Auli Weather by Month: Temperature, Snow & Best Time (2026)
Updated: November 2026
Short answer: Auli in November and December is cold, clear and waiting for snow: days on the slopes are around 7–11°C and nights below freezing. Fresh snow usually arrives in December or January (the first major fall was 12 December in 2024, but not until 23 January in 2026), and the dependable ski season runs January to March. The Joshimath–Auli ropeway is still shut, so you drive up the 16 km road. A live 5-day forecast is coming soon to this page; until then, check the latest IMD forecast before you travel.
Quick answer: Auli weather at a glance
- Altitude: slopes from about 2,500 m to 3,050 m above Jyotirmath (Joshimath, about 1,875 m) in Chamoli district.
- Temperatures: no IMD normals for Auli itself; it runs roughly 4–7°C colder than Jyotirmath, whose January average is 11°C by day and 2°C at night.
- Snow: December to March; first major snow on 12 December 2024 and on 23 January 2026 in the last two winters.
- Ski season: January to March, when GMVN runs its courses.
- Ropeway: closed since January 2023 after the Joshimath land subsidence; road access only.
- Snow-day catch: the Joshimath–Auli road closes when snow piles up, as on 23 January 2026.
Planning Auli for snow or skiing?
We plan Auli with a Joshimath base, a flexible snow day and a driver used to the Auli road in winter. Get a free quote · WhatsApp us · Call +91 70874 88961
What is the weather like in Auli month by month?
The first figures are IMD normals for Jyotirmath (Joshimath) for 1971–2000, the nearest station with published normals. The “≈” line is our estimate for the Auli slopes, 6°C colder for roughly 900 m of extra height (about 6.5°C per 1,000 m). Rain follows Jyotirmath; at Auli winter precipitation falls as snow.
| Month | Jyotirmath avg max / min (°C) ≈ Auli slopes |
Rain / snow | What it feels like | Best for | Roads & access |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 11 / 2 ≈ 5 / −4 |
57 mm, ~4 wet days; snow | Freezing; best snow cover | Skiing, snow | Auli road closes after heavy snow |
| February | 11.8 / 3 ≈ 6 / −3 |
94 mm, ~6 days; snow | Cold, fresh falls | Skiing | As January |
| March | 17.3 / 6.7 ≈ 11 / 1 |
119 mm, ~7 days; snow and rain | Cold, spring snow | Late-season skiing | Snow clearance after spells |
| April | 21.3 / 10.7 ≈ 15 / 5 |
51 mm, ~4 days | Cool, snow melting | Quiet trips, views | Open |
| May | 23.5 / 13.6 ≈ 18 / 8 |
73 mm, ~6 days | Mild, green slopes | Families, Gorson Bugyal walks | Open; Char Dham traffic |
| June | 24.8 / 16.3 ≈ 19 / 10 |
93 mm, ~8 days | Pleasant; monsoon late month | Early-June trips | Badrinath highway busy |
| July | 23.3 / 16.9 ≈ 17 / 11 |
225 mm, ~15 days | Wet, foggy | Only if flexible | Landslides on the Rishikesh–Joshimath road |
| August | 23 / 16.6 ≈ 17 / 11 |
202 mm, ~15 days | Wet | Avoid unless flexible | Landslide risk |
| September | 22.3 / 14.5 ≈ 16 / 8 |
111 mm, ~9 days | Clearing | Late-September trips | Roads recover |
| October | 22 / 10.7 ≈ 16 / 5 |
43 mm, ~3 days | Crisp, clear Himalayan views | Views, couples | Open |
| November | 16.9 / 6.7 ≈ 11 / 1 |
10 mm, ~1 day; driest | Cold, very clear | Quiet trips, Nanda Devi views | Open; Badrinath closes 16 Nov 2026 |
| December | 13.4 / 3.9 ≈ 7 / −2 |
27 mm, ~2 days; first snow some years | Below-freezing nights | Snow chance, Christmas | Open; closures after snow |
Auli values are estimates, not official records. Jyotirmath record low (IMD): −15.1°C in January.
When does it snow in Auli?
Auli’s snow depends on western disturbances reaching the Garhwal Himalaya. Some winters bring snow in mid-December; others stay dry until late January. January to March is the reliable window for snow on the slopes.
| Date | What happened | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 12 December 2024 | First major snow of the 2024–25 season, from Jyotirmath to Auli and Gorson Bugyal. | PTI via The Week, 12 April 2025 |
| 23 January 2026 | Heavy snow at Auli, Badrinath, Kedarnath and other high areas after a long wait; the Joshimath–Auli road closed. | PTI via The Week, 24 January 2026 |
Our Auli in December guide covers the chairlift, ski courses and what is open.
Can you reach Auli in winter?
| Route | Winter | Rest of year |
|---|---|---|
| Rishikesh–Rudraprayag–Joshimath (about 253 km) | Open; long drive (9–10 hours) | Monsoon landslides July–September |
| Joshimath–Auli road (16 km) | Closes when snow accumulates, as on 23 January 2026 | Open |
| Joshimath–Auli ropeway | Closed since January 2023 | Closed |
| Joshimath–Badrinath | Closed to tourists after the temple closes (16 November 2026) | Open in the yatra season |
Check Chamoli district and Uttarakhand Police advisories on the day.
What should you pack for Auli?
Auli is open, windy slopes with strong sun on snow. Pack for cold and glare.
| Season | What to pack |
|---|---|
| Dec–Mar | Thermals, down jacket, waterproof pants, insulated gloves, snow boots, cap, sunglasses or goggles, sunscreen. |
| Apr–Jun | Fleece and a warm jacket, sunscreen, walking shoes. |
| Jul–Sep | Rain jacket, quick-dry clothes, non-slip shoes. |
| Oct–Nov | Warm jacket, thermals for nights. |
When is the best time to visit Auli?
| Trip type | Best months | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Snow and skiing | January–March | Most reliable snow; GMVN courses run. |
| Honeymoon | October–November, April | Clear Nanda Devi views, quiet. |
| Family | April–June | Mild and green; Gorson Bugyal walks. |
| Budget | November, early December | Quiet before the ski season. |
What this means for your trip
If you want snow, plan January–February and keep a buffer day for the Auli road. In November and early December you get crisp views and cold nights but no ski season yet. Combine it with Mussoorie or Nainital, and see our Uttarakhand tour packages.
More mountain weather: Manali · Shimla · All mountain weather
Auli weather: frequently asked questions
When does it snow in Auli?
Usually from December or January to March. In the last two winters the first major snow came on 12 December 2024 and 23 January 2026.
How cold is Auli in December?
There is no official station at Auli. Using Jyotirmath’s IMD normals and the height difference, expect about 7°C by day and −2°C at night on the slopes, colder with wind.
Is the Auli ropeway open?
No. The Joshimath–Auli ropeway has been closed since January 2023 after the land subsidence in Joshimath. Visitors drive the 16 km road.
When is the ski season in Auli?
January to March, when snow cover is reliable and GMVN runs its courses.
Is the road to Auli open in winter?
Usually, but it closes when snow piles up, as on 23 January 2026. Check Chamoli district advisories.
Is Auli worth visiting in November?
Yes for very clear mountain views and quiet hotels; November is the driest month. Do not expect snow on the slopes.
Plan Auli around the snow
Send your dates and group size. We plan the Auli day around the forecast and quote cab and stays as one price.
Get a free quote · WhatsApp us · Call +91 70874 88961 · info@suzutravels.com
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