The short answer
When to go to Nainital
October to March is generally favoured, with November to February the coolest and most comfortable, while March onward brings good weather through to May without the scorching heat of the plains. June to September is monsoon season, and July-August bring the heaviest rain with a real landslide risk on the hill roads to and from Nainital. Mall Road and the lake are largely flat and walkable, but some lake paths and the climb to Naina Devi temple involve uneven ground and steps.
Month by month
Nainital weather by month
| Month | High | Low | Rain | Verdict | What to expect |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 11°C | 2°C | 82 mm | Cold but often clear; occasional winter rain | |
| February | 12°C | 3°C | 66 mm | Chilly; the lake and Mall Road are quiet | |
| March | 16°C | 7°C | 57 mm | Pleasant spring weather begins | |
| April | 21°C | 12°C | 34 mm | Warm days, cool evenings; ideal for the lake and viewpoints | |
| May | 23°C | 14°C | 72 mm | Warm and increasingly busy; occasional showers | |
| June | 23°C | 16°C | 339 mm | Monsoon arrives; rain increases sharply | |
| July | 22°C | 16°C | 685 mm | Heaviest rainfall; landslide risk on hill roads | |
| August | 21°C | 16°C | 556 mm | Still very wet; roads can be affected by landslides | |
| September | 21°C | 14°C | 346 mm | Rain easing but still frequent | |
| October | 19°C | 10°C | 55 mm | Clear skies return; crisp and comfortable | |
| November | 15°C | 6°C | 8 mm | Dry and cool; one of the most pleasant months | |
| December | 13°C | 3°C | 24 mm | Cold, with a chance of occasional snow |
Temperatures and rainfall are long-term monthly averages. Check the forecast a few days before you travel.
Seasons at a glance
Nainital seasons for families and seniors
The easiest months: March, April, October and November
- March: Pleasant spring weather begins
- April: Warm days, cool evenings; ideal for the lake and viewpoints
- October: Clear skies return; crisp and comfortable
- November: Dry and cool; one of the most pleasant months
Good, with small trade-offs: January, February, May and December
- January: Cold but often clear; occasional winter rain
- February: Chilly; the lake and Mall Road are quiet
- May: Warm and increasingly busy; occasional showers
- December: Cold, with a chance of occasional snow
Possible, with planning: June and September
- June: Monsoon arrives; rain increases sharply
- September: Rain easing but still frequent
Best avoided with parents or children: July and August
- July: Heaviest rainfall; landslide risk on hill roads
- August: Still very wet; roads can be affected by landslides
Useful answers
Best time to visit Nainital: FAQs
What is the best month to visit Nainital?
March, April, October and November are the best months to visit Nainital, with January, February, May and December also good. October to March is generally favoured, with November to February the coolest and most comfortable, while March onward brings good weather through to May without the scorching heat of the plains. June to September is monsoon season, and July-August bring the heaviest rain with a real landslide risk on the hill roads to and from Nainital. Mall Road and the lake are largely flat and walkable, but some lake paths and the climb to Naina Devi temple involve uneven ground and steps.
Which months should I avoid in Nainital with elderly parents?
July and August are the months to avoid with older travellers. Heaviest rainfall; landslide risk on hill roads Still very wet; roads can be affected by landslides
When does it rain most in Nainital?
July is the wettest month, with about 685 mm of rain on average. The hottest month is June, with average highs around 23°C.