Dehradun is a year-round city, but each season gives you a very different trip. October is all clear skies and mountain views. May is warm afternoons and cold river water. August is rain, mist and every shade of green. Here is how the year actually feels from our homestay in Malsi, on the Mussoorie side of the valley.
Not sure when to come? WhatsApp us your rough dates and we’ll tell you honestly what to expect. Or call +91 99170 03456, or send your dates.
The short answer
October to mid-December and March to April are the best times to visit Dehradun: pleasant days, clear views and everything open. May and June are good for river spots and escaping the plains’ heat. Late December to February is cold at night but sunny and quiet. July to September is the monsoon: beautiful, but plan around the rain.
Dehradun month by month
| Months | Weather | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| Oct–Nov | Clear, mild days, cool nights | Everything; best views of the hills |
| Dec–Feb | Sunny days around 19–22°C, nights 3–5°C | Quiet stays, chance of snow in Mussoorie |
| Mar–Apr | Warming up, flowers, fresh | Sightseeing, yoga mornings, Mussoorie |
| May–Jun | Warm, afternoons often mid-30s °C | Robber’s Cave, Sahastradhara, early starts |
| Jul–Sep | Monsoon, heavy rain, very green | Rainy-season slow stays, reading, yoga |
These are typical conditions. Every year is different, so check the forecast the week you travel.
October and November: our favourite months
The monsoon has washed the air clean, the hills are still green, and on clear mornings you can see the ridges above Mussoorie sharp against the sky. Days are warm enough for a T-shirt, evenings call for a light jacket. Robber’s Cave and Sahastradhara are open again after the rains. Diwali usually falls in this window, so book early for that week.
December to February: winter in the valley
Days are sunny and pleasant, nights get properly cold, and fog is common on the plains between Delhi and Dehradun in the early morning. Dehradun itself does not get snow, but Mussoorie sometimes does. The days around New Year are the busiest of the year on the hill road. Our Dehradun in winter guide covers temperatures, snow and New Year tips in detail.
March and April: spring
Warm days, cool mornings, flowering trees and fewer crowds than summer. A very good time for long walks, a day in Mussoorie, and sunrise yoga outdoors.
May and June: summer
Afternoons get hot, but mornings and evenings are far kinder than in Delhi, and this is when the cold water at Robber’s Cave and Sahastradhara is most welcome. School holidays bring crowds, especially on the road to Mussoorie, so start early and visit busy places on weekdays.
July to September: the monsoon
Dehradun is one of the wetter cities in north India, and July and August bring rain most days. The valley turns lush and misty and the heat breaks. It’s a lovely time for a quiet, slow stay with books, yoga and long breakfasts. The downside: river spots can close when water is high, and landslides sometimes slow hill roads. Keep plans flexible and never enter a fast-flowing stream.
Best time for specific trips
- Sightseeing in Dehradun: October–November, March–April. See our list of places to visit in Dehradun.
- Mussoorie views: October–November for clear Himalayan views; late December–February for a chance of snow.
- River walks: April–June and October.
- A quiet yoga stay: any time, but October–March is most comfortable. See our yoga retreat in Dehradun.
- Weekend from Delhi: any weekend outside the monsoon peak; leave early. Our 2-day plan helps.
A calm place to stay, whatever the season
Shivoham Retreat is a small, family-run homestay in Malsi, 500 m from Robber’s Cave and 26 km from Mussoorie. Rooms have air conditioning for summer and warm bedding for winter, breakfast is included and parking is free:
- Luxury Valley Facing Room: private balcony, from ₹3,500 a night
- Luxury Studio Room: spacious, from ₹4,000 a night
- Harmony House: the whole two-bedroom house for up to four, from ₹6,000 a night
See the rooms.
Have dates in mind? WhatsApp us, call +91 99170 03456, or send your dates. We reply within 4–6 hours.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best month to visit Dehradun?
October and November are the best all-round months: clear skies, pleasant days around the mid-20s °C, cool nights and green hills after the monsoon. March and early April are a close second.
Is Dehradun hot in summer?
May and June are warm, with afternoons often in the mid-30s °C, but evenings are milder than in the plains. Mornings are the best time to be out.
Should I visit Dehradun in the monsoon?
You can, if you like rain and green hills. July and August are the wettest months, and landslides can slow hill roads and close river spots like Robber’s Cave and Sahastradhara for a while.
Does it snow in Dehradun?
No. Dehradun is in the valley and does not get snow. Mussoorie, 26 km from us, gets occasional spells between late December and February.
When is Dehradun most crowded?
Long weekends, Christmas to New Year, and May–June school holidays, when traffic to Mussoorie is heaviest. Weekdays outside these periods are much quieter.