Nainital from December to February: the weather, the chances of snow, what to do and how to make the drive safely.
Quick summary
Nainital in winter is quieter, colder and clearer than in summer. From December to February the lake town sees fewer visitors except over Christmas and New Year, the Himalayan views from Snow View and Naina Peak are at their sharpest, and on a few days a year there is snow. This guide covers the weather, the chances of snow, what to do and how to make the drive safely.
Nainital weather in winter
- December: cold, mostly dry and clear. Days usually 5–15 °C, nights near or below freezing.
- January: the coldest month and the most likely to bring snow, usually in short spells.
- February: still cold, with occasional snow early in the month, warming towards March.
Nainital sits at about 1,938 m, lower than Shimla or Manali, so snow here is lighter and less frequent. It typically comes with western disturbances in late December and January, and many winters see only one or two snowy days. Places higher up, such as Naina Peak, Kilbury and Mukteshwar (about 50 km away), get more.
Things to do in Nainital in winter
- Naini Lake: boating continues in winter on most days; the late-morning sun makes it pleasant.
- Snow View and Naina Peak: on clear winter mornings you can see the Himalayan range, including Nanda Devi and Trishul. Go early, before haze builds.
- Tiffin Top and Land's End: short forest walks with valley views, best around midday when the paths are dry.
- Thandi Sadak: the vehicle-free road along the lake, a quieter walk than the Mall Road.
- Pangot and Kilbury: forest and birdwatching about 15 km out; winter is a good season for Himalayan birds.
- Sattal and Bhimtal: quieter lakes below the town if Nainital is busy.
The best places to visit in Nainital has time needed and tips for each place.
Christmas and New Year in Nainital
The last week of December is the one busy stretch of the winter. Hotels fill up and Nainital restricts vehicles into the town on peak days, asking visitors to park at the outer lots and use shuttles. Book early, and plan to walk once you are in town.
Driving to Nainital in winter
NH-9 across the plains is open all winter, but December and January fog can make the early-morning drive through Ghaziabad and Moradabad slow and dangerous. On the 35 km climb from Kathgodam, watch for black ice in shaded bends early in the morning and after snow, and do not drive the hill section after dark. If it snows heavily, police may close the roads above Nainital until they are cleared. See the Delhi to Nainital road guide.
What to pack
- Thermal layers, a warm jacket, gloves and a cap
- Shoes with grip for icy paths
- A thermos; cafés close early outside the Mall in winter
For other seasons, see the best time to visit Nainital and the Nainital travel guide, or plan your days with the trip planner.
A two-day winter plan for Nainital
- Day 1: drive up from Delhi, leaving late enough to avoid the thickest morning fog; reach before dark. Evening walk on the Mall Road and a visit to the Naina Devi temple at Mallital.
- Day 2: Snow View or Naina Peak at sunrise for the Himalayan view, boating on the lake in late morning, and Tiffin Top or Thandi Sadak after lunch. With a third day, add Pangot or Mukteshwar.
Where to stay in winter
Stay on or near the Mall Road or at Mallital: you can walk to the lake, the temple and the cafés, and you avoid driving on icy hill roads in the evening. Hotels higher up on the ridges have better views but can be cut off for a few hours after snow. Check that your hotel has heating and hot water; the nights are cold.
Day trips near Nainital in winter
- Mukteshwar (about 50 km): higher and quieter, with wide Himalayan views and a better chance of snow.
- Pangot and Kilbury (about 15 km): forest roads and birdwatching.
- Bhimtal and Sattal (about 25 km): lower, quieter lakes, pleasant on a sunny winter afternoon.
Nainital in winter or summer?
Summer (April to June) is Nainital's peak season: warm days, long evenings, busy boating queues and the highest hotel prices of the year. Winter is the opposite: short, cold days, but clear skies, mountain views that summer haze hides, and quiet lanes outside the Christmas week. If you want to see the Himalayan range from Snow View or Naina Peak, winter mornings are the best time of the year; if you want warm evenings on the Mall, choose summer. October and November sit in between, with clear views and mild days, and are the best months for most people.
FAQs
Does it snow in Nainital in winter?
Sometimes. Light snow usually falls on a few days between late December and February, most often in January. It is not guaranteed in any given week.
Is Nainital worth visiting in winter?
Yes, for clear Himalayan views, quiet lake walks and lower prices outside Christmas and New Year.
How cold is Nainital in December?
Days are usually 5–15 °C and nights fall to around or below freezing.
Where near Nainital is best for snow?
Higher places such as Naina Peak, Kilbury and Mukteshwar get more snow than the lake town.