Visiting Shimla is like watching a romantic poem unfold right in front of your eyes. Set over 2,000m above the sea level, the Himachal capital welcomes travellers exuberantly with its old world charm, verdant forests, snow-clad peaks and bustling bazaars. It is difficult to decide whether it is Shimla’s beautiful colonial architecture, gorgeous landscapes, quaint lanes or happy locals that impress visitors the most. Visit this enchanting city and find out yourself.
Read more: Domestic Destinations: India’s top hill stations
The best time to visit Shimla is from March to June when the temperature oscillates between 15 and 25 degrees Celsius. The summer months are considered the best to visit Shimla as it is the ideal time to explore outdoor activities such as trekking and river rafting, thanks to the pleasant weather. It is also your perfect chance to escape the city heat! For those who want to witness the city decorated with a velvety layer of pearly white snow, the winter months of October to February are perfect. Let’s take a detailed look at the three prominent seasons in Shimla.
March to June:
The summer season in Shimla brings with it enjoyable temperatures, clear skies, emerald foliage and ample opportunities for sight-seeing and shopping local handicrafts. Those seeking adventure can indulge in rock climbing, rappelling, trekking and river crossing. Soak in the vibrant atmosphere on Mall Road, shop your heart out at Lakkar Bazaar, find tranquility at Christ Church or just stop and smell the spring blooms. If you visit Shimla in June, you can be a part of the famous, five-day Shimla Summer Festival held at the Shimla Ridge. The highlights of the event include live music, stand-up comedy and dance performances, folk shows and food and flower exhibits. It is the best opportunity to get a flavour of the local culture and art.
October to February:
During the winter season, Shimla dons a gleaming veil of snow that spells romance. Perfect for honeymooners, this season brings dreamy evenings you can spend snuggling cosily with your partner. Since temperatures range between -2 and 10 degree Celsius along with snowfall during December and January, it is advisable to carry winter jackets and thermal wear to keep yourself warm. For those wishing to get an adrenalin rush, this is the best time to ski or ice-skate. Make sure you have a fun snowball fight with family or friends!
July to September:
The rainy season in Shimla is marked by heavy showers and hailstorms. During these months, landslides are common too. So, we would advise you not to plan a trip during the monsoons, however tempting the hotel prices may be.
Whenever you visit Shimla, don’t forget to take a ride on the adorable toy train, shop for some traditional handicrafts, try some mouth-watering channa madra (chick peas gravy dish) and gaze at snow-capped peaks. A trip to the Queen of Hill Stations assures that you will bring back memories of thrilling experiences against the backdrop of serene landscapes.
The nearest airport to Shimla that is functional throughout the year is Chandigarh Airport (around 125kms away) . To grab the cheapest air tickets to Chandigarh, set a Price Alert and we’ll let you know when to book your flights.
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Best time to book your flight to Shimla
Now that you know when is the best time to make the most of Shimla, let us give you some useful tips on booking the most economical flights. If you are already sure of your travel dates and love planning your trips early, book your air tickets around 18 weeks in advance to get the cheapest fares to Chandigarh. For those who like to take their time to book their vacation, the best period to get value-for-money flights is around 13 weeks before the departure.
Note: The best time to book data refers to the price paid against the average price for return flights for 1 person to Chandigarh from across India during the time period 1st January 2015 – 31st December 2016
You are now all equipped with all the information about the best time to visit Shimla and how to get your hands on the cheapest air tickets. So, what are you waiting for? Go ahead and book that trip! Book your flights, hotel or rent a car with Skyscanner today. You can do all of these on our mobile app too.
