20 Coldest Places to Visit in India in Summer

Summer in India brings scorching heat waves across most of the country, with temperatures rising to uncomfortable highs. However, India’s diverse geography also holds colder and more pleasant destinations, even during the peak summer season. These cold places in India remain at quite low temperatures compared to other regions and are ideal for anyone looking to beat the heat. From high-altitude Himalayan getaways to hill stations tucked in forested mountains, India offers a range of cooler places, even in summer. The lowest temperature in India has historically been recorded in these cold areas in India during the summer months. However, temperature is not the only factor that makes these cold places an appealing vacation choice.

These places also open doors to exploring lush green valleys, cascading waterfalls, and enjoying adventure sports. The pleasant weather allows one to partake in sightseeing and outdoor escapades without worrying about the harsh heat or sudden showers associated with summer. For discerning travellers and families alike, there are plenty of good places to visit in summer in India that remain cool and comfortable while offering visual charm. 

India’s magnificent Himalayan terrain, spanning many northern states, is home to some of the coldest places of India during the summer months. With high altitudes, panoramic peaks, and vegetation-clad slopes, these coldest places provide idyllic backdrops for memorable vacations amidst nature’s beauty.  Explore sеcrеt treasures in peaceful Himalayan valleys, where calmness merges with excitement. Take on exhilarating hikes and feast your еyеs on stunning viеws that will stay with you forеvеr. Enjoy local food and cultural activities in thе crisp mountain air.

From quaint hill towns to charming valley settlements, options for places to explore in summer to escape the summer heat are aplenty across the Indian Himalayan region and beyond. Southern states like Kerala and Tamil Nadu also hold delightful hill stations with pleasant weather, lush rolling hills, and unique attractions. With online information available today on weather forecasts, the best places to travel during the summer season in India, and localised attractions, it is easier to identify the coolest places to visit in India in the summer season. One can choose places to stay, from refreshing hill stations at high elevations to stunning valleys by rivers and lakes, promising adventure, unique culture, and magnificent natural beauty without compromising comfort. Domestic tourism is also set to get an impetus through initiatives promoting niche destinations beyond popular circuits. From rejuvenating holidays to thrilling explorations, the coldest place in India in the summer months caters to all interest segments. So beat the summer heat by heading out to discover India’s captivating cold places!

List of 20 India Cool Places to Visit During Summer Season:

1. Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh:

Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh, located at over 10,000 feet, experiences a cool and pleasant climate even during summers, earning the tag of one of the lowest temperatures in India’s destinations. Summer temperatures rarely exceed 20 degrees Celsius, allowing tourists to explore Tawang’s natural and cultural delights comfortably. The landscape has ancient monasteries, picturesque valleys, and hot water springs. Adventure enthusiasts can enjoy trekking, hiking, and camping amidst pristine mountain trails. With light woollens recommended even in summer, Tawang offers a rejuvenating Himalayan holiday with glimpses into regional crafts, Buddhist cultural heritage, and luxury accommodation options.

2. Kufri, Himachal Pradesh:

Kufri is a charming little hill station near Shimla known for its cool and pleasant climate, even during summer. Located at over 9,000 feet above sea level, Kufri sees average summer temperatures hovering between 10 to 19 degrees Celsius, which is quite refreshing compared to the blazing Indian summers in the plains. This high-altitude location has also recorded minimum temperatures of minus two degrees Celsius – among the lowest temperatures in India ever registered. The cool and jamghati climes amidst lush oak and fir forests that blanket the mountains draw tourists who wish to escape the summer heat. Visitors can partake in adventure activities like hiking and trekking along scenic mountain trails that unravel breathtaking views.

3. Nainital, Uttarakhand:

Nainital, which remains one of the coldest places today in India set against the gorgeous backdrop of the rolling Kumaon ranges lies the eternally captivating mountain resort town of Nainital, which remains one of the coldest places today in India, even at the peak of summers. Its magical centrepiece is the scenic pear-shaped Naini Lake, whose iridescent calm waters are surrounded by verdant forests creeping across mountain slopes. Owing to its high elevation at approximately 2,000 meters above sea level, Nainital remains enveloped in cool climes, with average summer temperatures hovering around a pleasant 16 degrees Celsius. Its cool, consistent temperatures and lush scenic vistas churn out fond memories for multitudes of tourists who flock here annually to bask in Nainital’s beauty and old-world charm.

4. Shillong, Meghalaya:

Pretty little Shillong lies at an average altitude of 4,900 feet among lush forests, waterfalls, and towering pines. Often described as Scotland of the East, Shillong has earned renown as the picturesque capital of the mountainous state of Meghalaya in North East India. The city’s location within the East Khasi Hills bestows a pleasant year-round temperate climate, spanning 11 to 24 degrees Celsius through the seasons. A cool haven when most Indian plains simmer, Shillong rightfully prides itself in its distinction of experiencing one of the lowest temperatures in India, even during summertime. The pleasant weather allows exploring the wealth of attractions around Shillong at one’s leisure – from the cascading Elephant Falls and sacred forests of Mawphlang to the crystalline stalagmites and rock formations hidden inside jungle caves.

5. Gulmarg, Jammu & Kashmir:

The evocative name Gulmarg translates to the meadow of flowers. Like the poetic name, Gulmarg’s beauty is equally captivating – often described as the Alps of India owing to the resemblance to Swiss meadows. This famous hill station lies in the Pir Panjal range within Jammu and Kashmir, about 50 kilometers from Srinagar. Perched approximately 9,000 feet above sea level, Gulmarg is acclaimed as one of the coldest places in India, with subzero temperatures being the norm during winters. But even Gulmarg’s summers are remarkably cool and pleasant courtesy of its high-altitude location, with temperatures rarely exceeding 15 degrees Celsius. Making it one of the coldest temperatures in India’s destinations, even during peak summer months spanning April to June.

6. Leh, Ladakh:

Towering over 11,000 feet above sea level and surrounded by imposing craggy peaks lies Leh – the ancient capital of Ladakh nestled within Jammu and Kashmir. Flanked by two impressive parallel mountain ranges of the Great Himalayas and the Karakoram, Leh’s geography shapes its identity and climate. With average summer temperatures at 15 degrees Celsius from June to August, Leh remains pleasantly cool while most Indian plains face blistering heat waves. Its altitude makes Leh records one of the cool places to visit in India in summer, allowing tourists to immerse themselves in local sights and culture at leisure without harsh weather extremes. Drench in Leh’s bewitching landscape as you walk past ancient Tibetan Buddhist gompas, a glimpse at cascading streams ribboning bald mountains, and chance upon rare wild species endemic to the Trans-Himalayan region.

7. Coorg, Karnataka:

Situated amidst verdant mountains and coffee plantations lies Coorg, an incredibly picturesque district sprawling across 4100 sq km in the Western Ghats of Karnataka. Often described as the Scotland of India thanks to the resemblance in landscapes, Coorg charms tourists with its lush forests, winding roads, and quaint towns that gleam with untarnished natural beauty. Located at an average elevation between 900 to 1500 meters above sea level, Coorg enjoys pleasant temperatures hovering around 20 degrees Celsius during summer – making it one of Karnataka’s coldest places. Mist-laden mornings give way to bright sunny days, allowing thorough exploration of Coorg’s rolling hills, spice and coffee estates, national parks, waterfalls, historical forts, and pilgrimage sites.

8. Lonavala, Maharashtra:

Lonavala is an enchanting retreat that offers a panoramic collage of nature’s abundance. Located about 100 km from cities like Mumbai and Pune, Lonavala sits perched at an altitude of over 625 meters above sea level. This high elevation allows the landscape to experience pleasant average temperatures between 16 to 31 degrees Celsius even during summers – making Lonavala one of the cooler places in India to visit during the peak vacation season between April and June. Flanked by lush green valleys and dotted with gushing waterfalls that come alive in the monsoon, Lonavala attracts hordes of tourists and is a popular place to visit in summer in India. Its natural bounty allows activities ranging from hiking along historic Karla and Bhaja caves to an adrenaline-pumped aerial paragliding experience taking in birds-eye views of the valley.

9. Darjeeling, West Bengal:

Spread across a steep mountain ridge, wrapped in emerald green tea plantations that craft India’s finest teas, rests the eternal Queen of Hill Stations – Darjeeling. Perched at a cool average altitude between 2000 to 4000 meters and flanked by towering peaks like Kanchenjunga, Darjeeling is blessed with an enjoyable mild temperate climate all year round – including the summer months of April to June. Its high elevation ensures average summer temperatures hover at a pleasant 18 degrees Celsius – bestowing Darjeeling with the distinction of experiencing some of the lowest average temperatures in India, even during peak summer. These cooler climes amidst scenic natural abundance churn out fond memories for multitudes of tourists who cannot resist Darjeeling’s bewitching, nostalgic charm.

10. Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu:

Snuggled amidst the glorious upper Palani Hills of the mighty Western Ghats in Tamil Nadu rests the charming hill town of Kodaikanal – locally endeared as the ‘Princess of Hill Stations’ owing to its natural beauty and vintage vibes. Perched at an average altitude of over 7000 feet or 2100 metres above sea level, the hill town enjoys pleasant temperatures hovering between 15 to 20 degrees Celsius amidst verdant valleys and atmospheric pine and cypress forests – even during the harsh Indian summer months of April to June. Its high elevation ensures Kodaikanal registers as one of the coldest places in India during peak summer, allowing tourists leisure and comfort to explore the wealth of postcard-perfect attractions around the hills thoroughly.

11. Ooty, Tamil Nadu:

Situated amidst the natural bounty of the charming Nilgiri or ‘Blue Mountains’ in Tamil Nadu rests Ooty – the quaint and captivating hill station town that continues to entrance travellers from around the world ever since its discovery back in the 19th century by British colonial officials. Often described fondly as the Queen of Hill Stations, Ooty is nestled across altitudes from 2100 to 2600 meters above sea level, thanks to its pristine natural charm. The entire landscape here is lovingly clad by blooming flower gardens like arguably Asia’s largest Rose Garden, lively tea estates coating the misty hill slopes in greens, stands of fragrant eucalyptus trees, and medicinal herbs.

12. Mussoorie, Uttarakhand:

Fondly dubbed ‘The Queen of Hill,’ Mussoorie is one of India’s oldest and most popular hill stations nestled amidst the rolling lower Himalayan ranges of Garhwal in Uttarakhand. Located dramatically atop a horseshoe-shaped ridge and straddling average heights of 2000 meters from sea level, Mussoorie promises spellbinding 300-degree views of the far-stretching grand snow-capped Bandarpunch mountain ranges on one side and the verdant Doon Valley’s undulating terrain on the other. This high average elevation allows temperatures, even during peak Indian summer months of April to mid-June, to remain at a very pleasant 20 degrees Celsius on average – granting Mussoorie the distinction of being one of the coldest cities in India even in summer.

13. Mount Abu, Rajasthan:

Amidst the formidable Aravalli mountain ranges in the Sirohi district of Rajasthan lies Mount Abu town, sprawling over 22 kilometres. The sole hill station getaway amidst the arid desert landscapes of India’s largest state, Mount Abu, sits enchantingly perched at an approximate average height of 1220 meters above sea level. The high elevation combined with the surrounding thick forests and abundance of water bodies contributes to a relatively lower average temperature of 24 to 25 degrees Celsius, even during the peak Indian summer months of April to June. This makes Mount Abu one of the most comfortable places to visit in summer in India within Rajasthan itself while ranking it among the coldest cities in India during summer nationally. Local folklore shares whimsical tales of Mount Abu, once the abode of over 300 million Hindu gods and deities.

14. Kausani, Uttarakhand:

Dramatically perched atop a pine-clad mountain ridge in the Bageshwar district of central Uttarakhand state lies a little Kausani hamlet. Flanked by dense pine groves and blooming rhododendron cover, Kausani sits at an average elevation of about 1900 meters above sea level. Its high-altitude location combined with perennially crisp Himalayan air keeps average temperatures pleasant at around 23 degrees Celsius even during the summer months of April to June – granting it the distinction of being one of the coolest places to visit in India in summer. But more than pleasant weather, what has placed Kausani firmly amongst the most famous hill stations across northern India is the simple yet profoundly mesmerising 180-degree panoramic views of the Trishul, Nanda Devi, and Panchachuli snow-clad Himalayan peaks that it offers up dramatically on a platter.

15. Tirthan Valley, Himachal Pradesh:

Sitting quietly in the lap of the Great Himalayan National Park within the Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh lies the enchanting Tirthan Valley, enveloped by snowy mountain peaks, playfully gushing icy rivers, and contrasting lush green woods. This breathtakingly gorgeous valley sprawls magnificently across altitudes from 1600 to 6100 meters above sea level. Such lofty heights shape the climate and biodiversity sustaining Tirthan, ensuring summertime temperatures range at relatively cooler 15 to 22 degrees Celsius even during peak months of April to June – making it one of the more comfortable places to visit in summer in India.

16. Auli, Uttarakhand:

Auli is a stunning hill resort destination deep within the snow-capped Garhwal Himalayas. Situated at roughly 2500 to 3050 metres above sea level, perched dramatically atop steep mountain slopes. Such an imposing high-altitude location blesses Auli with imposing 270-degree unadulterated views of some of the mightiest Himalayan mountain crest behemoths like Nanda Devi, Kamet, Mana Parvat, and Dunagiri rising tall in their icy glory. The backdrop itself makes Auli seem like the eagle’s perfect nest, surreal and bewitching even during the brighter summer months between April and June, when temperatures still manage to average a pleasant 8 to 15 degrees Celsius at all times – among the lowest temperatures in India thanks to the perennially crisp Himalayan air.

17. Valley of Flowers, Uttarakhand:

The beautiful Valley of Flowers is located in the West Himalayas, close to the glacier-cradled Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve. It is renowned for its fields of numerous vivid wildflowers that are abundantly blessed by the cool mountain weather. Hidden away from civilisation until the 1930s, today, this endemic floral treasure spanning 87 square kilometres across the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand stands proudly as a World Heritage Site under the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). Thanks to its location in the transition zone between the towering Zanskar and Great Himalaya Ranges, the Valley unfurls across altitudes ranging from 3200 meters to 6600 meters above sea level, allowing a variety of exotic flowers to proliferate under conducive temperatures and ecology.

18. Agumbe, Karnataka:

The relatively untouched tiny rainforest hamlet of Agumbe emerges from the lofty forested Malenadu region of western Karnataka, nestled between the tranquil Arabian Sea and the formidable Western Ghat crests. Inherently blessed with rich biodiversity thanks to some of India’s heaviest rainfall bestowed upon its woods and flanked across diverse elevations spanning 600 meters to 2100 meters above sea level, Agumbe theatrically unfurls as terrain painted vivacious green by thriving tropical trees and undergrowth lush enough to lose oneself into. The Western Ghat mist lovingly caresses everything it touches with moisture, allowing wondrous endemic wildlife unique to this fragile ecosystem, including some endangered species, to thrive.

19. McLeodganj, Himachal Pradesh:

McLeodganj is a beautiful town perched on the upper stretch of the Dhauladhar mountain range of the lesser Himalayas in Himachal Pradesh. It is best known as the abode and seat of the 14th Dalai Lama-led Tibetan government in exile. Thanks to its elevated global status as a spiritual capital for Tibetan Buddhists worldwide and its scenic locale amid oak and rhododendron forests at about 1700 meters altitude, the erstwhile colonial cantonment town has evolved into an immensely popular cultural tourism and spiritual retreat hub. Pleasant temperatures hovering in the vicinity of 23 degrees Celsius through summer keep both cedar-lined treks to Triund mountains and moments of self-reflection comfortable experiences for tourists and pilgrims alike.

20. Namchi, Sikkim:

Namchi, the fastest developing town representing the new-age economy of the erstwhile Himalayan kingdom state of Sikkim in North East India, sits dramatically perched against the dazzling snow-capped peak of Kanchenjunga. Just 90 kilometres and a few hours’ drive from the capital city Gangtok, Namchi sits cradled at approximately 1676 meters or 5500 feet altitude, allowing it to enjoy largely pleasant weather around 15 degrees Celsius even during harsh Indian summer months of April to June. This salubrious climate, lush mountain terrain, high-altitude spiritual sites, and admirable views make Namchi an interesting stopover for tourists seeking nature fused with heritage. Local attractions range from serene cloisters of old monasteries in shades of crimson and gold, like Samdruptse and Tendong Lho Rum Faat, to the architecturally futuristic statue of Guru Padmasambhava towering over town.