Mussoorie in January: the coldest month, and the best chance of snow
How cold it gets, how likely snow is, where to go when it falls, and how to plan the drive up — with a live forecast for Mussoorie, Dhanaulti and Dehradun.
- 10.3° / 2.8 °C January average (IMD)
- Most likely month for snow
- 23 Jan 2026 last season's first snow
- ~35 km from Dehradun
Photo: Paul Hamilton, CC BY-SA 2.0
Updated November 2026 · HP Tourism registered travel agent · Reg. No. DTO-MND-11-243/2022 · certificates
January is Mussoorie’s coldest month and its best chance of snow. Days average about 10 °C and nights about 3 °C (IMD normals), with around four days of rain or snow in the month. Snow in town is likely at some point in most Januaries, but it cannot be pinned to a date: last season the first snow came on 23 January 2026. Landour and Lal Tibba, a little higher, turn white first, and Dhanaulti and Surkanda Devi (about 25–35 km away) get snow more often. Outside the New Year week, January is quieter than December, but the first snow brings big weekend crowds from Dehradun and Delhi.
- WeatherAbout 10.3° / 2.8 °C, ~50 mm in ~4 days (IMD normals).
- SnowMost likely month; Landour and Lal Tibba whiten first.
- Surer snow nearbyDhanaulti (~25 km) and Surkanda Devi (~35 km).
- CrowdsBusy over New Year and on weekends after a snowfall.
- PackPadded jacket, thermals, gloves, cap and shoes with grip.
Mussoorie, Dhanaulti and Dehradun weather today
Mussoorie (about 2,005 m), Dhanaulti (about 2,290 m) and Dehradun (about 640 m) below — current temperature and the next days’ high, low, rain and snow.
Forecast data: MET Norway (CC BY 4.0), refreshed about once a day — last update —.
What is the weather like in Mussoorie in January?
January brings Mussoorie’s lowest temperatures: about 10.3 °C by day and 2.8 °C at night on average, and colder on clear nights after a snowfall. Most days are sunny and crisp; western disturbances bring a few cloudy days with rain or snow, about four in an average January.
Mussoorie sits at about 2,000 m, which makes it a borderline snow town — a few hundred metres of height decide whether it snows or rains. That is why Landour and Lal Tibba (about 2,270 m) often turn white when the Mall Road stays wet, and why Dhanaulti and Surkanda Devi are the reliable backups.
| Month | Mussoorie day / night (IMD) | Mussoorie rain | Dehradun day / night (IMD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| December | 12.7° / 4.5 °C | 10 mm | 21.7° / 7.6 °C |
| January | 10.3° / 2.8 °C | 50 mm (~4 days) | 19.7° / 6.6 °C |
| February | 11.2° / 3.4 °C | 65 mm (~5 days) | 22.5° / 9.2 °C |
Full month-by-month figures: Mussoorie weather · snow guide: Mussoorie snowfall 2026-27 · December: Mussoorie in December.
Mussoorie in winter
Snow on the ridge, Landour’s churches, Dhanaulti and the Doon valley at dusk — real photographs, each credited to its photographer.
Things to do in Mussoorie in January
Listed from the town outwards.
Mall Road and Gun Hill
The classic snow sight when a spell reaches the town; sunny winter walks on clear days.
Landour and Lal Tibba
Higher and quieter; often the first part of Mussoorie to whiten, with views of the snow peaks.
Char Dukan and Sisters' Bazaar
Old cafés and churches under deodars — beautiful after fresh snow.
George Everest's House
An open ridge with wide views over the Doon valley and the peaks.
Dhanaulti
Deodar forest and eco-parks — the most popular snow day trip. Dhanaulti weather →
Surkanda Devi
The highest point nearby, a steep walk up from Kaddukhal; the surest snow in the area.
Mussoorie in January: roads, crowds and packing
Getting there: Mussoorie is about 35 km (1–1.5 hours) above Dehradun and roughly 290 km from Delhi. Morning fog on the plains can slow trains and the drive to Dehradun. Cab: Delhi to Mussoorie taxi · Dehradun to Mussoorie taxi.
Roads: the Dehradun–Mussoorie road usually stays open, but after heavy snow the stretches to Landour, Dhanaulti and Kempty can freeze or close for hours. Travel up in daylight with a driver used to hill roads, and keep a spare day.
Crowds: the New Year week and the weekends after a snowfall are the busiest; weekdays in mid-January are calm.
Packing: a padded jacket, thermals, gloves, a woollen cap and shoes with grip — Mussoorie’s lanes are steep and slippery in snow.
Mussoorie trips we plan
Every trip is quoted for your dates — hotel, meals and a private car with a hill driver.
Planning Mussoorie in January?
Tell us your dates and group. We watch the forecast, suggest whether to stay in Mussoorie or Landour and when to head to Dhanaulti, and send one written quote with hotel, meals and a private car. Suzu Travels is a travel agent registered with HP Tourism, based in Bilaspur, Himachal Pradesh, and plans trips across north India.
Mussoorie in January: frequently asked questions
Does it snow in Mussoorie in January?
January is the most likely month for snow, but it does not snow every January and not on fixed dates. Last season the first snow came on 23 January 2026.
How cold is Mussoorie in January?
About 10.3 °C by day and 2.8 °C at night on average (IMD normals), colder on clear nights after snow.
Is January a good time to visit Mussoorie?
Yes, if you want cold, clear days and a chance of snow. Pack warm clothes and keep a spare day for the roads.
Where can I see snow near Mussoorie if there is none in town?
Go up to Landour and Lal Tibba, or take a day trip to Dhanaulti (about 25 km) or Surkanda Devi (about 35 km).
Is Mussoorie crowded in January?
Over New Year and on weekends after a snowfall, yes; mid-January weekdays are quiet.
How far is Mussoorie from Delhi?
About 290 km by road, via Dehradun; about 35 km from Dehradun.
Sources
- India Meteorological Department — Mussoorie and Dehradun climatological normals
- The Statesman: Mussoorie gets its first snowfall of the season — 23 Jan 2026
- MET Norway Locationforecast (CC BY 4.0) — live forecast data
Photo credits
The Mussoorie ridge in snow — Photo: Paul Hamilton, CC BY-SA 2.0 · A Mussoorie church after snowfall — Photo: Paul Hamilton, CC BY-SA 2.0 · Mussoorie rooftops in snow — Photo: Paul Hamilton, CC BY-SA 2.0 · Fresh snow in Mussoorie — Photo: Paul Hamilton, CC BY-SA 2.0 · The Himalaya at dusk — Photo: Nagesh Kamath from Bangalore, India, CC BY-SA 2.0 · Snow above Dhanaulti — Photo: Wander-earth, CC BY-SA 4.0 · Dusk over the Doon valley after snow — Photo: Paul Hamilton, CC BY-SA 2.0 · Deodars and snow peaks — Photo: MavericTG, CC BY-SA 4.0
