Snowfall in Uttarakhand 2026: 12 Places to See Snow and When to Go

Every winter, the first snow pictures from Mussoorie or Auli set off a rush of cars up the hill roads. But snow in Uttarakhand is never guaranteed: some winters bring heavy falls in December, others stay dry until late January. Knowing where snow comes first and when each place usually gets it is the best way to plan a snow trip.

When does it snow in Uttarakhand?

Snowfall in Uttarakhand usually comes between late December and February, and January is the most reliable month. Higher places like Auli, Chopta and Munsiyari can get snow from mid-December and keep it into March, while hill towns closer to Delhi, such as Mussoorie, Nainital and Dhanaulti, get it on fewer days, mostly in January.

As a rough rule: above about 2,500 m, snow is likely every winter; between 2,000 and 2,500 m it comes in most winters but varies a lot; below 2,000 m it is rare.

Snow places near Delhi (5-7 hours)

The closest places to see snow from Delhi are Mussoorie and Landour, Dhanaulti, Kanatal, Chakrata and Nainital. Snow here comes on some days in most winters, usually from late December to February.

• Mussoorie and Landour (≈ 250 km from Delhi): snow on some days between late December and February; Landour and Lal Tibba get it first. See Mussoorie snowfall time.
• Dhanaulti and Surkanda Devi (≈ 275 km): often snowier than Mussoorie, and the most popular snow day trip from Dehradun. See Dhanaulti snowfall time.
• Kanatal (≈ 290 km): a quiet ridge on the same road, beyond Dhanaulti, with snow in good winters.
• Chakrata and Deoban (≈ 300 km): snow in most winters, especially at Deoban and Lokhandi. See Chakrata snowfall time.
• Nainital (≈ 300-320 km): snow on the higher points like Naina Peak and Snow View more often than at the lake. See Nainital snowfall time.
• Mukteshwar (≈ 340-350 km): higher than Nainital, with a better chance of snow and wide Himalayan views.

Places with sure snow (a day's drive or more)

For deep, reliable snow, go higher: Auli, Chopta, Munsiyari and Harsil, or one of the winter treks.

• Auli (≈ 500 km): India's best-known ski slope, with snow from mid-December to March, deepest in January and February. See Auli snowfall time and skiing in Auli.
• Chopta and Tungnath (≈ 450 km): snowbound from late December; the walk towards Tungnath and Chandrashila turns into a snow trek. The road beyond Chopta can close after heavy falls.
• Munsiyari (≈ 600 km): a remote Kumaon town facing the Panchachuli peaks, with snow from December to February.
• Harsil (≈ 480 km): the apple valley near Gangotri gets heavy snow; roads can close for days after big falls.
• Winter treks: Kedarkantha, Brahmatal and Dayara Bugyal give you snow camping and summit days from late December to March.

Snowfall places in Uttarakhand at a glance

Distances are approximate road distances. Snowfall changes from year to year.

How to know if it has snowed

Watch the IMD forecast, then confirm with local sources the day before.

• IMD's district forecasts for Dehradun, Tehri, Nainital, Chamoli and Uttarkashi warn of snow a few days ahead.
• Fresh snow is usually posted on social media within hours; search the place name with 'snowfall' and check the date.
• Call your hotel or homestay: they will tell you if roads are open and how much snow is lying.

Driving to the snow: tips

• Leave early. Roads to Mussoorie, Dhanaulti and Nainital jam within hours of fresh snow, especially on weekends.
• Snow turns to ice after sunset. Drive in daylight and start down by mid-afternoon.
• Carry chains if you have them, and let the air pressure in your tyres stay normal; don't brake hard on ice.
• Police sometimes stop cars at the edge of busy towns on snow days. Park lower and take a local taxi.
• Carry warm clothes, water and snacks in the car; jams can last hours.