Shimla Weather September 2026: Snow on Peaks, Monsoon Slowdown and Rainfall Trends

Snow on Kullu and Lahaul peaks meets a retreating monsoon

Readers searching for weather shimla in mid-September 2026 are looking at a mixed hill picture: early snowfall on high passes, patchy monsoon showers in the mid-hills, and a gradual monsoon withdrawal. The brief covers Shimla weather, kullu weather and chamba weather with dated IMD-based updates for travel planning.

An Amar Ujala report updated Fri, 18 Sep 2026 06:06 AM IST notes fresh snow on the high terrain of Kullu and Lahaul. Solangnalla/Sissu reports say the world-famous Rohtang Pass and higher peaks are white after recent snowfall, with Kullu and Chandraghati also seeing rain that made the weather pleasant and increased chill. The report notes 10 to 15 cm of fresh snow and the tourism expectation that follows. Source

Monsoon status and rainfall pattern for Shimla, Kullu and Chamba

Live Hindustan, Sep 16, 2026 12:14 pm IST, cites the IMD that the southwest monsoon is in its final phase in Himachal Pradesh and may remain active until 22 September, with no heavy-rain warning for the period. 17 and 18 September are expected to be more active with rain and thunder, followed by a slowdown from 19 to 22 September as the monsoon retreats. Source

Recent station rainfall around 16 September

The last 24 hours were limited in many parts. Station data reported for the period includes:

• Dharamshala – 31.1 mm
• Murari-Devi – 26 mm
• Gohar – 12 mm
• Nichar – 12 mm
• Kasoli – 10 mm

These are station-specific values and do not represent every micro-climate in the hills.

Deviations from normal in September

For 8 to 15 September, the state saw 31% less rain than normal. District-wise deviations relevant to the hill stations are:

The contrast shows wetter conditions around Shimla while Kullu and especially Chamba remained drier than average for the period.

Short-term forecast 17 to 22 September

IMD guidance points to increased activity on 17-18 September with possible showers and thunder-clouds at several places, then a gradual slowdown from 19-22 September. The expectation is for the southwest monsoon to withdraw from the state in the last week of September. Travellers should check local updates before heading to high passes, as the administration has advised following directions and checking road conditions given rapid weather changes.

Travel notes for the hills

• Carry warm layers for early snow-affected passes around Kullu and Lahaul; daytime can be pleasant with sun after morning showers.
• Moderate rain is likely in the next 48 hours; waterproof footwear and umbrellas help in Shimla and Dharamshala areas.
• Clearer skies are projected after 19 September, which can be good for sightseeing and treks if roads remain open.
• Rain and landslides have kept some roads affected in the state; verify route status locally before travel.