The climate of Mussoorie
Mussoorie,
India, stands within the Köppen climate classification as a Cwa zone, signifying a predominant humid subtropical climate with a dry winter period. This hill station is nestled in the foothills of the Garhwal Himalayan range, providing it with a unique weather landscape compared to the hot plain regions of India.
Throughout the year, Mussoorie experiences moderate temperatures with the highest recorded average of 24°C (75.2°F) in
May and the lowest at 2°C (35.6°F) in
January. The swing between the hottest and coldest period is roughly 22°C (71.6°F), reflecting a noticeable seasonal change in temperature.
Interestingly, rainfall shows substantial variation across the year. A striking aspect of Mussoorie's climate is the monsoon season between
June and
September. During these months, the rainfall skyrockets from a meager 58mm (2.28") in May to a peak of 670mm (26.38") in
August, marking an almost eleven-fold jump in precipitation. The volume of rainfall gradually descends to an almost barren winter period, with only 18mm (0.71") recorded in
December.
Although it might not appear so at first glance, the daylight hours undergo a subtle change, the longest day lights of 14.1 hours in June and the shortest of 10.2 hours in December. This gradual change in daylight length gives a harmonious rhythm to life in Mussoorie.
The best time to visit Mussoorie
Given the moderate temperatures coupled with the least rain, the period from
March to
May offers the most pleasant weather for travel. Tourists can marvel at the panoramic view of the lush hillsides without interruption from heavy showers, which become a common phenomenon in the subsequent summer months. Additionally, the temperatures from 16°C (60.8°F) to 24°C (75.2°F) offer a perfect escape from the scorching heat prevalent in other parts of
India.
The worst time to visit Mussoorie
Travelers might want to avoid the months from
June to
September. The monsoon season during these months brings excessively heavy rainfall, ranging from 174mm (6.85") in June to a staggering 670mm (26.38") in
August. The copious precipitation can lead to road blocks, rendering travel difficult and often dangerous due to the hilly terrain. Furthermore, the persistent rain can limit the opportunities to explore the natural beauty that the region has to offer.
Spring weather in Mussoorie
Spring, stretching from
March to
May, welcomes visitors with a fresh burst of greenery. The temperatures scale from an agreeable 10°C (50°F) to a summery 24°C (75.2°F) in May. Rainfall is minimal, adding to the charm of the season. The daylight gradually extends from 11.1 hours in March to 13.7 hours by May end, providing ample time for outdoor activities.
Summer weather in Mussoorie
Despite being classified as summer, the months of
June to
September more prominently mark the monsoon season in
Mussoorie. The temperatures remain between a comfortable 23°C (73.4°F) and 24°C (75.2°F), while the heavy downpour, especially in
August with 670mm (26.38"), dominates the weather narrative. The daylight peaks at 14.1 hours in June, slightly diminishing to 13.2 hours by September.
Autumn weather in Mussoorie
Following the torrential summer rains, autumn from
October to
November provides a welcome respite. Rainfall dramatically drops from 277mm (10.91") in
September to 14mm (0.55") in November. The temperatures provide pleasant warmth, hovering between 15°C (59°F) to 18°C (64.4°F). An average daylight of 11.5 hours leaves plenty of time for tourists to explore.
Winter weather in Mussoorie
In the winter months, from
December to
February, the region experiences cold weather with the lowest temperature dropping to 2°C (35.6°F) in
January. The rainfall dips to the lowest level, with December and January recording 18mm (0.71") and 14mm (0.55"), respectively. The daylight is the shortest during this time, with an average length of 10.4 hours in December, offering a limited window for outdoor explorations.
Weather in January
Settling into the new year, the weather in
Mussoorie during
January begins cool and a bit wet. The expected high temperature ranges from 10°C (50°F) and will likely drop as low as 2°C (35.6°F), making it one of the chilliest months.
Weather in January »Weather in February
Although
February carries over the
January chill, it ushers in a notable shift in the weather pattern of
Mussoorie. With the peak temperature increasing slightly to 12°C (53.6°F) and rainfall evenly distributed at 52mm (2.05"), it promises a balanced blend of cold and dampness.
Weather in February »Weather in March
As
Mussoorie moves towards spring,
March experiences a surge in temperature and rainfall. The upper limit of temperature reaches 16°C (60.8°F), a decent elevation from the milder
February. Interestingly, the rainfall level spikes to a considerable 57mm (2.24"), indicating a more humid environment.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April signals the exit of the spring season and welcomes the first hints of the upcoming summer. The shift is visible as the average high temperature increases to 21°C (69.8°F), establishing April as one of
Mussoorie's warmest months.
Weather in April » Weather in May
The month of
May in
Mussoorie continues the rising heat streak from
April, pushing the highest temperature to 24℃. The city anticipates a sudden burst in rainfall, recording a substantial 58mm (2.28"), signaling the onset of the monsoon season.
Weather in May »Weather in June
In
June, the pre-monsoon season readies
Mussoorie for its heaviest rains of the year. Despite the temperature dropping slightly to 23°C (73.4°F), June more than compensates with a heavy downpour, totalling 174mm (6.85"). The long days of
May sustain into June with 14.1 hours of daylight, leading to humidity-filled afternoons.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
The monsoon arrives in full force in
July, with
Mussoorie registering its highest rainfall for the year at a staggering 662mm (26.06"). Accompanied by a steady temperature around 20℃, the weather becomes predominantly wet and misty.
Weather in July »Weather in August
August continues to ride the monsoon wave, maintaining both the consistent 20°C (68°F) temperature and hefty rainfall from
July, registering at 670mm (26.38"). It mirrors the wet and foggy characteristics inherited from July, further intensifying the monsoonic influence.
Weather in August » Weather in September
Signifying a farewell to the monsoon, the
September weather in
Mussoorie brings some respite from the incessant rains, with a decrease in rainfall to 277mm (10.91"). The slightly overcast sky coupled with a steady 19°C (66.2°F) temperature makes this month an ideal time to visit the serene and scenic mountain town.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
Gradually steering away from the monsoon,
October in
Mussoorie brings a much-needed departure from the previous months of high rainfall. With the receding monsoon leaving behind 64mm (2.52") of rainfall and the average temperature dropping to 18°C (64.4°F), this month paves the way for autumn.
Weather in October »Weather in November
November hails the beginning of winter with a noticeable drop in temperature to 15°C (59°F) and a significant reduction in rainfall to 14mm (0.55"). It offers a transition that gradually adjusts
Mussoorie's weather pattern from the balanced climate in
October.
Weather in November » Weather in December
Closing the year on a chilly note,
December in
Mussoorie brings with it the coldest temperatures of the year, ranging from 13℃ at the highest to an icy 4°C (39.2°F) at the lowest. With little rainfall to the tune of 18mm (0.71"), the city bids farewell to the year with a foggy ambiance, providing a breathtaking view of the snow-clad Himalayan range.
Weather in December »