Best Time to Visit Mussoorie

The Best Time to Visit Mussoorie

Mussoorie as a destination is the sum of many other beautiful locations around it. You will find some of these jewels as you head to Mussoorie. And some will be discovered over a piping hot cup of tea as you discuss your experiences with other travellers. Mussoorie has a unique distinction of having dramatically varying altitudes. This difference means quite a variance in weather conditions if you are visiting a spot just 20 km away in the same season.

The hill town of Mussoorie is situated on the ridge and slopes of Garhwal Himalayan Range in Dehradun district. It is up there with the soaring clouds at an elevation of 6,170 feet. Its highest peak Lal Tibba in Landour is at 7,460 feet, giving it an almost high-altitude berth. On the contrary, the capital of Dehradun just about crosses 2000 feet. This is an important factor that determines the best time to visit Mussoorie.

Climate in Mussoorie

The Subtropical Highland Climate ensures a similarity to coastal weather conditions. No extreme high or low temperatures make Mussoorie an ideal destination to visit in all seasons. Its diurnal temperature variation keeps Mussoorie at two ends of the thermal spectrum on the same day though.

Mussoorie in Winter (December to February)

Winter is not very severe in Mussoorie. The higher hills get snowfall, which makes it the best time to visit Mussoorie and see them covered in white glory. Almost all the tourist attractions remain open at this time. However, some roads and trek routes may be closed for a short time. They are cleared at regular intervals. If you plan well and have ample time at hand for minor rescheduling, then this is the time to enjoy Mussoorie at leisure. The average low temperature ranges from 2 °C to 4 °C. The lowest temperature ever recorded in Mussoorie was -6 °C but that happens quite rarely. The skies remain open and clear. Fog, mist and occasional thunderstorms occur at night but clear up as the sun climbs up.

Travel tips:

• Carry heavy woollens and good shoes
• Check road conditions and local announcements before venturing out
• Keep an eye on fuel. Most petrol pumps close by 7 PM

Mussoorie in Summer (March to May)

Unlike its surrounding areas that reach a high of over 40°Celsius, Mussoorie maintains a pleasant average temperature of 24°Celsius. It seldom crosses 35°Celsius but when it does it is only for a very short while and isn’t unbearable.

March announces the onset of Spring. Doon valley is at its prettiest with flowers all around and a burst of new greens. The oak, pine and cedar forests are ready with inviting trek trails for the tourists that will soon arrive in large numbers. The spring-fed streams of Mussoorie are cooler than traditional watercourses. They add a zing to the water activities and sports. The Mussoorie hills and doon valley open up to a host of high-octane adventure pursuits including paragliding and ziplining.

Travel tips:

Keep yourself well hydrated, especially children

• Book your transport and accommodation well in advance as finding last minute options will be next to impossible
• Adventure activities should be undertaken with certified trainers and tour operators only
• There are ATMs but they may run dry due to heavy tourist flow. Carry cash and do not forget to bargain.

Mussoorie in Monsoon (June to September) 

 Annual average precipitation of Mussoorie is 2206 mm. Want to know what that mean for the tourists? It means that even though the capital city of Dehradun gets excess rainfall, the slopes of Mussoorie manage to remain slightly drier than the plains. Its calcareous and dolomite soils coupled with the gradient do not let water accumulate. Landslides are not that uncommon, but they are far and few. It’s true, not many tourists frequent Mussoorie at this time but if you were to venture out then you’d be rewarded with the most magnificent views. The hills and glens are lush green with mist hanging right within your reach. If you want to get away from the mad rush of the city for some soul-nourishing staycation, then this is the best time to visit Mussoorie.

Travel tips:

• Avoid parking on the Mall Road, as it is a ‘no parking zone’
• Carry light woollens
• Plan your Mussoorie sightseeing with inputs from the weather forecast agencies and local authorities. Some tourist attractions may be closed
• Follow travel safety procedures and guidelines

Mussoorie in Autumn (October and November)

Autumn is not very pronounced in Mussoorie. The wildlife sanctuaries start opening up around this time and the decrease in humidity makes it easy for travellers to spend long hours outdoors. The tourist rush is on its way out and only the true explorers can be found on the winding roads of Mussoorie. Photography enthusiasts can still catch some flowers and gushing waterfalls before winter consumes them. This is the best time to go to Mussoorie if you are a budget traveller. You can capture the stunning vistas left behind by the monsoon in the crisp pre-winter weather with all the off-season packages still in effect.

Travel tips:

• Check and compare packages before booking them
• Carry light cottons and keep yourself hydrated

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