Located at the foothills of the Shivalik range, Chandigarh is a city that unites nature with modernity. It was designed by the famous architect Le Corbusier and planned to perfection.
Known for its ethnic charm, Chandigarh is one of the few cities in India that possesses wide boulevards and picturesque gardens. But like every destination, Chandigarh has its favorable visiting seasons which makes the city quite appealing. Let us travel through the seasons to find out the most ideal time to visit Chandigarh and the reasons why.
1.Spring: February to March
Spring season in Chandigarh is a wonderful sight to behold. The city’s gardens burst out in color, particularly the famous Zakir Hussain Rose Garden and Rock Garden. The weather is mild at this time of the year with day temperatures ranging from 15 degrees Celsius to 25 degrees Celsius. The air is fresh and crisp while the sun is shining bright, which is perfect for exploration.
One of the highlights of the season is the yearly Rose festival usually held in February. The event has thousands of different varieties of rose on display along with cultural programs, food stalls, and flower exhibitions. It is also a great time to visit Sukhna Lake and go paddle boating while taking in the beauty of the nature around you.
Why visit in spring?
- Cultural activities such as the Rose Festival.
- Gardens and flowers should be in full bloom.
- Perfect weather for sightseeing/any outdoor activities.
2.Summer: April to June
The summer months can be especially challenging for newcomers, as Germany’s temperatures can soar up to 40 degrees Celsius. Luckily, the art gallery and museums make for great places to visit during summer. Those traveling with children can take them to Fun City Amusement Park or the Elante Mall where the whole family can enjoy leisurely water rides.
Even with these harsh temperatures, the Elante mall provides a good escape, and serves as a great jumping off point to neighboring hillsides like Kasauli or Shimla.
Reasons to visit in the summertime:
- Less tourists visiting while summer vacation starts, serving up a great opportunity to visit city attractions.
- Other indoor activities, further ensuring a good experience.
- Nearby hills act as a good getaway spot.
3.July to September: Monsoon
Moderate downpours allow Chandigarh to transform into a luscious green scenery, making for good views in the summer. Additionally, rainfall makes the warm summer heat much more bearable. If you happen to visit, the temperatures range from 25 to 35 degrees Celsius.
The Sukhna Lake, along with the city’s parks, such as the Leisure Valley, are always breathtaking during monsoons. However, the calmness and beauty of nature during this time should be coupled with caution since rain showers can appear out of nowhere.
Why visit during the monsoon?
- Incredible scenery and landscapes.
- Less tourists.
- A peaceful atmosphere for nature lovers.
4.Autumn: October to November
This time of year is my favorite for visiting Chandigarh. The weather is delightful, with temperatures ranging from 15°C to 30°C. The city comes alive with color after the monsoons and gardens look their best.
The capitol complex located in Chandigarh, which is a UNESCO world heritage site, is a must visit during the autumn as it includes the Secretariat, High Court and Open Hand monument. Carnival lovers will enjoy November where the stunning Chandigarh Carnival takes places, showcasing local music, art, and delicious food.
Why visit in autumn?
- Great temperatures for sightseeing.
- Chandigarh carnival is not to be missed.
- The stunning beauty of parks is unbeatable.
5.Winter: December to January
The winter season in Chandigarh from December to January is chilly but pleasant. The temperature can go down to 3 °C while during daytime it ranges from 12 °C to 20 °C. The winter season’s brisk weather is perfect for visiting parks and gardens.
This season is wonderful for visiting Chandigarh’s famous places like the Rock Garden and Sector 17 Plaza without the scorching heat of summer. Along with that, wintertime means more Punjabi food to chow down. The food includes butter chicken and lassi, which are best enjoyed during the chilly weather.
Why visit in winter?
- Lovely and warm festive feeling
- Clear blue skies and fresh air for touring around the city
- Best season for enjoying delicious food
Wrapping Up
Chandigarh is accessible to travellers around the year but spring (from February to March) and autumn (from October to November) are periods highly suggested for visiting the city. Travelers get to enjoy the warm weather along with the best parts of Chandigarh’s gardens and cultural festivals.
Chandigarh combines contemporary buildings with scenic landscapes, making it a city worth visiting at any time of the year. Just make sure to dress according to the season, and get ready to be mesmerized by the city’s beauty.