Kaza (Spiti) Weather by Month: Temperature, Snow & Best Time (2026)
Updated: November 2026
Short answer: Kaza and the Spiti valley in November and December are already in deep winter: days hover around freezing to single digits and nights fall well below −10°C, with January nights of −15 to −25°C. Spiti got the season’s first snow on 26–27 September 2026, and since 15 October 2026 the Manali–Kunzum road has been shut, so Kaza is reached only via Shimla and Kinnaur until about June. A live 5-day forecast is coming soon to this page; until then, check the latest IMD forecast before you travel.
Quick answer: Kaza weather at a glance
- Altitude: about 3,650–3,800 m (sources differ), in a high, dry rain-shadow valley.
- Temperatures: IMD publishes no climate normals for Kaza; nearby Tabo recorded −10.2°C on 4 January 2026 and −10.8°C the next night.
- This season: first snow at Kaza, Losar and Tabo on 26–27 September 2026; Kunzum side closed since 15 October 2026.
- Winter route: Shimla–Kinnaur–Kaza only (about 412 km from Shimla, two driving days).
- Summer route: Manali–Kunzum–Kaza usually opens around June and closes by late October.
- Winter reality: water pipes freeze; hot water comes in buckets; travel with a local winter driver.
Thinking of Spiti in winter?
We run winter Spiti only via Kinnaur, with local drivers, heated homestays and a buffer day for snow on the road. Get a free quote · WhatsApp us · Call +91 70874 88961
What is the weather like in Kaza month by month?
Kaza has no IMD climate-normals station. As a reference, the table shows IMD 1951–2020 normals for Leh (3,500 m), the closest comparable high cold-desert station with a long record; Kaza sits higher, so expect similar or colder nights in winter. Spiti gets more snow than Leh because winter weather reaches it through Kinnaur and over the Pir Panjal.
| Month | Reference: Leh IMD avg max / min (°C)* | Rain / snow | What it feels like | Best for | Roads & access |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 1.5 / −13.1 | Snow spells; dry between | Extreme cold; frozen streams | Snow leopard season, winter expeditions | Only via Kinnaur; delays after snow |
| February | 4.2 / −9.2 | Heaviest snow spells | Extreme cold | Winter expeditions | Kinnaur road can close for days |
| March | 9.7 / −3.7 | Snow; slow warming | Very cold nights | Late-winter expeditions | Kinnaur only |
| April | 15.3 / 1.6 | Light | Cold nights, mild sun | Quiet early season | Kinnaur only; Kunzum shut |
| May | 20 / 6.2 | Light | Cool days, freezing nights | Early season (Kinnaur side) | Kunzum may open late May–June |
| June | 24.4 / 11.3 | Very dry | Pleasant days, cold nights | Circuit trips start | Manali side reopens around June |
| July | 28.5 / 15.9 | Light showers | Warmest; strong sun | Full Spiti circuit, Chandratal | Both routes usually open |
| August | 28.1 / 15.1 | Light showers | Warm days | Full circuit | Both routes; watch Kinnaur landslides |
| September | 23.4 / 9.2 | Dry | Clear, crisp | Best overall month | Both routes |
| October | 16.7 / 0.3 | Dry; first snow spells | Cold nights below freezing | Early October trips | Kunzum closes mid-to-late October (15 Oct in 2026) |
| November | 10.6 / −7.2 | Dry, cold | Sub-zero nights | Only for prepared travellers | Kinnaur only |
| December | 4.5 / −11.7 | Snow spells begin | Very cold | Winter expeditions | Kinnaur only |
*Leh normals are a reference, not Kaza records. Real Spiti readings: Tabo −10.2°C (4 January 2026) and −10.8°C (5 January 2026); −5.5°C on 5 November 2025 and −6.6°C on 16 November 2025.
When does it snow in Kaza?
Spiti is a cold desert, but winter still brings repeated snow spells from late autumn to March, and the valley floor stays white for weeks because it is so cold. The first snow often comes in September or October.
| Date | What happened | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 5 and 16 November 2025 | Tabo minimums of −5.5°C and −6.6°C. | ThePrint / PTI, November 2025 |
| 4–5 January 2026 | Tabo recorded −10.2°C, the coldest night of the year so far in Himachal, then −10.8°C. | PTI via The Week, 5 January 2026 |
| 26–27 September 2026 | Season’s first snow in Kinnaur’s Pooh area, then Kaza, Losar and Tabo, with a 10–11°C drop in temperature. | The Tribune, 27 September 2026 |
| 15 October 2026 | Snow on Kunzum La; Gramphu–Batal road closed and vehicles stopped from heading to the pass. | ThePrint / PTI, 15 October 2026 |
How do you reach Kaza in each season?
| Route | Winter (Nov–May) | Summer (Jun–Oct) |
|---|---|---|
| Shimla–Narkanda–Rampur–Reckong Peo–Nako–Tabo–Kaza (NH-5 / NH-505) | The only route; open most days but snow and rockfall can close it for days | Open; monsoon landslides in Kinnaur |
| Manali–Atal Tunnel–Gramphu–Batal–Kunzum–Losar–Kaza | Closed since 15 October 2026 | Usually opens around June, closes by late October |
| Kaza–Chandratal | Closed | Open in summer |
Winter trips need 7–8 days from Shimla with a buffer day. Our winter Spiti guide and Spiti via Shimla or Manali explain the routes. On the day, check HP Police and district traffic advisories and the IMD Shimla bulletin. Also check the Lahaul-Spiti and Kinnaur district road updates.
What should you pack for Kaza?
Spiti cold is dry and bitter, and the sun is fierce at this altitude. Pack for both.
| Season | What to pack |
|---|---|
| Nov–Mar | Expedition-grade down jacket, two thermal layers, insulated pants, down booties, insulated boots, balaclava, sunglasses, high-SPF sunscreen, lip balm, hot-water bottle. |
| Apr–May | Down jacket, thermals, warm cap and gloves; nights still below freezing. |
| Jun–Sep | Layers, fleece and a warm jacket for nights, sun hat, sunscreen, sunglasses. |
| Oct | Warm jacket and thermals; first snow is common. |
When is the best time to visit Kaza?
| Trip type | Best months | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Full circuit (Shimla in, Manali out) | Mid-June to September | Both routes open, Chandratal reachable. |
| Snow and winter | January–March | For prepared travellers with a winter driver; snow leopard season. |
| Family | July–September | Mildest weather; still plan acclimatisation. |
| Budget | Late May–June, early October | Shoulder season on the Kinnaur side. |
What this means for your trip
Right now (November) Spiti is a winter destination reached only through Kinnaur. If you want the classic loop with Chandratal, wait for July–September. For a winter trip, allow a buffer day, travel with a local driver and choose heated homestays. See our Spiti valley tour packages, winter Spiti expedition, best time to visit Spiti and Spiti trip cost.
More mountain weather: Manali · Leh · All Himachal
Kaza weather: frequently asked questions
Is Spiti open in November and December?
Yes, but only through Shimla and Kinnaur. The Manali side over Kunzum Pass has been shut since 15 October 2026 and normally reopens around June.
How cold is Kaza in winter?
There are no official normals for Kaza, but January nights of −15 to −25°C are normal. Nearby Tabo recorded −10.2°C on 4 January 2026 and −10.8°C the next night.
When does it snow in Spiti?
Snow spells come from late September or October through March. In 2026 the first snow fell at Kaza, Losar and Tabo on 26–27 September.
When does Kunzum Pass open?
Usually around June, after snow clearance, and it closes by late October. In 2026 it closed on 15 October.
What is the best time to visit Spiti?
Mid-June to September for the full circuit; January–March only for a prepared winter trip via Kinnaur.
Can I see snow leopards in winter?
Winter is the season for guided snow leopard trips, usually January to March. See our snow leopard safari page.
Plan Spiti for the season you can travel
Send your dates and group size. We plan the right route for the season, with buffer days, and quote everything as one price.
Get a free quote · WhatsApp us · Call +91 70874 88961 · info@suzutravels.com
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