The climate of Shimla, nestled at the elevation of 2,205 meters above the sea level can be classified as a ‘subtropical highland climate’ under the Koppen climate classification. The weather of Shimla remains gently warm in summer and extremely cold in winter and the climate predominantly stays cold all round the year. The average temperature of Shimla generally extends from ?4°c to 31°c.

Summer, considered to be the most amicable and cushy season in Shimla ranges from March to June when temperature arrays between 14°c and 28°c. The scenic beauty of Shimla is at its best and this period of the year is the ideal time for sightseeing and various adventure activities such as trekking, camping, paragliding and rafting. Summer is the perfect season to pay a visit to this ‘Queen of Hill Stations’. Tourists are advised to wear light woolen clothes during summer at Shimla.

Monsoon sets in during the month of July and heavy rains drench Shimla till September. The average annual rainfall of Shimla is reported to be about 1660 mm. The weather is significantly cold and humid during this time and the average temperature hovers around 20°c to 30°c. Sometimes excessive rains in Shimla cause landslides so monsoon is not the best season to visit Shimla in.

Winter extends from October to February when temperature of Shimla typically ranges between -4°c and 10°c. The freezing Himalayan winds and the recurrent snowfall add to the cold of Shimla. Even though, winter is the ideal season for ice skating and skiing as well as for enjoying the unparalleled beauty of the snow carpeted plateau and snow clad Himalayan Ranges. It is highly recommended to carry heavy woolen clothes along if you are visiting Shimla in winter. You can also buy local Pashmina Shawls, Himachali Caps and other woolen clothes from Shimla and enjoy wearing them here itself.

The best season to visit Shimla is from April to mid July and mid September to October when weather remains sunny and clear.