Climate and monthly weather forecast
Nainital, India

Nainital, a popular hill station in India, is located at a high elevation which shapes its climate conditions significantly. The predominant climate, according to the Köppen climate classification, is Humid subtropical with a dry winter season, referred to as Cwa. The year-round weather is characterized by fairly moderate temperatures and a substantial amount of precipitation.

The maximum temperature averages for the year range from 9.4°C (48.9°F) at the lower end to a mild 23.2°C (73.8°F) at its peak. On the low end, temperatures vary from a chilly 1.1°C (34°F) to a comfortable 14.4°C (57.9°F). This indicates the presence of mild summers and chilly winters. The variation in daylight hours is also quite noticeable with the shortest day having a length of around 10.3 hours and the longest day encompassing approximately 14 hours.

Rainfall in Nainital is a key characteristic of the weather pattern. It shows a significant range from a mere 8mm (0.31") to a substantial 443mm (17.44") per month. This indicates clearly that Nainital experiences a strong monsoon season along with drier periods. The annual variation in rainfall levels is another unique trait of Nainital's climate, with the dry winter months having almost negligible rainfall and the wet summer months observing abundant precipitation.

The best time to visit Nainital would be when the weather is most comfortable, which is typically in the late spring and early summer months. During this period, from March to June, temperatures range from a low of 5.7°C (42.3°F) to a high of 23.2°C (73.8°F), providing for pleasant and comfortable weather conditions. It is an ideal time to indulge in outdoor activities and enjoy the natural beauty of the region. However, be prepared for some rainfall, especially during the month of June when it can reach up to 178mm (7.01") on average.

Travellers interested in visiting Nainital should ideally avoid the monsoon season which spans from July to September. This time features the heaviest rainfall with a peak of 443mm (17.44") in July. The temperatures during this time, while tending to remain cool at an average high of 20.1°C (68.2°F) to 22.9°C (73.2°F) and average low of 14.3°C (57.7°F) to 14.4°C (57.9°F), may be overshadowed by heavy rain and potential weather disruptions.

Spring in Nainital, which lasts from March to May, affords ideal weather conditions in the town. Temperatures in these months fluctuate between a cool low of 5.7°C (42.3°F) and a comfortable high of 23.2°C (73.8°F), featuring some of the highest temperatures of the year. Rainfall begins to increase graduallly from 60mm (2.36") in March to a significant 178mm (7.01") by the end of Spring in June. Daylight hours also observe a steady increase with a range from 12 hours in March to an ample 14 hours by June.

Despite being the warmest months, summer temperatures in Nainital remain largely temperate. June through to August sees average high temperatures floating between 22.9°C (73.2°F) and 20.1°C (68.2°F) and lows between 14.4°C (57.9°F) and 14.3°C (57.7°F), making it an ideal retreat from harsh summer conditions elsewhere. However, this period coincides with intense monsoon showers, especially in July and August when rainfall peaks to 443mm (17.44") and 381mm (15") respectively. The daylight hours remain long and relatively consistent during these months.

Autumn, from September to November, is characterized by cooling temperatures and decreasing rainfall. Monthly average highs fall from 19.3°C (66.7°F) to 15.4°C (59.7°F) on average, while lows drop from 12.6°C (54.7°F) to 5.9°C (42.6°F). Rainfall recedes significantly from 341mm (13.43") in September to only 8mm (0.31") by November, marking the transition from the monsoon months to the dry winter season. Daylight hours also gradually decrease through the season from 12.3 hours to 10.7 hours.

Winter in Nainital, encompassing the months December to February, is marked by cool temperatures and dry conditions. The average highs range from 12.4°C (54.3°F) to 9.4°C (48.9°F), while average lows vary from 3.2°C (37.8°F) to 1.1°C (34°F). Rainfall is scarce during these months, with an average range between 27mm (1.06") and 64mm (2.52"). Daylight hours in winter are the shortest in the year, averaging between 10.3 and 11.2 hours.

Beginning the calendar year, January in Nainital, India witnesses cold weather with the minimum temperature dropping to as low as 1.1°C (34°F). These chilly conditions are typical of January and mark the coldest month of the year in Nainital. Weather in January »

Despite being slightly warmer than its predecessor, February is considered part of the tail end of winter in Nainital. The city experiences an increase in daylight hours, which in turn brings a subtle shift in weather patterns. Weather in February »

March signifies the onset of spring in Nainital, with a noticeable change in temperature and weather patterns. The city experiences a considerable increase in temperature, making daily outdoor activities more enjoyable. Rainfall levels start to rise, contributing to the sprouting of new vegetation and growth, giving the city a vibrant breath of fresh life. Weather in March »

With a comfortable average high temperature of 19.9°C (67.8°F), the month of April in Nainital continues to captivate with its pleasant climate. As spring moves towards summer, the daytime temperature rises, while cool breezes in the evening maintain a balanced weather pattern. Weather in April »

The transition from spring to summer is more pronounced in May as Nainital witnesses a peak in daylight hours and a surge in the average high temperature. Pleasantly warm daytime, cooled down by the breezy evenings, the city is flush with the excitement of summer set against the backdrop of picturesque views. Weather in May »

June is the onset of monsoon in Nainital and the weather forecasts indicate an influx of rain showers with a significant increase in rainfall that reaches up to 178mm (7.01"). This month brings about a change in the climate with cloudy skies and frequent rains dominating the cityscape. Weather in June »

July in Nainital marks the peak of the monsoon season, characterized by the heaviest rainfall of the year, with a whopping 443mm (17.44") recorded. The city is cloaked in green, with the rains nourishing its flora, lending it a verdant hue. Weather in July »

As August progresses in Nainital, the rainfall levels decline from their July peak, paving the way for a gradual transition from the monsoon season. Simultaneously, temperatures take a slight dip making the city cooler after the rains. Weather in August »

September experiences a significant decrease in rainfall, down to 241mm (9.49"), marking the retreat of the monsoon and the advent of autumn in Nainital. The weather is a transition between the monsoon's tail end and the onset of autumn which welcomes pleasant temperature and climatic conditions. Weather in September »

October is a defining month in Nainital, marking a complete transition to autumn. The city experiences a drop in temperatures, laying out pleasantry filled days and cooler nights. Post-monsoon effects and minimal rain create an environment enabling tourists to explore the city and its colorful fall foliage with ease. Weather in October »

November in Nainital marks the onset of winter, with temperatures starting to dip. The city experiences dry days with a significant decrease in rainfall to just 8mm (0.31"), making it one of the driest months. The dwindling daylight hours coupled with the cool winds ring in a colder climate, hinting at the approaching peak winter conditions. Weather in November »

December welcomes Nainital into the peak of winter. The lower average temperature drops to 3.2°C (37.8°F), while daylight hours continue to lessen compared to previous months. December brings forth colder days and nights compelling the use of heavy winter clothing. Weather in December »