Best Time To Visit Nainital (2024)

March to September marks the summer season of Nainital. It is also the peak tourism season and the best time to visit the town as the weather remains pleasant and favourable all through the day. The minimum temperature hovers around 11°C, and the maximum is about 28°C allowing tourists to explore and enjoy several attractions to the fullest. While there, one can witness the festival of Phool Dei which is celebrated in March by picking the first flowers of the season and placing them on the entrance of each house to bring good luck and prosperity.

Winter season in Nainital begins in October and lasts till February. The temperature ranges between 0°C and15°C. October is the most preferred month for tourists in the season because the climate remains calm and pleasant. November onwards, till December, the hill station become misty and colder. December onwards the mercury drops further and the region also receives snowfall. The winter season, therefore, is a favourable time for tourists coming from areas with moderate temperatures.

While in Nainital, tourists can witness the winter festivals. Bikhauti is celebrated in October on the first day of Navaratri. Locals sow grains and seek blessings for a better harvesting season that year. Winter Fair or Sharadotsav is also celebrated in October. One can get a glimpse into the traditional/ folk celebrations of the town. January brings Uttarayani and Basant Panchami which marks the end of snowfall in Nainital. These celebrations are a window to the colourful traditions and the rich culture of the town which can only be seen when in Nainital.

July to September is monsoon season which is not the best time to visit Nainital. The climate remains wet throughout as the town receives a right amount of rainfall. The average annual rain the region gets is around 1700 mm. Since Nainital has a hilly terrain, it is most susceptible to landslides and roadblocks, making it unsafe for tourists. For the offbeat traveller, the town has lush greenery, fewer crowds, and discounted rates too. For those seeking to travel on a smaller budget, this is the right time to strike gold. One can even witness the festival of Khatarua and the Nanda Devi Fair during the season.

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