Weather in Shimla

Are you planning a trip or simply interested in the weather in the city of Shimla? In this section, you will find the most up-to-date information on weather conditions, as well as detailed forecasts and visual charts.

The climate in Shimla, located in India, can be described as a temperate mountain climate with distinct seasons. Here, there is no sweltering heat characteristic of the plains of the country, and winters can be quite cool. Temperature fluctuations throughout the year are significant, allowing you to experience the changing seasons.

Summer, roughly from June to September, is warm and humid in Shimla, with peak rainfall in July and August, indicating the influence of the monsoon season. During these months, the average temperature hovers around 21-23°C, and the number of rainy days is at its maximum. Winter, from December to February, is cool, with average temperatures around 7-9°C and minimums dropping close to zero. There is significantly less precipitation in winter. Spring (March-May) and autumn (October-November) are transitional seasons with comfortable temperatures and relatively low rainfall, especially autumn, which is one of the driest periods of the year.

The climate in Shimla is characterized by noticeable seasonal temperature fluctuations throughout the year. Average monthly temperatures vary from a cool 7.2°C in January to a warm 23.2°C in July. The coldest month is usually January, when the average minimum temperature drops to 1.0°C, and the daily maximum rarely exceeds 13.4°C. The hottest period falls in June and July. In June, the average maximum temperature reaches 28.4°C, and July sees the highest average monthly temperature – 23.2°C, making it the warmest month on average.

The summer months in Shimla, lasting roughly from May to September, bring warmth. In May, the average temperature is about 21.0°C, gradually rising towards June (23.1°C) and July (23.2°C). Maximum daytime temperatures during this period can reach 27-28°C, especially in June, which boasts the highest peak values. July and August, in addition to heat, are characterized by the highest amount of rainfall, which can affect the perceived temperature and humidity. Nighttime temperatures in summer remain relatively comfortable, usually ranging from 14.2°C (May) to 20.2°C (July). The difference between day and night temperatures in early summer (for example, in May the difference between 14.2°C and 27.7°C) can be quite perceptible.

Winter in Shimla, covering December, January, and February, is distinguished by cool, and at times cold, weather. Average monthly temperatures range from 7.2°C in January to 9.4°C in February. At night, the thermometer can drop to 1.0°C in January and 2.1°C in December, creating conditions for frost. Daytime temperatures in winter usually hold in the range of 13-16°C. A characteristic feature of Shimla's climate is significant diurnal temperature fluctuations almost all year round. For instance, in January, the difference between the average minimum (1.0°C) and average maximum (13.4°C) temperature is more than 12 degrees, indicating significant cooling at night compared to daytime hours.

In the city of Shimla, there is a distinct seasonality in the distribution of precipitation throughout the year. A period of monsoon rains and a relatively dry season are clearly traceable here.

The greatest amount of precipitation falls in the summer months, forming the rainy season. The peak occurs in July, which is the wettest month with an average rainfall of 12 mm and practically daily rains (about 30 wet days). August is also very rainy, with 10 mm of precipitation and approximately 29 rainy days. June (4 mm, 18 wet days) and September (6 mm, 22 wet days) are transitional months when the amount of precipitation and frequency of rains are also significant. During this period, precipitation falls predominantly in the form of rain.

The driest months in Shimla are October, November, and December, when the average monthly rainfall is only 1 mm, and the number of rainy days is minimal – from 4 to 6. Winter (January, February) is also characterized by low precipitation levels (2-3 mm), but with a slightly higher number of wet days (8-9 days). Given the average winter temperatures (minimums around 1.0-2.5°C), precipitation during this period can fall not only as rain but also as snow. The spring months (March, April, May) are also quite dry, with rainfall around 2 mm, but with a gradually increasing number of wet days from 12 to 14.

When planning a trip to Shimla, it is important to consider the significant fluctuations in temperature and rainfall levels throughout the year. For a comfortable journey, the principle of layering clothes is recommended. Regardless of the season, comfortable walking shoes for the hilly terrain will be your best companion. Sunscreen and sunglasses will also come in handy, especially in the spring and summer months when the sun can be quite active.

The winter months (December-February) in Shimla are quite cool, with average temperatures from 7°C to 9°C, and night temperatures can drop to 1-2°C. At this time, you will need warm items: sweaters, fleece tops, a warm jacket, a hat, a scarf, and gloves. Spring (March-May) brings warming, with average temperatures rising to 13-21°C, but evenings can still be cool, so a light jacket or sweater will be useful. Summer and the rainy season (June-September) are characterized by warm temperatures (about 21-23°C) and a high probability of precipitation, especially in July and August when the number of rainy days reaches a maximum. Be sure to bring a raincoat or a sturdy umbrella, as well as quick-drying clothes. In autumn (October-November), the weather becomes drier and cooler (12-17°C), so warm layers become relevant again, especially for evening walks.

Given the number of rainy days, especially from March to September, a small collapsible umbrella or a light waterproof jacket will be useful practically all year round. Even in dry months, the weather in the mountains can be changeable. A first aid kit with basic medications will also not be amiss. When preparing for your trip, always check the current weather forecast to make final adjustments to your luggage.