Best Time to Visit Nainital

Best Time to Visit Nainital

Nainital is a slice of heaven on earth. With a number of beautiful lakes, snow-capped mountains surrounding it on all sides, and a number of quaint village homes, there’s nothing you won’t be able to see here. Situated in the state of Uttarakhand in North India, at the foothills of the Himalayas, Nainital is known for its pleasant weather and verdant lush countryside.

The hill station is beautiful all through the year and attracts thousands of tourists through all different seasons. But depending on what you’ve planned for your trip, it’s important to figure out the best time to visit Nainital. So, check out this list, open up your calendar and start planning.

Summer in Nainital (March to June) 

Most tourists will attest that the summer months are the best season to go to Nainital if you enjoy outdoor activities. The temperature during these months can hover between 7 degrees and 27 degrees, ensuring you never feel too hot or too cold. Most tourists flock to the hill station during these months, either to spend a day by one of the several lakes or to escape the heat in other parts of the country.

Summer is also the best time to witness the Phool Dei festival, a celebration of the first bloom. On this day locals pick flowers from the countryside and place them at the entrance to their houses as it is believed to be a sign of good luck and prosperity. This is also the best season in the year to go out and get some shopping done. Basically, if you’re the kind of person who enjoys being on their feet, you can be sure this is the best time to visit Nainital.

Tip: Try and plan your activities for the evening, as the summer sun on the hillside can sometimes be quite harsh. Don’t forget to carry a lot of sunscreen!

Monsoon in Nainital (July to September)

Monsoon is often known as low season in Nainital, because of the constant rain. However, if you enjoy light mist, don’t mind a bit of rain, and can deal with a chill in the air, it can also be the best time to travel to Nainital. Monsoons can be quite romantic in the hill station as you watch the clouds roll over you.

Once summer ends, the tourists mostly leave Nainital, meaning fewer crowds, cheaper flight tickets and better hotel rooms. If you’re the kind who prefers to explore a place by themselves, the calm of monsoon might be better than the bustle of summer. August especially, is the least active season for tourists. If you’re planning a trip during September make sure you catch the Nandadevi Fair, for a chance to mingle with locals.

During the monsoon months make it a point to visit the hamlet of Khurpatal when the fields acquire a lush green shade and the lakes are full. Walking through this quaint town during the rains is an experience you won’t find anywhere else.

Tip: The rain can sometimes be quite intense in parts of Uttarakhand and can lead to roadblocks. But these usually clear out quickly, so don’t worry if you’re caught up in a storm.

Winter in Nainital (October - February)

October is often touted as the best time to go to Nainital, as the weather is neither too hot nor too cold. It’s a great time to visit the national parks as well as the zoos.  November, however, officially marks the beginning of winter in the valley. Temperatures often drop to 0-degrees during this time. As the snow begins to fall Nainital becomes host to thousands of Honeymooning couples. Days are cool and misty while nights can be very cold.

But for those who don’t mind a bit of the cold, this is the best time to travel to Nainital to take in some stunning sites. Travel to the Snow View point during the winter for a breathtaking view of Himalayan Mountains, or Tiffin Point to have a meal in the clouds. If you enjoy heavy snowfall, do also take some time out to do a couple of winter treks from the city. You could also attend the Vasanotsav that’s held between January and February to get an idea of the folk activities of the Kumaon area.

Do note that since Nainital is both a winter and summer destination, during these months the rates start to go up, and hotels are a little harder to come by. Crowds start to flock the markets again and lines to famous attractions can be quite long. But the city makes up for it with a special winter charm, that makes it known for being the best time to visit Nainital.

Tip: Christmas and New Year are celebrated with great fervour in the valley, so plan your trip in December if you’re looking for the ultimate party.

Of course, eventually, the decision of when to visit Nainital depends on where your interests lie. If you’re looking to visit one of the national parks to see some wildlife, summer would be your best bet. But if you’re looking to spend your days beside a warm fire sipping coffee, you must witness at least one winter in the city of lakes. In case you’re still wondering what’s the best time to visit Nainital, don’t worry. SOTC can help you plan your trip with our Nainital Tour Packages or other Uttarakhand Tour Packages. Simply choose your holiday and let us do the rest.