The climate of Shimla
Shimla,
India is situated in the Köppen climate zone classified as Cwb, which signifies a temperate highland tropical climate with dry winters. Throughout the year, this city experiences a wide variety of climatic parameters.
Temperature variations throughout the year are characteristic, with the highest temperatures being observed from
May to
July. During these months, temperatures often reach an average high from 25.6°C (78.1°F) to 30.2°C (86.4°F). Conversely, the lowest average temperatures occur from
January to
March, ranging from 2.6°C (36.7°F) to 8.3°C (46.9°F).
Humidity levels follow a somewhat inverse pattern to the temperature, with higher levels observed during the cooler months, peaking at 86% in
August. Humidity tends to be lowest in the warmer months, dropping to 35% in May.
Rainfall is most prominent from
June to
September, exhibiting a sudden upsurge starting from the month of June with 105mm (4.13") and peaking in August with 333mm (13.11"). This culminates in a dramatic decrease in
October to merely 22mm (0.87"). Snowfall is almost exclusive to the winter months with January witnessing the highest snowfall at 184mm (7.24"). The rest of the year experiences no snowfall.
The best time to visit Shimla
Visitors often prefer the months between
March and
June as the best time to visit
Shimla due to favourable weather parameters. During this period, temperature ranges from 8.3°C (46.9°F) to 30.2°C (86.4°F), providing a great balance between warm and cool weather. The relative humidity ranges from 45% to 50%, preferably comfortable for most travelers. Rainfall is on lesser side with just over 70mm (2.76") in March and reducing by June, allowing outdoor activities to take place unhindered.
The worst time to visit Shimla
The city experiences heavy rainfall from
July to
September, with the heaviest precipitation recorded between 291mm (11.46") and 333mm (13.11"). Therefore, these months might not be the best option for tourists. In addition to this,
December and
January can also be difficult for travel due to heavy snowfall amounting to 184mm (7.24") and 63mm (2.48"), respectively.
Spring weather in Shimla
Spring in
Shimla ranges from
March to
May. During this season, the city is relatively warm and comfortable with high temperatures ranging from 13.8°C (56.8°F) to 29.4°C (84.9°F) and low temperatures ranging between 2.6°C (36.7°F) and 15.6°C (60.1°F). March sees a fair amount of rainfall with 72mm (2.83") while May experiences less at 53mm (2.09"). The city is well-lit throughout the day with daylight hours extending from 12 hours in March to 13.7 hours in May.
Summer weather in Shimla
June commences the summer season and it persists till
August. There are increases in humidity levels, soaring up to 86% by August, and high temperatures fluctuate from 30.2°C (86.4°F) in June to 25°C (77°F) in August. Despite being in the summer season, precipitation is high, making it wetter than the spring months and even moreso compared to autumn and winter.
Autumn weather in Shimla
Autumn spans from
September to
November. During this period, temperatures progressively decrease from 24.3°C (75.7°F) to 19.8°C (67.6°F). This is accompanied by a reduction in the amount of rainfall, with precipitation as high as 155mm (6.1") in September declining sharply to just 14mm (0.55") in November.
Winter weather in Shimla
Winter in
Shimla begins in
December and ends in
February. Low temperatures can reach a freezing point of 3.6°C (38.5°F) in December and
January. Snowfall is most abundant in January, with an average of 184mm (7.24"). Despite the cold weather, the city enjoys significant sunlight with an average of 10.2 to 10.6 hours of daylight per day and sunshine hours per day averaging 7.3 to 7.4 hours.
Weather in January
The first month of the year in
Shimla,
India is marked by cool temperatures, with an average high and low ranging from 13.8°C (56.8°F) to 2.6°C (36.7°F). The weather characteristics of
January can be described as decidedly brisk, particularly when compared to the more temperate conditions observed in subsequent months.
Weather in January »Weather in February
February weather in
Shimla,
India sees a slight upwards shift in temperatures when compared with
January. The cooler, crisp days of January transition into a milder February, with its own unique climatological characteristics.
Weather in February » Weather in March
March weather in
Shimla,
India is characterized by a clear shift from the waning winter towards welcoming spring. Compared with
February's weather, March signifies a notable change with longer, generally sunnier days. Visitors and locals alike begin to enjoy the weather in March, a period that sees the city transitioning from its chilly winter character toward milder conditions.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April ushers in a distinctive seasonal transition in
Shimla,
India with an observable shift from the relatively cooler months toward the onset of summer. Relative to
March, April is considerably warmer, offering a more pleasant, temperate atmosphere.
Weather in April » Weather in May
May marks a significant climb in the thermometer readings for
Shimla,
India. When compared to
April, May's weather patterns highlight an evident escalation in warmth, making it one of the hotter months of the year. While Shimla's May weather is hot, it is not overwhelmingly so, providing ample opportunities for tourists to explore the city's attractions comfortably.
Weather in May » Weather in June
The arrival of
June emphasizes continued warmth in
Shimla,
India. Shimla's weather for June ensures that the summer mood is indisputably in the air, with the city continuing to bask under clear, blue skies. The characteristics of June weather, while similar to
May, depict slight variations.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July weather in
Shimla,
India is characterized by a blend of persisting heat and the onset of rainfall. July's weather conditions outline a slightly cooler yet moister atmosphere when compared to
June. The arrival of monsoon showers adds a unique flavor to Shimla's July scenario, making it a delight for those who enjoy the rainy season.
Weather in July » Weather in August
August's weather in
Shimla,
India maintains the monsoon spell carried over from
July. Despite a slight drop in temperature from July to August, the persistent rainfall keeps the city flushed with lush greenery. August's weather pattern sustains the dualistic interplay observed in July, balancing subtropical warmth with monsoon-induced humidity.
Weather in August » Weather in September
September's transition in
Shimla,
India, brings a relieving break from the monsoon months of
July and
August. Compared to August's weather, September presents a most welcoming change with lowered humidity and rainfall. Shimla's September weather sparkles with a fine balance between the remaining warmth from summer and the impending arrival of autumn.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
The atmospheric impression of
October over
Shimla,
India is a marked divergence from that of
September's. A clear departure from September's moderate warmth, October's weather generates a soothing coolness, signaling the onset of the fall season.
Weather in October »Weather in November
November, the last month of the post-monsoon autumn in
Shimla, is comfortable month, with an average temperature fluctuating between 19.8°C (67.6°F) and 7.1°C (44.8°F). The shift from
October to November is characterized by an average high-temperature of a refreshing 19.8°C (67.6°F), not significantly different from the 22.7°C (72.9°F) of October.
Weather in November » Weather in December
December ushers in the colder season in
Shimla,
India, distinguishing it from the more temperate climatic conditions of
November. With temperatures dropping significantly, December's weather represents a distinct winter appeal.
Weather in December »