Best Time to Visit Auli: Weather in Auli (Month Wise)
The weather in Auli remains pleasant and inviting throughout the year. No matter what time of the year you visit, Auli’s scenic natural beauty welcomes you with open arms. The picturesque views and fresh air make it one of the best weekend getaways. So in this year-round destination, when should you really visit? When is the best time to visit Auli, really? The answer lies in your interest and the activity that you’re looking forward to doing here. For example, skiing is best experienced in January, while for sightseeing, the best time window is October onwards.
To know exactly when to visit pertaining to your interests, we present to you this comprehensive guide. Read on to know more!
Complete Season-Wise Guide for Auli
Here is a complete overview of weather conditions in Auli if you plan on visiting this gift of god to nature:
Winter Wonderland (December to February)
Winter is hands down the peak season in Auli, and rightly so. The whole region gets covered with a thick layer of snow, making it a paradise for enjoying snow-related fun activities in Auli like skiing, snowball fights, and snowboarding! Also, you can first-hand experience that real Himalayan frost and chill if you visit at this time.
And that’s not all! You can also enjoy the ropeway ride, which offers stunning views of the Nanda Devi range. And don’t forget to relish the Auli Artificial Lake, which is often frozen.
Temperature Range: -8°C to 10°C
Best for:
- Skiing and snowboarding
- Enjoying cable car rides all the way to Joshimath
- Participating in snow sports competition
- Honeymooners looking for a wintery holiday
- Taking part in the Auli Skiing Festival
Spring (March to June)
An outdoor adventurer? Then Auli awaits you with its arms wide open for you! It’s a perfect paradise for camping and trying other outdoor activities like ropeway rides. Moreover, the nature comes alive in Auli during this period. While on one hand, there are lush green landscapes, then on the other, there are beautiful flowers bloomed to their full glory. In addition, you can soak in those crystal-clear, breathtaking Himalayan views without having to bear the excessive cold.
The weather is incredibly pleasant and is ideal for sightseeing and sauntering around.
Temperature Range: 7°C to 20°C
Best for:
- Trekking, especially to Gorson Bugyal, Kwani Bugyal, and Chenab Lake
- Cable car rides
- Nature lovers as panoramic views of Nanda Devi, Hathi Parvat, and Trishul are another worldly
- Sightseeing
Monsoon Magic (July to September)
Monsoon has its own charm! Whether it’s the verdant lush greenery that blossoms in this season or the cosiness of the misty mornings, you’ll love coming here if you’re down for some calm and serenity. See the cloud-covered hills, enjoy the lower hotel prices because of the off-season, or simply sit down in the lap of nature and soak in the utterly gorgeous views.
The weather stays pleasant throughout, however, there are some cons to it. Expect heavy rainfall, and there would be a risk of landslides and even hailstorms.
Temperature Range: 10°C to 18°C
Best for:
- Enjoying peaceful surroundings
- Relishing the picturesque views of the Valley of Flowers, which is in its full glory during this season
- Ideal for photographers
- Writers, as hills give an ethereal inspiration to pen down those elusive thoughts
- Solitude seekers
- Scenic drives
Autumn Delight (October to November)
As the monsoon leaves through the back door, autumn comes knocking on the front as October begins! Auli gets enveloped in this serene, crisp air that soothes your nerves and calms you down. The preceding monsoon season clears the air, and the autumn reaps its benefits, providing you with perfectly visible surroundings! The weather stays cool throughout and is comfortable enough to go out and take leisurely walks, or even trek. Also, get your camera ready to capture those stunning golden-hued meadows waving in refreshing air!
In addition, you get less crowded areas as compared to the peak winter season.
Temperature Range: 5°C to 15°C
Best for:
- Stargazing (owing to clear skies)
- Photography at popular spots like Auli Cliff and Apple Orchards
- Couple and solo travellers who want to experience the tranquillity of the hill station without the snow
- Light treks
Month-wise Weather Condition in Auli
Here’s the temperature-based summary for the hill station:
| Month | Temperature Range (°C) | Weather Description |
|---|---|---|
| January | –4 to 7 | Extensive snow cover |
| February | 0 to 10 | Extensive snow cover |
| March | 0 to 10 | Some snowfall |
| April | 5 to 15 | Clear and pleasant weather |
| May | 7 to 18 | Clear and pleasant weather |
| June | 10 to 20 | Clear and pleasant |
| July | 10 to 18 | Rains with cloudy weather |
| August | 10 to 20 | Rains with cloudy weather |
| September | 10 to 20 | Cloudy and pleasant |
| October | 5 to 15 | Cloudy and pleasant |
| November | 4 to 14 | Clear and pleasant weather |
| December | -2 to 10 | Heavy snowfall |
Travel Tips for Auli
For a smoother travel, keep in mind the following:
- Be sure to carry all the essential winter accessories like woollen gloves, socks, mufflers, thermal inners, etc., as it stays cold even during summer.
- To avoid snow blindness, carry reflectors that will keep your eyes safe from the harmful reflection of light.
- Remember to follow all the instructions closely and to the T as given out by your skiing and snowboarding instructors to avoid any unfortunate event.
- The weather can be very unpredictable here, so make sure you carry a raincoat and an umbrella.
- Be sure to carry all the relevant medications you need or may need. The best thing would be to carry a first aid kit containing all the essentials like band-aids, pain medication, medication for motion sickness, vertigo etc.
- Auli is located at an altitude of 2,800 metres. Therefore, to avoid altitude sickness, avoid physical exertion and drink water regularly.
- Carry a good-quality camera to capture the scenic beauty of the place.
- Invest in trekking shoes with a good grip. These come especially handy during your hiking trips.
Best Time to Visit Auli Based on Activity
Here’s an overview of when to visit the gorgeous hill station, based on the activity you prefer:
| Activity | Best Months | Why? |
|---|---|---|
| Skiing | December to February | A thick cover of snow is accumulated, providing you with a fine sheet of snow to glide on |
| Trekking | March to June | The weather is pleasant and is not marred by rain |
| Sightseeing/Photography | October to June | The nature smiles on Auli in this winter-spring window and is ideal to capture those mesmerizing views |
| Honeymoon | December to March | Enjoy the beautiful snow-clad hilly areas, ideal for sightseeing and indulging in snow-related fun activities |
| Budget Travel | July to September | This off-season is less crowded and the accommodation prices also drop, making for a budget travel. |
How to Reach Auli
You can reach the hill station in the following ways:
By Air: The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport, located in Dehradun. From here, Auli is about 280 km away. What you can do from here is take a taxi and reach Joshimath. From there, hop on the Auli ropeway to reach the hill station.
By Rail: The nearest railway stations are Haridwar and Rishikesh. From here, you can again reach Joshimath first and then take the ropeway car.
By Road: Joshimath is well-connected by road. You can either take a bus or hire a taxi to get there. And upon arrival, take the ropeway car.
Final Word: When Should You Visit Auli?
Auli is a year-round destination that offers something or the other, depending on the season. So it really depends on what you’re looking forward to from the picturesque hill station.
- If enjoying snow-related fun activities is on your mind, then opt for the winter season (December to February).
- If leisurely sightseeing, trekking, camping, and outdoor activities is what you prefer, then spring (March to June) is your best bet.
- If you’re a budget traveller and wish to see the verdant valleys of the region, then set out in the monsoons (July to September).
- Want to see the clear skies and indulge in lightweight trekking? Then autumn (October to November) poses as a suitable time.
You can also take our Auli packages and enjoy a smooth and seamless travel to the hill station, without having to fuss over the little details and logistics. Auli is a beautiful place and must be explored at least once in your lifetime!