
- Enjoy the cool weather: Winter is the perfect time to enjoy the cool and pleasant weather of Ooty.
- Tea plantations: Visit the tea plantations and learn about the tea-making process while enjoying the beautiful winter landscapes.
- St. Stephen’s Church: Visit the colonial-era church that has stunning stained-glass windows and Gothic architecture.
- Doddabetta Peak: Trek to Doddabetta Peak, the highest peak in the Nilgiris, and enjoy the breathtaking views of the surrounding hills.
- Ooty Lake: Take a peaceful boat ride on the Ooty Lake and enjoy the serene surroundings during winter.
- Avalanche Lake: Drive to Avalanche Lake, located 28 km from Ooty, and enjoy the beautiful winter landscapes and serenity.
- Coonoor: Visit Coonoor, a nearby hill station known for its scenic views and tea plantations.
- Winter Festival: Attend the annual winter festival held in January, which includes flower shows, dog shows, and cultural performances.
- Shopping: Shop for handmade chocolates, winter wear, and souvenirs in the local markets.
What To Expect?
Winter is the best time to visit Ooty so you can expect a huge crowd at the tourist spots. The weather becomes cold enough to wear warm and full sleeve clothes. The prices of hotels and flights become higher so make sure to book in advance to avoid any kind of rush.
Ooty Weather – Month Wise
| Month | Avg. Temperature in Celsius |
| January | 10 to 20 degree |
| February | 15 to 30 degree |
| March | 12 to 24 degree |
| April | 15 to 25 degree |
| May | 12 to 20 degree |
| June | 14 to 24 degree |
| July | 18 to 28 degree |
| August | 22 to 32 degree |
| September | 20 to 30 degree |
| October | 17 to 30 degree |
| November | 14 to 24 degree |
| December | 8 to 20 degree |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: How many days are enough for Ooty?
The number of days one should spend in Ooty depends on their itinerary and the activities one plan to do. Typically, a 2-3 day trip is enough to cover the major attractions and enjoy the local culture. However, if you wish to explore the nearby hill stations or go on longer treks, you may need to add a few more days to your trip.
Q2: Which is the best time to visit Ooty for honeymoon?
The best time to visit Ooty for a honeymoon depends on your preferences. If you enjoy pleasant weather and colorful surroundings, the ideal time to visit is from October to June. If you prefer a more romantic and cozy atmosphere, the winter months of December to February are perfect.
Q3: Is Ooty safe to visit?
Yes, Ooty is a safe place to visit. It’s a popular tourist destination, and the local authorities take measures to ensure the safety of visitors. However, it’s important to take necessary precautions such as avoiding dark and isolated areas at night, not venturing into unknown areas, and being mindful of your belongings in crowded places. Overall, exercising common sense and being cautious will ensure a safe and enjoyable trip to Ooty.