India is a vast and diverse country with a wide range of climates and landscapes. From the tropical beaches of the south to the high-altitude mountain ranges of the north, the country has something for everyone.
If you’ve ever wondered, does it snow in India? – then worry not; we have just the answer for you!
In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at where it snows in India and what the snowfall is like in these areas. So, without further ado, let’s dive in and explore the snowy side of India.
Does It Snow in India?
India is a large country with a diverse climate, so the answer to the question, “does it snow in India?” is “it depends.”
Yes, it snows in some parts of India. India is a large country with a diverse range of climates, and while much of the country has a tropical or subtropical climate, some parts of India do experience snowfall.
Snowfall is most common in the northern and northeastern regions of India, which are located in the Himalayan mountain range. These areas have a cold, alpine climate and receive significant snowfall during the winter months.
Some of the places in India where it snows include Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Sikkim.
In addition to the Himalayan regions, some parts of the western Ghats mountain range in southern India, such as the hill stations of Ooty and Coonoor, also experience occasional snowfall.
In general, the northern regions of India are more likely to see snowfall than the southern regions.
The Himalayan mountain range runs through northern India, and these mountains experience heavy snowfall from December to February.
Overall, while snow is not common throughout much of India, it is not uncommon in certain parts of the country, particularly in the mountainous regions.
How Often Does It Snow In India?
Although it rarely snows in India, there are a few places where you can find snowfall. For example, snowfall is common in the Himalayan region, which includes the countries of India, Pakistan, Nepal, and Bhutan.
In fact, some of the world’s tallest mountains are located here, and they are often covered in snow. Snow is also common in the northernmost state of Jammu and Kashmir.
When Does it Snow In India?
Although most of India is tropical, some parts of the country experience heavy snowfall every year. The snow season in India generally lasts from December to February, with the heaviest snowfall occurring in January.
The Indian Himalayan region is home to some of the world’s tallest mountains, and it is here that you will find some of the country’s most popular ski resorts, such as Gulmarg and Auli.
These resorts are usually open from late December to early March, and they offer a wide range of winter activities, such as skiing, sledding, and snowboarding.
If you want to experience a white Christmas in India, head to Leh in Ladakh, which is one of the coldest places in the country. Leh is located at an altitude of 3,505 meters (11,500 feet) and usually has a thick blanket of snow from December to February.
What Is the Climate Like in India
The climate in India varies depending on the region, as the country is huge and diverse. However, in general, the climate can be classified as tropical. This means that it is hot and humid throughout most of the year.
There are three main seasons in India:
- The summer season, which lasts from March to June
- The monsoon season, which runs from July to September
- The winter season, which lasts from November to February.
The summer season is the hottest time of year, with temperatures sometimes reaching up to 45 degrees Celsius (113 degrees Fahrenheit).
The monsoon season brings heavy rains and strong winds, while the winter season is much cooler, with temperatures occasionally dropping below 0 degrees Celsius (32 degrees Fahrenheit) in some areas.
The Seasons in India
India’s seasons are classified into the following four types:
1. The Cold Season (Winter)
2. The Heat Season (Summer)
3. The rainy season (Monsoons)
4. The transitional seasons (Spring and Autumn)
The cold season in India generally lasts from November to February. In the northern plains, the mercury generally plunges below freezing point during this time, and the region sees very little rainfall.
This is also the peak time for winter sports in India, such as skiing in Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh.
The Summer season lasting from March to May, is when most of India experiences very high temperatures as the mercury soars above 40°C. This is also the time when most parts of India receive little or no rainfall at all.
The only exception to this rule is the northeastern state of Meghalaya which experiences heavy rains during this period due to its location near the Bay of Bengal.
The rainy season, also known as monsoons, lasts from June to September and sees heavy rains lashing most parts of India except for the western desert state of Rajasthan. This is also the peak time for adventure sports such as river rafting and bungee jumping in India.
Finally, spring (March-April) and autumn (October-November) are the two transitional seasons in India when the weather is neither too hot nor too cold, making it ideal for outdoor activities such as trekking and bird watching.
Things To Do in India in Winter
Even though it does not snow in most parts of India, there are still plenty of things to do during the winter months! Here are some ideas:
Visit a hill station: India is home to some beautiful hill stations, such as Shimla, Manali, Nainital, Mussoorie, Dehradun, and Darjeeling. These places offer stunning views of the snow-capped Himalayas and are perfect for a winter getaway.
Go trekking or camping in the Himalayas: If you’re looking for an adventure, why not go trekking or camping in the Himalayas? There are many different routes to choose from, depending on your level of fitness and experience.
Take a wildlife safari: India is home to many different kinds of wildlife, including tigers, elephants, and rhinos. You can see them up close by taking a safari in one of the country’s national parks or reserves.
Visit a temple: India is a land of temples, and there are many important religious sites that can be visited during the winter months. Some of the most popular temples include the Golden Temple in Amritsar, the Meenakshi Temple in Madurai, and the Brihadeeswarar Temple in Thanjavur.
Explore a fort or palace: India is also home to many historical forts and palaces that make for great day trips during the winter months. Some of the most popular places to visit include Agra Fort, Jaisalmer Fort, and Red Fort in Delhi.
Where in India Does it Snow?
There are a few places in India where it snows, most notably in the Himalayan mountain range.
Some of the popular places apart from Darjeeling to see snow in India are Gulmarg, Auli, Kufri, and Manali.
The Snowy Himalayas
The Himalayas are a massive mountain range in Asia that covers over 1,500 miles. Within the Himalayas, there are several peaks that reach over 8,000 meters (26,000 feet), including Mount Everest, which is the tallest mountain in the world.
The Himalayas are home to many different climate zones, including some that see a lot of snowfall each year.
In general, the higher you go in elevation, the colder the temperatures will be. Parts of the Himalayas receive over 10 feet of snow each year. That said, not all of India is covered in snow.
In fact, most of India is relatively warm and only sees a few inches of snow each year. However, if you travel to the northern part of India near the Himalayas, you will find several ski resorts where you can enjoy the snow.
Auli – India’s Snowiest Destination
Auli is the snowiest destination in India, with an average of 30 feet of snowfall each year. That’s enough to bury a two-story house! Auli is located in the state of Uttarakhand, nestled high in the Himalayan mountains.
It’s a popular destination for both Indian and international travelers who come to enjoy skiing and Snowboarding.
Gulmarg – India’s Winter Wonderland
Gulmarg, located in the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir, is one of the most beautiful places in the world. It’s also one of the best places to go if you want to enjoy some wintertime fun.
Gulmarg is home to some of the best skiing in India, and it’s a popular destination for both locals and tourists. The area receives an average of twelve feet of snowfall each year, so there’s always plenty of powder to enjoy.
If you’re not a skier, Gulmarg still has plenty to offer. The area is gorgeous, and it’s a great place to go for a hike or simply to enjoy the views. You can also go for a ride on the world’s highest gondola, which takes you up to 13,000 feet for some stunning views of the Himalayas.
Shimla – The Queen of Hills
Shimla, the capital city of Himachal Pradesh, is a year-round destination; although, the best time to visit Shimla is from April to June and then again from September to November.
These months mark the spring and autumn seasons in the region, respectively, and offer pleasant weather ideal for outdoor activities such as trekking and bird watching.
The maximum temperature during Shimla’s spring season hovers around 25 degree Celsius, making it perfect for exploring the various tourist attractions in and around the city.
The autumn months witness a slight dip in temperature as compared to spring; however, the weather is still pleasant, with a maximum temperature of around 20 degrees Celsius.
Nainital – A Snowy Retreat
India is a land of diversity where you can find lowlands, plateaus, mountains, and even tropical rainforests – all within its boundaries. Because of this wide range of terrain and climate, the country experiences all four seasons. So, if you’re looking to enjoy a winter wonderland, head to Nainital in the state of Uttarakhand.
Nestled in the Kumaon foothills of the Himalayas, Nainital is a popular hill station that draws tourists from all over India and abroad.
It’s especially beautiful in winter when the snow starts to fall and covers the town in a blanket of white. You can go for long walks in the snow, build snowmen or go sledding down the hill.
And when you’re done playing in the snow, head indoors to warm up with a cup of hot chocolate or some delicious aloo chat (a potato dish served with spices and tamarind chutney).
Manali – A Popular Snow Destination
Manali is a popular hill station in India and is known for its snowy winters. The closest airport to Manali is Kullu, which is about 40 km away. Bharatpur is the nearest major railway station, about 290 km away.
There are many things to do in Manali, such as skiing, snowboarding, sledding, and ice skating. There are also many attractions in the area, such as the Rohtang Pass, Solang Valley, and Beas River.
FAQs: About Snow in India
Does It Snow in All Parts of India?
When Does It Usually Snow in India?
Is the Snowfall in India Heavy?
The snowfall in India is heaviest during the months of January and February. Snowfall begins in June in Kashmir and lasts until October.
The highest snowfall that India has ever received was 143 cm (56 inches) during the winter of 1958-1959 in Gulmarg.
The city of Shimla in the Himalayan region receives snowfall during the winter months. It is home to the highest cricket ground in the world.
Does India Have Any Ski Resorts?
Conclusion
After researching the question thoroughly, it can be concluded that snowfall does occur in some parts of India, though it is not a common occurrence. Snowfall is most likely to occur in the northern regions of India, near the Himalayas.
These areas tend to have higher altitudes and lower temperatures, both of which are necessary for snowfall to occur. Snowfall is also more likely to occur in India during the winter months.
