Mussoorie Snowfall 2026: When It Snows + Dhanaulti, Kanatal & Lokhandi
Mussoorie is the closest hill station to Delhi that can get snow, which is why Mussoorie snowfall makes headlines almost every January. But snow in Mussoorie town is short-lived and not guaranteed. The good news is that within an hour or two you have Dhanaulti, Kanatal and Lokhandi, which sit higher and get snow far more often. This guide covers all of them.
Quick answer: Mussoorie gets snow on a few days a year, mostly in January. For better odds, go higher to Dhanaulti, Kanatal or Lokhandi. All are about 7–9 hours from Delhi. Check Mussoorie weather now.
When Does It Snow in Mussoorie?
Mussoorie sits at about 2,005 m, which is right at the edge of the winter snowline. Only stronger western disturbances bring snow down to the town. In a typical winter that means two or three spells, mostly in January, occasionally late December or early February. Each spell usually leaves snow on the ground for a day or two in town and longer on shaded slopes and the higher points.
| Month | Chance of snow in Mussoorie | Typical temperature |
|---|---|---|
| December | Low, mostly late in the month | 2–12°C |
| January | Best chance | 1–10°C |
| February | Moderate, early in the month | 3–13°C |
Best Spots for Snow in Mussoorie
- Lal Tibba: Mussoorie's highest point, around 2,275 m, and the first part of town to turn white.
- Landour and Char Dukan: Quiet lanes, old cottages and deodar trees under snow. Best walked early before the crowds.
- Sister's Bazaar: Above Landour, one of the snowiest corners of the town.
- George Everest Estate: Open ridge with wide views of a snowy Doon Valley on one side and the Himalaya on the other.
- Company Garden: Easy to reach and pretty under snow, though busy.
Snow Near Mussoorie: Better Odds, Fewer Crowds
Dhanaulti (24 km, 2,286 m)
Dhanaulti is the classic snow day trip from Mussoorie. Deodar forests and eco-parks hold snow longer than Mussoorie town. On the first sunny day after a spell, the road can jam badly, so go early.
Kanatal (about 38 km, 2,590 m)
Kanatal is higher still and one of the most dependable snow spots on this side of Uttarakhand. It is popular for camps and cottages, and the Surkanda Devi temple sits on a ridge nearby.
Chamba (about 55 km, 1,524 m)
Chamba is often searched for snow, but at about 1,524 m it only gets a light dusting in very cold spells. Treat it as a stop on the way to Kanatal, not a snow destination.
Chakrata and Lokhandi (about 75 km, up to ~2,700 m)
Chakrata itself sits at about 2,118 m. The real snow is higher up at Lokhandi, roughly 2,700 m, which turns white after most winter spells. From Lokhandi you can walk up to the Moila Top meadow. It is far quieter than Mussoorie and Dhanaulti.
Nag Tibba trek
For guaranteed snow underfoot, the Nag Tibba trek (3,022 m) is a 2-day weekend trek from Dehradun that stays snowy through winter.
How to Plan a Snow Trip to Mussoorie
- Watch the forecast. When IMD Dehradun predicts snowfall at higher reaches for Dehradun and Tehri districts, Mussoorie and Dhanaulti are likely to get snow. Our snowfall today page links to live weather for all these places.
- Book a stay for the night of or after the spell. Being in town the morning after is the best way to beat the traffic and see the snow at its best.
- Go early. If driving up from Dehradun, leave before 7 am. See our Dehradun to Mussoorie distance guide for routes.
- Move higher if Mussoorie misses out. If the snow stayed above town, drive on to Dhanaulti or Kanatal.
2-Day Snow Weekend from Delhi
- Night 0: Overnight bus or late drive from Delhi to Dehradun.
- Day 1: Early drive to Mussoorie, Lal Tibba and Landour in the snow, afternoon to Dhanaulti, overnight Dhanaulti or Kanatal.
- Day 2: Sunrise in the snow, Surkanda Devi if the path is open, drive back via Mussoorie or Chamba and Rishikesh.
For the non-snow version of this trip, see our Mussoorie 2-day itinerary.
Snow Driving Tips for This Area
- The Mussoorie–Dhanaulti road has several shaded stretches that stay icy all day after snowfall.
- Local taxis with chains are safer than self-driving if you are not used to snow.
- Parking in Mussoorie fills up by mid-morning on snow days. Use the parking at the entry points and walk or take a local cab.
- Carry water, snacks and a full tank. A jam can last hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does it snow in Mussoorie?
Yes, but only on a few days each winter, usually in January and sometimes early February. Some winters Mussoorie town gets no proper snowfall at all, while the higher points like Lal Tibba and Landour get light snow more often.
When is snowfall in Mussoorie?
Mostly between late December and early February, with January the most likely month. Snow comes with western disturbances, so watch the forecast and be ready to travel at a few days' notice.
Where can I see snow near Mussoorie?
Dhanaulti (24 km) and Kanatal (about 38 km) are higher and get snow more often than Mussoorie. Lokhandi near Chakrata is the most reliable snow spot west of Mussoorie, and the Nag Tibba trek is snowy right through winter.
Is Chamba (Tehri) good for snow?
Not really. Chamba sits at about 1,524 m and gets only an occasional light dusting in very cold spells. Kanatal, just above Chamba on the same road, is a much better bet.
How bad is the traffic in Mussoorie on snow days?
Very bad. On the first sunny day after snowfall, thousands of day-trippers drive up from Dehradun and the roads to Mussoorie and Dhanaulti can jam for hours. Leave before 7 am or stay the night before.
More Snow Guides
See all twelve snow destinations in the Uttarakhand snowfall places guide, check when the season starts in our snowfall calendar, read about Uttarakhand in December and Uttarakhand in January, browse more weekend trips from Delhi, or plan the trip with the AI Trip Planner.
