The climate of Dharamshala
Dharamshala is a city located in
India, noted for its distinctive Humid Subtropical climate, classified as Cwa under the Köppen classification method. Its geographical positioning lends to a variety of weather conditions experienced throughout the year. With a careful analysis of the given climate data, several elements specific to the locale become clear.
As per the yearly weather cycle, temperatures in Dharamshala can climb as high as 31.4°C (88.5°F) in
June and drop to a cool 5.9°C (42.6°F) during the month of
January. Rainfall figures fluctuate extensively from a peak of 960mm (37.8") in
July down to a minimum level of 17mm (0.67") in
November. Each month experiences a variety of daylight hours, from a maximum of 14.2 hours in June to a low of 10.1 hours in
December.
The UV index goes through an annual cycle, reaching a high of 12 between
May to
August and dipping to a low of 3 in December - a substantial fluctuation that attests to the diverse weather conditions. The number of sunshine hours per day is highest, with 9 hours during May, decreasing to the year's minimum of 6 hours during January and December.
March through May offer the most balanced weather conditions, demonstrating some of the highest daily sunlight hours coupled with moderate levels of rainfall.
The best time to visit Dharamshala
Considering a blend of comfortable temperatures, moderate rainfall and ample daylight, the best time to plan a visit to
Dharamshala occurs typically during the period from
March to
May. During these months, the city is bathed in sunlight for up to 9 hours a day aligned with pleasant temperatures ranging from 21.1°C (70°F) to 30.5°C (86.9°F). Rainfall remains moderate, allowing ample opportunity for tourists to partake in outdoor activities and to explore the natural beauty and cultural heritage of this quaint city.
The worst time to visit Dharamshala
On reviewing the climatological data, the least favorable period to visit
Dharamshala falls between
July and
August. These months are characterized by extraordinarily high rainfall, towering up to 960mm (37.8") in July and 909mm (35.79") in August. These figures make these two months the wettest period of the year, potentially disrupting travel plans and outdoor activities. Coupled with this, the temperature climbs to uncomfortably high levels, reaching up to 31.4°C (88.5°F) in
June and 27.2°C (81°F) in July.
Spring weather in Dharamshala
The spring season from
March to
May in
Dharamshala marks a period of moderate climate, characterized by rising temperatures and an increase in sunlight hours. The average temperatures escalate steadily from 14.5°C (58.1°F) to 30.5°C (86.9°F) by May. Concurrently, the daylight hours rise, providing approximately 13 hours of daylight by the end of the season. Rainfall stays at a moderate level, showcasing a slight increase from 99mm (3.9") in March to 59mm (2.32") in May, ensuring a comfortable climatic environment for the populace and visitors alike.
Summer weather in Dharamshala
Summers in
Dharamshala, extending from
June to
August, are marked by a significant rise in temperatures and precipitous weather conditions. The average high peaks at 31.4°C (88.5°F) in June, with a subsequent dip to 26.3°C (79.3°F) by August, while nighttime temperatures remain relatively high, hovering around 21.8°C (71.2°F). The weather gets particularly challenging in
July and August, which account for the heaviest rainfall of the year, reaching 960mm (37.8") and 909mm (35.79") respectively. Despite the imposing rains, sunshine hours remain quite steady at 9 hours a day during June and 7 hours per day from July to August.
Autumn weather in Dharamshala
Activities in
Dharamshala transition smoothly as autumn sets in from
September to
November. The region witnesses a descent in temperature throughout autumn, with average highs dropping from 26.3°C (79.3°F) in September to 20.7°C (69.3°F) in November. A similar trend is visible in the average lows, which fall from 18.7°C (65.7°F) to 10.7°C (51.3°F). A noteworthy feature of the fall season is the sudden drop in rainfall from a high of 405mm (15.94") in September to a bare 17mm (0.67") in November. The decreasing rainfall is complemented by a steady reduction of daylight hours, which fall from 12.4 hours in September to 10.5 hours by November.
Winter weather in Dharamshala
Winter season in
Dharamshala commences in
December and extends till
February, during which the climate turns significantly cooler. Average high temperatures fall notably to 16.7°C (62.1°F) in December and 14.5°C (58.1°F) in
January before climbing slightly to 16.6°C (61.9°F) by February. With the mercury levels dipping low, the average lower temperature bottoms out at 5.9°C (42.6°F) in January. Alongside the temperature drop, winter also brings the least amount of daylight hours in the year, falling to 10.1 hours in December. Despite these drops, the rainfall levels are relatively low in this season, offering 54mm (2.13") in December and an even lower 17mm (0.67") in February.
Weather in January
Despite a brisk air,
January brings about an enduring calmness that marks the beginning of the year. While the daily high temperatures in
Dharamshala,
India peak at 14.5°C (58.1°F), shivers of cold sweep in as the temperatures plunge during most nights.
Weather in January »Weather in February
Slightly warmer than
January,
February guides
Dharamshala gently towards spring. A warm overcoat remains a necessity, as February still errs on the cooler side supporting the city’s winter charm. As an introduction of spring, light penetrates a little longer each day with increasing daylight hours.
Weather in February »Weather in March
March signals the beginning of a notable transition marking the city's move to warmer temperatures.
Dharamshala becomes vibrant, celebrating Spring's entrance. Long gone are
January's colder undertones, replaced by softer, more temperate conditions.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
The weather in
April sets the stage for the forthcoming summer, as the transformation from spring reaches its pinnacle.
Dharamshala's weather turns warmer, making the city more vibrant, and vigorous. This time of the year sees a balance between sunshine and rainfall, striking a fine harmony.
Weather in April »Weather in May
May is the prelude to summer's peak, offering a serene yet unmistakable reminder of the coming season's peak. The city of
Dharamshala radiates a particular luminosity during May, radiating various hues of summer. The brilliant sun takes center stage, casting longer shadows and intensifying daylight hours.
Weather in May » Weather in June
Arriving at the height of summer,
June ushers in the warmest weather of the year, lending an undulating warmth to the city of
Dharamshala. With the increased temperature, the surrounding landscape transforms, reflecting the verve of the season.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
As
July unfolds, it carries forward
June's weather characteristics into the heart of summer. The weather in
Dharamshala during this time becomes conducive for more indoor activities, with the inviting coolness of shade. The weather quickly permeates with an onslaught of monsoon rain, reaching an astounding peak of 960mm (37.8") for the year.
Weather in July »Weather in August
August inherits
July's weather profile, carrying forward the climax of the monsoons. Despite the similar flavor of weather, the city of
Dharamshala brims with anticipation for the impending change. Subtle clues reveal the monsoon's recession, even though rainfall still prevails heavily at 909mm (35.79").
Weather in August » Weather in September
September signifies a refreshing change, offering a respite from the heavy rain laden months of
July and
August. The departure of peak monsoons introduces
Dharamshala to softer weather notes. Monsoon’s swansong manifests in calculated rain showers, easing dramatically to 405mm (15.94").
Weather in September »
Weather in October
Autumn calls
Dharamshala into its embrace in
October, introducing a crisp cool air and a distinctive charm. The weather shifts, offering a richer palette of sunshine and moderate temperatures, thus displaying an appealing contrast.
Weather in October »Weather in November
November presents the weather in a different light, unveiling the early stages of winter in
Dharamshala. The dwindling fall colors burst into the city's scenery, complemented by gradually dropping temperatures. The climate shifts radically, characterized by a sharp reduction in rainfall to just 17mm (0.67"), the driest the city experiences all year.
Weather in November » Weather in December
December curtains the year, introducing the full vigor of winter in the city of
Dharamshala. Crisp winds and cooler temperatures dictate the daily weather rhythm, making snug winter wear essential. The city's ambiance responds to these changes, switching to muted tones, owing to shorter daylight hours.
Weather in December » [Resources]