Snowfall in Nainital - Weather Best Time and Activities

Perched at an altitude of 2084 meters (6,837 ft), Nainital is the favorite holiday destination, especially among the North Indians. The hill town boasts of pristine lakes and green hills. And in the winter, the hill town looks especially gorgeous with all the snow sprinkled over. Sometimes, the lake also freezes up, adding to the experience. Other than that, tourists especially enjoy playing with cottony snow and making snowmen near the beautiful Naini Lake. Visiting Nainital during the snowfall season is a thrilling experience. Have a look at all the details given below.

Best Time to Experience Snowfall in Nainital

December to January are the best months to witness peak snowfall in Nainital. The temperature varies between 1.1 to 12 degrees Celsius. Other than that, the town experiences a pleasant climate for most months of the year. Nainital is a subtropical highland and receives snowfall at an interval of two to three years. During the coldest time span, from late December to January, one can observe snowflakes. In February and March, the town is hit by heavy rainfall and hailstorms.

Things to Do During Snowfall in Nainital

1. Enjoy a Cable Car Ride to the Snow View Point

Snow View Point is a very popular attraction in Nainital, even during the summer months. It offers gorgeous views of the valley. What’s more? You can enjoy a thrilling cable car ride to get here. During the snow season in Nainital, the spot gets even more exhilarating with all the snow-covered roads and snow-topped trees. This cable car ride starts from the foothills of Nainital, also known as Mallital, and goes up to Snow View Point, which is at an altitude of around 2,270 meters above sea level. From here, you can also view the icy peaks of Nanda Devi, Nanda Kot, and Trishul. During 2.5 min (one way) of the cable car ride, you can enjoy pearly white views outside the window. 

2. Get Cozy in a Himalayan Cottage

If you are a winter person, there is nothing better than cozying up in a blanket in front of the firewood and watching the dreamy snowflakes fall outside the window of your cottage. Maybe you can also head out for a bit and have a first-hand experience. Several resorts, hotels, homestays, and Airbnb can help you have an enjoyable experience. You can just sit in your cozy room and observe the snowfall from the window, which is still an experience worth cherishing.

1. The Hive Cottage

Book This Cottage

2. Villa Bliss Lakeside

Book This Cottage

Check out other Cottages in Nainital

Search Cottages

3. Go Shopping on the Mall Road

Mall Road is the best shopping place in Nainital. What is better than shopping for more woolen with snowflakes showered from above? It is a big add-on if you are good at bargaining. The Mall Road and nearby Tibetan markets sell all sorts of stuff, from woolens to apparel, bags, footwear, quirky souvenirs, and more. From exquisite jewelry pieces to beautiful wall hangings and hand-made artifacts, you can buy anything for you and your family and friends from these vibrant markets.

4. Soak in Solace at the Naini Lake

Naini Lake is the highlight of the hill town. And it looks ethereal and even better during snowfall. The trees get tipped in snow, and a fine icy layer forms in the lake as well. At this time, a boat ride won’t be possible, most probably. But you can definitely chill near the lake and play in the snow. Make some snowmen and throw some snowballs around. Naini Lake gets its name from its shape, which is an eye. 

5. Celebrate the Nainital Winter Carnival

The Nainital Winter Carnival is a three-day-long jamboree organized in the month of December. The festival has several cultural performances, dances, singing, marches and parades. It is visited by hundreds of locals and tourists alike. You can also choose to participate in any of the several activities that are organized here. From musicians producing quaint folk tunes to dancers performing traditional dances to a buffet of incredibly delish local bites, this carnival is a remarkable effort at preserving and sharing the culture of the valley with the outside world. 

6. Hiking to Naini Peak and Tiffin Top

Tiffin Top is a very famous tourist attraction in Nainital, also popularly called Dorothy's Seat. A fantastic picnic spot in its own right, one gets a complete view of the snow-clad town of Nainital and its surrounding hills in the Kumaon region from this location. Adventure activities such as rappelling and rock climbing are conducted at Tiffin Top as well. It is a beautiful spot to experience the snow season in Nainital.

Precautions to Take During Snowfall in Nainital

While snowfall is truly a glorious thing to experience, snow can also be extremely treacherous, particularly on roads and during treks. There are a few things one must be wary of before going on a journey to a place known to have snowfall. For Nainital, the following protection measures can be taken: 

• Frostbite is common in places with snowfall. To avoid it, one should carry thick gloves, scarves, and hats to minimize the amount of skin exposed.
• If it gets extremely cold during snowfall, Naini Lake tends to freeze. However, it is dangerous to venture out into the ice since only the thin upper layer of water is frozen. 
• As the temperature dips to a freezing low, it is recommended that you carry plenty of warm woolen clothes. The locals advise wearing multiple layers of clothing, so pack your clothes accordingly. Do not forget to pack gloves, socks, and caps, as they are a must.
• If you decide to rent a car, it is wise to carry a shovel to remove snow from the road and plenty of sand to ensure friction for the wheels if the road is icy. 
• Trekking or sports shoes are a must if you want to hike up the hill or walk alongside the lake shores in the winter. 
• Carry a thermos so that you will also have some warm beverages or water to keep you warm from the inside.
• Carry a first aid kit with essential medicines, a hot water bag, and cough syrup, as you might not immediately adapt to the temperature fluctuation.
• Do not forget to pack raincoats and umbrellas. When it is freezing cold, rainfall and hail storms can occur at any minute, so it is better to be prepared with such essentials.

So here’s an elaborate list of things to do and the best experiences during snowfall in Nainital. Try one or more of them and let us know about your experience in the comments below.

Regardless of the time one chooses to visit Nainital, there is a charm to experience. While in the winters, it's snow-capped mountains surrounding a glassy lake, in the summer, the town is a welcome getaway from the sweltering heat. Blessed by Naini Devi, this pleasant town is truly a boon personified. Guarded by the sloppy, steeped mountains of Nanda Devi and other peaks and rejuvenated by Nainital Lake, Nainital is truly a slice of heaven, and the magic that the snowfall brings to it is too difficult to put into words.