Ranikhet Weather

The weather in Ranikhet is pleasant, with moderate seasons of cold and rainy weather. The summer extends from mid May to end June. This is followed by the rains, which last until September. After a couple of months of extremely salubrious weather, winter sets in from November and lasts till February. The location of Ranikhet at the foothills of the mountains ensures that there are no spells of extreme weather. The weather conditions prevalent through the year make Ranikhet an ideal location for educational institutions.

This serene hill-station literally means ‘Land of the queen’. The cantonment town offers clear view of snow clad Himalayan peaks. Snowfall in the winters transforms the town into a dream retreat. Once upon a time, there was a proposal to designate Ranikhet as the summer headquarters of British India, a title which was accorded to Shimla. Ranikhet carries centuries old imperial and colonial legacy and the beautiful garrison town is a land of many brave men. Today it’s the headquarters of the Kumaon Regiment. A legend says that a Kumaoni queen was enchanted by this tiny hill paradise and it’s in her honour that a palace was built here, thus the name, ‘queen’s land’ . While no trace of the palace can be found today, but Ranikhet remains the same: captivating, abounding with flowers, trees and green meadows in the midst of heavenly Himalayan surroundings. Interestingly, the nine-hole Ranikhet Golf Course is one of the highest in Asia and the rolling meadows of the course are breathtaking. The place also draws several celebrities, who prefer its quiet environs. 

The months between March and July are usually the best time to visit Ranikhet, before the last weeks of the latter bring in heavy rainfall. It leaves the area as a host to many cultural and sports activities. Winters in Ranikhet welcome you with snowfall, owing to which large groups of people throng this place at this time.

Ranikhet is a little hill-station in Uttarakhand, known for its scenic views of the Himalayas. The period between the months of March to July is usually the best season in Ranikhet, just prior to the onset of the monsoon season. Winters are actually pleasant and enjoyable and make for a period when most visitors flock to Ranikhet. 

Summer (March – June):  This is by far the best time in Ranikhet. The temperature averages at a pleasant 10 to 27°C. This is the ideal time for sightseeing, trekking, and picnics. The flowers in the area are in full bloom and the Himalayas nestled in the background make for a magical setup. The Sunset Point in the area is also famous for its gorgeous panoramic views. However, the area also does tend to get crowded during these months.

Monsoon (July – August):  The monsoon season in Ranikhet observes excessive rainfall as the season progresses. The region starts experiencing thunder storms and heavy showers throughout these months. The temperature stays between 22 to 29°C.

Winter (September – February):  Ranikhet can get very cold in the winter season, with temperatures ranging as low as -3°C and not going higher than 15°C. However, the weather remains pleasant for majority of the time and this is the season when tourist inflow is at its peak. The landscape presents opportunities for trekking and winter sports like skiing, rock climbing etc. The early winter months are some of the best times to experience the natural beauty of Ranikhet.