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Weather Conditions in Manali
A hill station like Manali only grows more gorgeous with each season, so it’s not surprising at all that people are here throughout the year. However, there are a few advantages to each season and ensuring that you travel to Manali in those months can make your vacation all the more amazing. However, some people might feel that there isn’t really a best time to visit Manali because it’s spectacular in all the seasons.
Still, it’s a good idea to be prepared especially regarding the best season to go to Manali as you will be able to pack accordingly. Whether it’s clothing or footwear, you need to make sure you’re carrying the right sort of essentials. Even if you’re a backpacking type, you need to come prepared to Manali because the weather does have a say in how good your trip will be. Here’s a season-wise look at the best time to travel to Kullu Manali.
Summer in Manali begins in March and ends in June. This is possibly the best time to visit Kullu Manali if you enjoy pleasant weather and also want to partake in summer adventure activities such as paragliding. Summer is also the time that people can enjoy mountain sports and rafting. The temperatures are a very comfortable and pleasant 25 degrees although it does tend to get quite cold at night. At very high altitudes, you can still see snow. So, pack accordingly with light clothing and some woollens if you are the kind to feel cold quickly.
During summer, tourists often use Manali as the take off point for their journey to Leh. Many biking and overland jeep journeys begin in Manali and the thrill of the surroundings never ceases to amaze travellers. Bikers on their way to Leh consider this a rite of passage, to pass through Manali.
Also, in summer, Beas river is perfect for rafting. This is a thrilling experience with the rafts rocking past the frothy and churning water and something that you will remember the rest of your life. Other adventure activities that people love to indulge in during summer are zorbing, horse rides and quad biking. With a great number of tourists converging in Manali during summer, it can get crowded and if you are a person who prefers solitude, you might feel that this is not the best time to go to Manali.
Manali experiences its monsoon from July to mid-September. Many travellers feel that this is not the best time to visit Manali as the number of activities are limited. But there is altogether a very different feel to the mountains during the monsoons. Everything seems to throb with vitality and life as the greenery on the mountains turns even more lush and verdant. Waterfalls seem to be alive with the rush of water and even when there isn’t any rain, there’s a fine mist that sprays gently on your face, refreshing your senses.
The weather during the monsoons is between 10 to 17 degrees and if you’re not accustomed to cold weather, it can get chilly pretty soon. But the mountains also pose a serious danger during the monsoons. With heavy rains, there is always the chance of landslides which can be quite dangerous for vehicles on the roads. Also, during the monsoons, you cannot do many of the adventure activities so it’s really not the best time to go to Kullu Manali.
During the months of October to February, winter comes to Manali, bringing with it a snowy landscape that will please your heart and send your imagination racing. This winter wonderland feel and look that comes over the hill station makes this the best time to visit Manali. Crunchy snow underfoot, fields and valleys covered in a white blanket, it is most certainly one of the most magical views you will come across.
Winters in Manali can be quite cold and temperatures often drop below zero degrees centigrade. Not only will you have to come prepared with heavy woollens, scarves, mufflers and caps, you also need to have a set of good thermal wear if you don’t want to freeze in the cold.
Although Rohtang Pass is covered with snow throughout the year, it gets amazing to travel here during winter as you can enjoy activities like skiing and snowboarding here. But one of the reasons why winter is the best time to visit Kullu Manali is that people love to visit Solang Valley too, when paragliding across the valleys is mesmerising and will leave a lasting impression on your mind.
Winter is also the best time to visit Manali because of the Himachal Winter Carnival which takes place at this time. This is a fun time for everyone as it celebrates the Himachali way of life along with several cultural music and dance programmes. People love to ski during this time and those participating in the carnival look forward to the highly anticipated crowning of Winter Queen and Mr. Manali. It’s no wonder then that people think this is the best time to travel to Manali.
During the carnival, there’s a procession that begins from the Hadimba Devi temple. There’s a crafts bazaar, Himachali food festival, folk dances and street plays. The celebrations of the winter carnival attract both domestic and international tourists.
If you are finally convinced about the best season to go to Kullu Manali, do take a moment to look at the SOTC website. There are several interesting deals on Manali tour packages and Himachal tour packages available which will make your booking easier and hassle-free.
