Dry winter, Bright Sunshine Draw Tourists to Himachal Hill Stations

Dharamshala, January 3, 2026: An unusually dry winter, marked by scant rainfall, negligible snowfall and minimal fog, has transformed Himachal Pradesh’s popular hill stations into major tourist magnets during December 2025 and January 2026. Destinations such as Shimla, Manali and Dharamshala are witnessing a steady influx of visitors eager to soak in bright sunshine amid the crisp chill of the winter season.
Unlike previous years, when heavy snowfall, prolonged fog and frequent road blockages disrupted travel plans, this winter has offered clear skies, pleasant daytime temperatures and largely uninterrupted connectivity. The rare combination of cold weather and abundant sunshine has created ideal conditions for sightseeing, outdoor activities and relaxed vacations, significantly boosting tourist footfall across the state’s hill towns.
Hotel owners and tourism stakeholders report high occupancy rates, particularly during weekends and the New Year period. Cafés, markets and local attractions in Shimla, Manali and Dharamshala remain bustling, with tourists basking in the winter sun during the day and enjoying the chilly evenings. The recent first snowfall on the Dhauladhar range overlooking the Kangra Valley has further enhanced the region’s visual appeal, delighting visitors without causing major disruptions.
According to the India Meteorological Department, the prevailing dry and cold conditions are likely to continue, with very little rain or snowfall expected until March 2026, just ahead of the summer season. The seasonal rainfall outlook for January to March 2026 indicates a moderate probability (55–65 percent) of below-normal rainfall across most parts of Himachal Pradesh. Exceptions include parts of Lahaul-Spiti and adjoining areas of Kinnaur district, where there is a lower probability (35–45 percent) of normal rainfall.
While this forecast has raised concerns among farmers and environmental experts over potential impacts on agriculture and water resources, it has proved favourable for the tourism industry in the short term.
Tourists from across the country are choosing Himachal Pradesh to escape the dense fog and severe cold gripping the northern plains. The promise of clear mountain views, sunny days and cool but bearable temperatures has made the state an especially attractive winter destination.
Vikas Kumar Tony, a retired Defence officer from Yamunanagar in Haryana, said he and his wife Sunita have extended their stay in McLeodganj to avoid the biting fog back home. “Here, the sunshine makes winters pleasant,” he remarked.
Delhi-based industrialist Sharad Garg said visiting Himachal during December and January has become a yearly ritual for his family. “We travel from Kinnaur to Kangra to enjoy the warm sun during the day and the breathtaking snow-clad mountains,” he said.
Ramandeep, a private practitioner from Ludhiana, Punjab, shared that his family and relatives—12 members in all—have been holidaying in Dharamshala for over a week. “We don’t want to remember the chilling foggy weather of Punjab,” he said while strolling through the tea gardens.
A member of the Patel family from Surat appreciated the overall experience but pointed out connectivity challenges. “Everything is fine here, except the lack of direct flights from Dharamshala to Gujarat. Fog in Delhi often becomes a major hurdle for air travel,” he noted.
Tourism officials believe that if stable weather conditions persist, Himachal Pradesh could witness one of its best winter tourism seasons in recent years. However, they emphasise the need for sustainable tourism practices to balance short-term economic gains with long-term environmental concerns.
For now, the bright winter sun shining over Himachal’s snow-starved yet scenic landscapes continues to lure visitors, offering a refreshing and memorable hill-station experience in the heart of winter.