Dalhousie Weather by Month: Temperature, Snow & Best Time (2026)
Updated: November 2026
Short answer: Dalhousie in November and December is cool, clear and mostly dry: IMD normals give about 18°C by day and 7°C at night in November, and 14°C and 4°C in December, with only 2–3 rainy days. The higher points around town — Dainkund, Kalatop and Lakkar Mandi — get snow every winter, usually from late December; the town itself gets snow in most years but not always in quantity. A live 5-day forecast is coming soon to this page; until then, check the latest IMD forecast before you travel.
Quick answer: Dalhousie weather at a glance
- Altitude: about 1,970 m; Khajjiar about 1,920 m; Dainkund, the highest point nearby, about 2,755 m.
- Coldest month: January, 11.5°C by day and 2.3°C at night (IMD normals); record low −8.6°C.
- Monsoon: July and August average about 575–590 mm each.
- Snow: late December to February; in January 2022 more than 60 cm fell in town and over 100 cm from Kalatop to Dainkund.
- Roads: the Dalhousie–Khajjiar road via Lakkar Mandi is among the first to close after snow.
- Nearest railhead: Pathankot, about 80 km.
Dalhousie and Khajjiar for snow?
We plan the Khajjiar day around the forecast, keep a back-up day, and use drivers who know the Lakkar Mandi stretch. Get a free quote · WhatsApp us · Call +91 70874 88961
What is the weather like in Dalhousie month by month?
Temperatures and rainfall are IMD climate normals for Dalhousie (temperatures 1961–1990, rainfall 1951–2000), the most recent published set for the town. Dainkund and Kalatop are several degrees colder.
| Month | Avg max / min (°C) | Rain / snow | What it feels like | Best for | Roads & access |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 11.5 / 2.3 | 155 mm, ~7 rainy days; main snow month | Cold; snow in town some days | Snow at Dainkund/Kalatop and town | Khajjiar road often shut after snow |
| February | 12.7 / 2.7 | 122 mm, ~6 days; snow | Cold, late snow | Snow, quieter than January | As January |
| March | 17.3 / 6.3 | 156 mm, ~7 days | Cool and showery | Off-season trips | Mostly open |
| April | 21.3 / 10.5 | 96 mm, ~5 days | Mild days | Families | Open |
| May | 24.9 / 13.8 | 63 mm, ~4 days | Pleasant; escape from plains heat | Families, honeymoon, Khajjiar | Busy weekends |
| June | 26.6 / 16.2 | 131 mm, ~6 days | Warm, pre-monsoon | Early-June holidays | Open |
| July | 23.6 / 15.7 | 588 mm, ~18 days | Wet, foggy | Only if flexible | Landslides possible |
| August | 22.7 / 15.5 | 573 mm, ~20 days | Wet, foggy | Avoid unless flexible | Landslides possible |
| September | 22.8 / 13.9 | 246 mm, ~9 days | Clearing | Late-September trips | Roads recover |
| October | 22 / 10.9 | 73 mm, ~3 days | Clear, crisp | Sightseeing, Khajjiar meadows | Open |
| November | 17.8 / 6.9 | 38 mm, ~2 days | Sunny days, cold nights | Quiet, clear trips | Open |
| December | 14.4 / 4.4 | 71 mm, ~3 days; first snow some years | Cold; frost | Christmas, snow chance up high | Khajjiar road can close after snow |
Record low (IMD): −8.6°C in January.
When does it snow in Dalhousie?
Snow lands first on Dainkund and Kalatop, then Lakkar Mandi on the Khajjiar road, and then town. January gives the best odds of snow underfoot; early February is a close second.
| Date | What happened | Source |
|---|---|---|
| January 2022 | More than 60 cm in town, Bakrota and Ahla; more than 100 cm from Kalatop to Dainkund; Banikhet and Khajjiar roads blocked. | The Tribune, 24 January 2022 |
| 30 December 2022 | Season’s first snow in town, just as the New Year crowd arrived. | ETV Bharat, 30 December 2022 |
| 23 December 2024 | After a four-month dry spell, snow at Dainkund and Kalatop; only flakes in town. | The Tribune, December 2024 |
| 20 February 2025 | 5–6 inches at Lakkar Mandi; traffic came to a standstill on the Dalhousie–Khajjiar road. | The Tribune, 21 February 2025 |
Our Dalhousie snowfall guide has the full picture.
Can you reach Dalhousie and Khajjiar in winter?
| Road | Winter | Rest of year |
|---|---|---|
| Pathankot–Banikhet–Dalhousie | Open; lower and cleared first, though big spells can disrupt it | Monsoon slides possible |
| Dalhousie–Lakkar Mandi–Khajjiar (about 24 km) | One of the first roads to close after snow; PWD clears it with machines | Open |
| Lakkar Mandi–Dainkund | Last stretch often a walk in deep snow; Air Force area off-limits | Open |
Taxi: Pathankot to Dalhousie. On the day, check HP Police and district traffic advisories and the IMD Shimla bulletin.
What should you pack for Dalhousie?
Dalhousie’s forest roads stay icy in the shade long after a snowfall, so grip on your shoes matters.
| Season | What to pack |
|---|---|
| Dec–Feb | Thermals, down jacket, cap, gloves, waterproof boots with grip. |
| Mar–Apr | Sweater, light jacket, umbrella. |
| May–Jun | Cotton by day, light jacket at night, sunscreen. |
| Jul–Sep | Rain jacket, quick-dry clothes, non-slip shoes. |
| Oct–Nov | Fleece or sweater, jacket for evenings. |
When is the best time to visit Dalhousie?
| Trip type | Best months | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Snow | January, early February | Most reliable snow in town and at Dainkund/Kalatop. |
| Honeymoon | October–November, March–April | Clear skies, quiet forest walks. |
| Family | April–June | Mild weather, Khajjiar meadows open and green. |
| Budget | November, early December, March | Low season. |
What this means for your trip
For snow, choose January weekdays and keep a flexible day for Khajjiar. For clear views and easy roads, October–November is best. Avoid the July–August monsoon. Pair it with Dharamshala on our Dharamshala Dalhousie package from Pathankot; read the Dalhousie guide and Dalhousie–Khajjiar trip guide.
More mountain weather: Dharamshala · Shimla · All Himachal
Dalhousie weather: frequently asked questions
When does it snow in Dalhousie?
Usually from late December to February. Dainkund and Kalatop get snow every winter; the town gets it most years. In 2022 the first town snow came on 30 December.
How cold is Dalhousie in December?
IMD normals give about 14.4°C by day and 4.4°C at night. Frost is common and Dainkund is several degrees colder.
Is the road to Khajjiar open in winter?
Most days, but it is one of the first roads to close after snow; on 20 February 2025 traffic came to a standstill near Lakkar Mandi. Check advisories and go after the road is cleared.
Is Dalhousie good in November?
Yes for clear, dry weather and quiet hotels: about 18°C by day and 7°C at night, with two rainy days on average. Snow is unlikely.
Which is colder, Dalhousie or Dharamshala?
Dalhousie town is colder than lower Dharamshala and similar to McLeod Ganj in winter.
When is the monsoon in Dalhousie?
July to September, with about 575–590 mm in each of July and August.
Plan Dalhousie around the weather
Send your dates and group size. We time the Khajjiar and Dainkund day to the forecast and quote cab and hotels as one price.
Get a free quote · WhatsApp us · Call +91 70874 88961 · info@suzutravels.com
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