Snow in Shimla: when it comes, and where to find it.
Shimla town gets snow in some winters and not in others. Kufri, Fagu and Narkanda — 30 minutes to 2 hours higher up — get it far more often. Here is how the season usually runs, a live forecast, and how to plan around it.
- 2,205 m Shimla town
- Late Dec–Feb usual snow window
- 23 Jan 2026 last season's first snow
- Live 7-day snow forecast
Photo: UnpetitproleX, CC BY-SA 4.0
Updated November 2026 · HP Tourism registered travel agent · Reg. No. DTO-MND-11-243/2022 · certificates
Shimla usually gets snow between late December and February, with January the most likely month — but the town sits at only about 2,205 m, so some winters bring several spells and others almost none. In 2024 the first snow came early, on 8 December; in the 2025-26 winter Shimla waited through a three-month dry spell until 23 January 2026. If seeing snow is the point of your trip, plan a base in Shimla with a day in Kufri (about 2,620 m) or Narkanda (about 2,708 m), which hold snow longer, and watch the live forecast below a week before you travel.
- Most likely monthJanuary, then February; late December in a good year.
- Snow in town?Not every winter — 2025-26 got its first snow only on 23 Jan 2026.
- Surer bets nearbyKufri ~16 km, Fagu ~22 km, Narkanda ~60–65 km from Shimla.
- Getting thereChandigarh → Shimla about 115 km, 3–3.5 h by road.
- After a heavy spellRoads above Dhalli and to Narkanda can shut for hours — keep a buffer day.
When does it snow in Shimla?
Snow in Shimla comes with western disturbances — weather systems that cross north India in winter. When one is strong and the air is cold enough, the Ridge, Mall Road and Jakhu turn white; when the winter is dry, the town sees frost and clear blue days instead.
Recent seasons show how much it varies. On 8 December 2024, Shimla, Kufri and Fagu got the season’s first snow — so early that long-time residents said they could not remember a December start like it. A year later the pattern flipped: after roughly three months without rain or snow, the first snow of the 2025-26 winter reached Shimla only on 23 January 2026.
So the honest answer is a window, not a date: late December to February, with January the safest bet and early March possible in a cold year.
Shimla snowfall by month
A simple guide built from recent seasons and the usual winter pattern. Use the live forecast on this page for your actual dates.
| Month | Snow in Shimla town | Snow in Kufri / Narkanda | What to expect |
|---|---|---|---|
| November | Rare | Occasional light snow at Narkanda and Hatu Peak | Crisp, clear days; cold nights |
| December | Possible, mostly late in the month | Likely in a normal winter | Christmas–New Year crowds; book early |
| January | Most likely month | Most reliable month | Coldest; roads can shut after heavy spells |
| February | Possible | Likely; snow lies longer up high | Fewer crowds, good for snow play |
| March | Uncommon | Possible early in the month | Thaw begins; slush on roads |
Last season’s dates are real; the month guide is a pattern, not a promise. See also our Shimla in December and Shimla weather by month guides.
Will it snow in Shimla this week?
Snow expected in the next 7 days at Shimla, Kufri and Narkanda — with Manali, Solang and Sissu for comparison. Bars show forecast snow per day; a gold outline means snow is in this week’s forecast.
Snow in the next 7 days
Checking the forecast…
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Forecast data: MET Norway (CC BY 4.0), refreshed through the day — last update —. Snow in cm is estimated from forecast precipitation (1 mm ≈ 1 cm) when it falls as snow; treat it as a guide, not a promise.
Shimla in the snow
The Ridge, Mall Road and deodar slopes after snowfall, and the higher snow points of Kufri and Narkanda — real photographs, each credited to its photographer.
Best places to see snow near Shimla
When Shimla itself is bare, these are where the snow usually is — listed from nearest to farthest.
Kufri
The closest reliable snow point, with snow play and slopes near the road. Our Kufri snowfall guide has the details.
Fagu
Quieter than Kufri, on the same road towards Theog; good for a snowy walk without the crowds.
Narkanda
Holds snow longer and has beginner skiing slopes in a good winter — see snow & skiing in Narkanda.
Hatu Peak
The highest point you can reach easily; the last stretch can close after heavy snow.
The Ridge & Mall Road
When snow does reach Shimla, the Ridge, Christ Church and Mall Road are the classic sight — and walkable.
Snow Kingdom, Kufri
No luck with the weather? Snow Kingdom Kufri is an indoor snow park — real snow play, any month.
Travelling to Shimla in snow season
Roads: Chandigarh to Shimla is about 115 km and usually stays open; after a heavy spell, the roads above Dhalli towards Kufri and Narkanda can be closed for hours until they are cleared. Snow often freezes into black ice early in the morning — travel in daylight and keep a buffer day.
Cars: hill drivers fit chains when needed; small hatchbacks struggle on icy climbs, so we use sedans or SUVs with drivers who know the road. A Chandigarh to Shimla taxi is the easiest start.
Toy train: the Kalka–Shimla line runs in winter, but services change — check our toy train status page before you plan around it.
Clothes: layers, a down or padded jacket, gloves, a cap, woollen socks and shoes with grip. Snow play in Kufri is easier in rented boots.
Shimla snow trips we plan
Every trip is quoted for your dates — hotels, breakfast and dinner, and a private cab with a hill driver.
Want to see snow in Shimla?
Tell us your dates and group. We watch the forecast, suggest the best snow point for that week, and send one written quote with hotel, meals and a private cab. Suzu Travels is an HP Tourism registered travel agent based in Bilaspur, Himachal.
Questions travellers ask
Which month does it snow in Shimla?
January is the most likely month, then February; snow can also come in late December. Some winters bring several spells to Shimla town and others almost none — in 2025-26 the first snow came only on 23 January 2026.
When did Shimla get its first snowfall last season?
On 23 January 2026, after a dry spell of about three months. The season before, Shimla, Kufri and Fagu got their first snow on 8 December 2024.
Does it snow in Shimla in December?
Sometimes. It is possible, mostly in the second half of the month, but far from certain. Kufri and Narkanda, higher up, are more likely to have snow in December than the town.
Where can I see snow near Shimla if there is none in town?
Try Kufri (about 16 km), Fagu (about 22 km) or Narkanda and Hatu Peak (about 60–65 km). If the weather does not cooperate, Snow Kingdom in Kufri has indoor snow all year.
Is it safe to travel to Shimla during snowfall?
Yes with care: travel in daylight, use an experienced hill driver, expect short road closures above Dhalli and towards Narkanda after heavy spells, and keep a buffer day. Black ice is the main risk early in the morning.
How far is Shimla from Chandigarh and Delhi?
About 115 km (3–3.5 hours) from Chandigarh and about 350 km (8–9 hours) from Delhi by road, longer in snow or holiday traffic.
How can I know if it will snow in Shimla on my dates?
Check the live 7-day forecast on this page a week before travel; it shows expected snow for Shimla, Kufri and Narkanda. Forecasts beyond a week are not reliable for snow.
Sources
- ThePrint (PTI): Shimla receives season's first snow — 8 Dec 2024
- Siasat: Shimla sees season's first snowfall in early December — 8 Dec 2024
- Deccan Chronicle: Shimla gets first snowfall of season, dry spell ends — 23 Jan 2026
- MET Norway Locationforecast (CC BY 4.0) — live forecast data
Photo credits
Shimla under fresh snow, seen from Longwood — Photo: UnpetitproleX, CC BY-SA 4.0 · Christ Church and the Ridge after snowfall — Photo: ShashankSharma2511, CC BY 3.0 · The Mall Road after snowfall — Photo: UnpetitproleX, CC BY-SA 4.0 · Snow on the deodars above the Ridge — Photo: Smitanarang at English Wikipedia, Public domain · Shimla town, snow and morning sun — Photo: Gulliblegirl92, CC BY-SA 4.0 · Snow on the hills around Shimla — Photo: Aggkanika, CC BY-SA 4.0 · Snow on the Kufri hills — Photo: Jeyasree S.B, CC BY-SA 4.0 · Deep snow at Narkanda — Photo: Aggkanika, CC BY-SA 4.0
