The short answer
When to go to Manali
March to June is good for snow views and blooming rhododendrons, while September to October brings clear skies and mild days, both excellent windows for older travellers. July and August bring a heavy monsoon with a real landslide risk on the winding hill roads and are best avoided. December to February brings snow and a cold, scenic atmosphere, though some higher roads and passes may close. The town's moderate altitude of around 2,050 metres is rarely a problem, but a private car and driver is worth arranging throughout given the winding roads.
Month by month
Manali weather by month
| Month | High | Low | Rain | Verdict | What to expect |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 11°C | -1°C | 90 mm | Cold with snow likely; higher roads such as Rohtang stay shut | |
| February | 12°C | 0°C | 114 mm | Still cold and often snowy; good for winter scenery | |
| March | 17°C | 3°C | 155 mm | Snow melting; rhododendrons begin to bloom | |
| April | 21°C | 6°C | 88 mm | Pleasant days, cool nights; good for temples and valleys | |
| May | 25°C | 9°C | 66 mm | Mild and clear; a favoured month before summer crowds | |
| June | 26°C | 13°C | 90 mm | Warm and mostly clear, though rain can start late in the month | |
| July | 26°C | 16°C | 202 mm | Heavy monsoon rain; landslide risk on hill roads | |
| August | 25°C | 16°C | 217 mm | Continued heavy rain; travel can be disrupted | |
| September | 24°C | 12°C | 123 mm | Rain clears; clear skies and comfortable temperatures | |
| October | 22°C | 6°C | 25 mm | Dry and mild; one of the best months to visit | |
| November | 17°C | 3°C | 31 mm | Cooling fast; occasional early snow at altitude | |
| December | 14°C | 0°C | 39 mm | Cold, with snow becoming more likely |
Temperatures and rainfall are long-term monthly averages. Check the forecast a few days before you travel.
Seasons at a glance
Manali seasons for families and seniors
The easiest months: April, May, September and October
- April: Pleasant days, cool nights; good for temples and valleys
- May: Mild and clear; a favoured month before summer crowds
- September: Rain clears; clear skies and comfortable temperatures
- October: Dry and mild; one of the best months to visit
Good, with small trade-offs: March and June
- March: Snow melting; rhododendrons begin to bloom
- June: Warm and mostly clear, though rain can start late in the month
Possible, with planning: January, February, November and December
- January: Cold with snow likely; higher roads such as Rohtang stay shut
- February: Still cold and often snowy; good for winter scenery
- November: Cooling fast; occasional early snow at altitude
- December: Cold, with snow becoming more likely
Best avoided with parents or children: July and August
- July: Heavy monsoon rain; landslide risk on hill roads
- August: Continued heavy rain; travel can be disrupted
Useful answers
Best time to visit Manali: FAQs
What is the best month to visit Manali?
April, May, September and October are the best months to visit Manali, with March and June also good. March to June is good for snow views and blooming rhododendrons, while September to October brings clear skies and mild days, both excellent windows for older travellers. July and August bring a heavy monsoon with a real landslide risk on the winding hill roads and are best avoided. December to February brings snow and a cold, scenic atmosphere, though some higher roads and passes may close. The town's moderate altitude of around 2,050 metres is rarely a problem, but a private car and driver is worth arranging throughout given the winding roads.
Which months should I avoid in Manali with elderly parents?
July and August are the months to avoid with older travellers. Heavy monsoon rain; landslide risk on hill roads Continued heavy rain; travel can be disrupted
When does it rain most in Manali?
August is the wettest month, with about 217 mm of rain on average. The hottest month is June, with average highs around 26°C.