Spiti Valley Temperatures: October to March, Month by Month

Month-by-Month Temperatures list

MonthDay (approx.) Night (approx.) What to expect?

October | 6°C | -6°C | Crisp, clear skies, autumn colours. Early snow is possible.
November | 0°C | -12°C | Winter begins. Passes start to close and snow is likely.
December | -6°C | -18°C | Heavy cold and frozen water lines. The valley is snow-covered.
January | -9°C | -20°C | Coldest month. Villages can touch -25°C or lower.
February | -6°C | -19°C | Still deep winter, with more snowfall.
March | -3°C | -15°C | Slowly easing, but still snowy and very cold.

What to Expect at Your Stay

Winter stays work differently from what you may be used to. Knowing this in advance makes the trip far more comfortable.

• Common washrooms: In deep winter, tap water and pipes often freeze. Because of this, many properties use common washrooms instead of attached ones, which are easier to keep running. Expect to walk a short distance, so keep a torch and warm layers handy at night.
• Water is limited: Hot water may come in buckets at set times, and taps can freeze overnight. Use it wisely and ask your host about timings.
• Bed heaters: Some properties provide bed heaters, and some don’t. Where they aren’t included, you can usually rent one for around ₹500–600 per night. We recommend asking for it at the time of booking, as availability is limited.
• Important Note: Also one should not use heaters as there is high chance of people getting AMS as it absorbs oxygen from the air, recommended is just use it for some time and turn it off ones you feel comfortable. instead you can seat in common rooms near Bukhari (Indian tandoor) for good enough of time to make yourself comfortable with the winter climate.
• Room heating varies: Heating depends on the property, so confirm what’s available before you arrive.
• Basic is normal: Winter stays in Spiti are simple and warm-hearted rather than luxurious. Family-run homestays are often the best bet.

What This Means for Your Trip

• October: The easiest of these months, and a good choice if you want fewer crowds without extreme cold.
• November: Roads start to change a bit due to winters.
• December to February: This is the real winter. Roads can close for normal vehicles but with 4x4 and snow chains on the tempo you can always move forward. We recommend a local team and a vehicle suited to snow.
• Note: Roads in heavy winters can get closed for 2-3 days if it snows continuously, but BRO always on work to clean the fresh fallen snow so roads get open within day or a two. With our local team from Spiti it gets completely safe for people to travel with us.
• March: Temperatures begin to rise, but expect snow and cold nights.

What to Pack

• Equipment: Back Pack/Rucksack- 50 to 60 litres, Head torch or Torch, Insulated Water bottle 1L Footwear: Trekking/Hiking boots/Snow boots, Floaters/Sleepers- 1 pair, Sports/ trekking socks- 4 pair & Woollen socks - 2 pair Clothing: Down jacket (Comfortable till -15 temp), Winter Woollen Pants, Woollen Fleece Jackets, Waterproof Woollen Gloves, Woollen Caps, Neck Warmer/Woollen bandana, Thermal Inner wear (Top and Bottom both), Quick Dry towel Miscellaneous: Toiletries, Toilet paper (Wet Tissues), Toothpaste, Toothbrush, Face-wash, Vaseline, Cold creams and Sun- screen SPF 40, Self quilts (small in size), High calorie snacks, Protein bars, Nuts, Portable charger/Power Banks., UV protective Sunglasses (Compulsory), Paper soap/sanitiser, Shampoo sachet, 2-3 Polybags to keep waste First Aid medical Kit: Medication for common disorders i.e. cold, fever, diarrhoea, vomits etc, Crepe bandage, Stick band aid, ORS, glucose, Instant pain relief spray i.e Volini, Relispray etc & Personal medication (if any)

Good to Know

Weather in Spiti changes quickly, and exact temperatures vary by year and village. Road status in winter depends on snowfall, so always check before you travel.

Plan Your Spiti Trip With Us

Born in the mountains and based in Kaza, we know every road, village and valley. Tell us your travel month and we’ll help you plan around the weather, including stays with bed heaters.