Spiti Valley in Winter: December, January & February Guide
Is Spiti open in winter, how cold does it get and when does it snow? Roads, temperatures and what to expect from December to February.
By Himalayan Locals Editorial Team
Winter turns Spiti into one of the quietest places in India. The summer crowds are gone, the villages settle into their cold-season rhythm and, after a fresh fall, the valley is white from river to ridge. It is also a serious journey: very cold nights, one road in and out, and conditions that change with every storm. Here is what to expect, month by month.
Is Spiti open in winter?
Yes, but only from one side. The Manali–Kaza road over Kunzum Pass, at about 4,551 m, closes for the winter months, and so does the route to Chandratal. The eastern road from Shimla through Kinnaur, by way of Sangla or Kalpa, Nako and Tabo to Kaza, is kept open through the year. After heavy snowfall or a landslide, stretches of it can close for a few days until they are cleared.
That shapes every winter itinerary: you enter and leave through Kinnaur, and you keep a buffer day in case the road needs clearing. A local driver who checks conditions each morning matters more in winter than any single sight.
Spiti from October to March
| Month | What to expect |
|---|---|
| October | The end of autumn. Clear, crisp days; the Manali side usually still open early in the month. |
| November | Cold, dry and very clear. The Manali road is usually closed by now, so Spiti is reached through Kinnaur. Snow is possible but usually light. |
| December | Deep cold arrives, and in many years the first heavy snowfall. Short days and frozen water. |
| January | Usually the coldest month and the most likely to bring snow to the valley floor. |
| February | Still fully wintry, with brighter, slightly longer days towards the end of the month. |
| March | Winter begins to ease, though snow and cold nights continue at height. |
How cold is Spiti in winter?
Kaza sits at about 3,650 m. In mid-winter, night temperatures there regularly fall to around −20 °C, and lower during cold waves; January is usually the coldest month. Sunny days can feel surprisingly mild, but water pipes freeze, and many hotels, homestays and cafés close for the season.
In practice, that makes your room the most important booking of the trip. Ask for heating that is confirmed in writing, check that each property is actually operating on your dates, and expect simpler bathrooms than in summer. On our Winter Spiti journeys, room heating is included on every night.
When does it snow in Spiti?
Snowfall is most likely from late December to February, often in short spells followed by clear, intensely blue days. It is never guaranteed on a given date: some weeks bring a deep fall, others none at all. If seeing snow is your priority, choose January or February and keep your dates flexible.
A typical Winter Spiti route
- Shimla, to rest after the journey from Delhi or Chandigarh.
- Sangla and the Baspa Valley, with Chitkul when safely accessible.
- Into Spiti through Nako and Tabo, with its ancient monastery.
- Kaza as a base for Key Monastery and the high villages, such as Langza, Hikkim and Komic, as conditions allow.
- Back through Kinnaur to Kalpa, facing the Kinner Kailash range, and on to Shimla.
What to pack for Spiti in winter
- Thermal base layers, a fleece and a warm down jacket.
- Insulated, waterproof boots with good grip on ice.
- A warm hat, gloves, a neck gaiter and woollen socks.
- Sunglasses and high-factor sunscreen: sunlight on snow is intense at altitude.
- Lip balm and moisturiser for the very dry air.
- Cash, as mobile networks and card payments can be patchy in winter.
- Any personal medicines, and advice from your doctor about travelling at altitude.
Ready to plan? Compare our Winter Spiti tour packages, prices and route, or read what to confirm about heated stays.
Plan your private Winter Spiti journey
- Winter Spiti Valley · Premium & Luxury · 7 nights: Private journey via Shimla, Sangla, Tabo, Kaza and Kalpa with heated stays. Premium from ₹65,000 pp and Luxury from ₹1,09,000 pp for four guests, plus 5% GST.
- Winter Spiti Explorer · 7 nights: Heated local stays, breakfast and dinner, and overnight Volvo from and to Delhi. From ₹37,500 pp for six guests, plus 5% GST.
Travel questions
Is Spiti open in December and January?
Yes, by the Shimla–Kinnaur road, which is kept open through the winter apart from short closures after heavy snowfall or landslides. The Manali–Kaza road over Kunzum Pass is closed.
Is there snowfall in Spiti in December?
Often, but not always. Snow is most likely from late December to February, and never guaranteed on a particular date.
How cold is Spiti in January?
January is usually the coldest month. Night temperatures in Kaza regularly fall to around −20 °C, and lower during cold waves.
Can we go to Spiti from Manali in winter?
No. The Manali–Kaza road and Kunzum Pass are closed in winter. Travel through Shimla and Kinnaur instead.
What is the best month to see snow in Spiti?
January and February give the best chance of snow, but keep your dates flexible, as snowfall varies from year to year.