Nestled in the north-western part of India, near the foothills of the Shivalik range of the Himalayas, Chandigarh experiences humid subtropical climate. The weather of the region is characterized by extremely hot summers, cold winters, and monsoons with unpredictable rainfall. This means, the period from September to November, when the rains are over, is the best time to visit Chandigarh. The time just before the onset of summer is also a great time to plan your visit.
Details about these seasons can come in handy when you plan your trip and book your hotels in Chandigarh. Let’s take a look at the different seasons in the city and the places to visit and activities to engage in each season.
Chandigarh in Summer (March to June)
The summer season in Chandigarh begins in March and continues till June. During March and April, the heat is bearable during the day and the evenings are pleasant. But the months of May and June witness sweltering heat, making them the hottest months of the year. Occasionally, mild rains and thunderstorms greet the city and provide relief from the blistering heat. With the weather remaining dry and hot, summer isn’t the best season to visit Chandigarh or explore its attractions.
- Maximum Temperature: 40 degrees Celsius
- Minimum Temperature: 14 degrees Celsius
Things to Do in Chandigarh in Summer
Best Time to Visit Chandigarh
If you happen to be visiting Chandigarh during summers, worry not. You can spend time at waterparks, hill stations, pubs and nightclubs, air-conditioned malls, indoor attractions, etc. to make the most of your trip. Here are a few suggestions:
- Have fun at the waterparks in Chandigarh – Fun City, Thunder Zone, and Aqua Village.
- Indulge in shopping, food, and entertainment at the shopping malls in Chandigarh – Elante Mall, DLF City Centre Mall, Centra Mall, City Emporium Mall, etc.
- Visit the hill stations near Chandigarh – Morni Hills (27 km), Nalagarh (45 km), Barog (58 km), Kasauli (58 km), Solan (66 km), Shimla (110 km), etc.
- Explore the museums in Chandigarh – Chandigarh Architecture Museum, Natural History Museum, International Doll Museum, Museum of Evolution of Life, etc.
- Unwind with a drink at the pubs and bars in Chandigarh – Score, Paara, Hops n Grains, The Back Room, F Bar and Lounge, The Great Bear, etc.
- Celebrate Baisakhi (13th April) and Hola Mohalla festival (March)
- Take part in the Chandigarh Mango Festival (June)
Chandigarh in Monsoon (July to October)
Monsoon arrives in Chandigarh in July and continues till October. The climate in this season is neither very hot nor very cold, but a pleasant blend of both. Generally, the city experiences moderate rainfall but unexpected heavy downpours sometimes lash the city. The maximum rainfall is in August, which makes sightseeing difficult during this month. By mid-September, the weather turns pleasant and October marks the beginning of the tourist season in the city. The last quarter of monsoon is the best time to visit Chandigarh, provided that you are ready to put up with a sudden spell of rain or two.
- Maximum Temperature: 34 degrees Celsius
- Minimum Temperature: 17 degrees Celsius
Things to Do in Chandigarh in Monsoon
Best Time to Visit Chandigarh
If you are planning a trip to Chandigarh during monsoon, here is a list of places to visit, festivals to attend, and activities to engage in:
- Spend some time at the Rock Garden
- Take a trip to the weekend getaways near Chandigarh – Parwanoo (35 km), Nahan (85 km), Chail (106 km), Naldehra (136 km), Mussoorie (202 km), etc.
- Visit the temples in Chandigarh – Sri Karthikeya Swamy Temple, ISKCON Temple, Shirdi Sai Baba Temple, etc.
- Explore the forts in Chandigarh – Burail Fort, Manimajra Old Fort, Fort Ramgarh, Morni Fort, Bharatgarh Fort, etc.
- Visit the Nada Sahib Gurudwara
- Celebrate Dusshera (September-October) and Diwali (October-November)
- Attend Regatta (October-November)
Chandigarh in Winter (November to February)
November marks the beginning of winter in Chandigarh and the season lasts till February. Chandigarh faces extreme winter, marked by cold winds that blow in from the nearby hill station of Shimla and also from Jammu and Kashmir. The days aren’t very cold, but once the night begins to settle, a thick fog envelops the city and the temperature may dip down to sub-zero level. January marks the coldest month of the year. During the month of February, the temperature starts shooting up. Days become slightly warm and pleasant, making it the best season to visit Chandigarh.
- Maximum Temperature: 27 degrees Celsius
- Minimum Temperature: 7 degrees Celsius
Things to Do in Chandigarh in Winter
Best Time to Visit Chandigarh
Winter is a great time to engage in sightseeing and other outdoor activities. There are also a few festivals to attend during this season. Our suggestions include:
- Visit the scenic lakes in and around Chandigarh – Sukhna Lake, Dhanas Lake, New Lake, Brahma Sarovar, Sannihit Lake, etc.
- Take a cycling tour around the city
- Warm yourself up with food at the best restaurants in Chandigarh – Sagar Ratna, Dastarkhan, Barbeque Nation, Buffet Hut, Virgin Courtyard, etc.
- Enjoy a hot cup of coffee at the cozy cafes in Chandigarh – Backpacker’s Café, The Willow Café, Café JC’s, etc.
- Go for boating at Sukhna Lake
- Spend some time at Leisure Valley or visit Chhatbir Zoo
- Celebrate Lohri (13th January) and Guru Purab (November and January)
- Attend the Festival of Gardens (February), Chandigarh Carnival (November), and Chrysanthemum Show (December)
Also Read: Places to Visit in Punjab
Chandigarh has many attractions to entice you all year long, depending on when you would like to explore the city. Regardless of the season of your visit, you will definitely carry back a lot of wonderful memories of this place.
