Best time to visit Ooty

Best Season to Visit Ooty

The poised and elegant ‘Queen of Hill Stations’ welcomes you to the kingdom in the clouds. Individuals travel far and wide to partake in the awe-inspiring wonders of one of India’s most beloved hill stations – Ootacamund or Ooty. Here, history and culture form a sweet medley, while nature sings to its own symphony. Colonial churches, Hindu temples, tribal museums and libraries brand the plains with stories and riddles. Gleaming gardens, plantations and forests beckon to be explored. No matter the time of year, this former British Summer Resort manages to excite and intrigue its occupants.

And so, when it comes to selecting the best time to visit Ooty, one has to consider a wide variety of things – tolerance towards heat and cold, leave from work, family obligations and season specific offerings. 

Thomas Cook has put together this easy guide on Ooty’s seasons - winter, summer and monsoon. Take a look at the climate, weather conditions, benefits and banes of each season, before making your decision! 

Peak Season – For a thrilling and rejuvenating mountain experience, head to Ooty during the months of October to June. Although a fascinating year-round destination, these months prove to be the most conducive for adventure, wanderlust, family time and even love! 

Low Season – July to September

Ooty in Winter (October to February)

Temperature – The air temperature during the season of winter fluctuates between 5°C and 22°C.  

Weather – The weather of Ooty in winter can be described as chilly, fresh and crisp. The days are blessed with warm golden sunshine, enabling you to comfortably explore the beautiful hills, valleys and plains. The evenings give way to strong gusts of winds, while the nights are visited by the frost fairies, with temperatures falling to freezing degrees. This may not be the best climate to visit Ooty in, if you’re intolerant towards the cold. 

Significance – Ooty is blessed with an abundance of natural beauty – botanical gardens, tea plantations, wildlife sanctuaries and panoramic viewing points. What better time to explore nature’s marvels than when the air sings with notes of chill? When the days are mist free, one has the opportunity to traverse picture-perfect spots and drink in the sounds, smells and sights of the wild. What’s more, adventure seekers have tons of thrills to discover here!

Why you should visit now – The period of winter proves to be most romantic for couples. In-fact, this is the best season to visit Ooty in, if you’re honeymooning or celebrating an anniversary. The hill station takes on ethereal beauty and wonder, creating magic with mist and fog! One can enjoy steaming cups of tea and hot chocolate, whilst gazing at gorgeous sceneries. 

Things to know before the visit – January and February are deemed as the coldest months. During this time, there is a risk of dense fog blanketing the landscapes till almost 11 am each day. If you’re unlucky, you may miss half your day in search of sceneries amidst the wisps of fog. Take this into consideration while planning your trip. Also, since winter falls under the peak season category, expect overall higher prices and larger crowds to greet you. We’d recommend you make all your bookings in advance. 

Tips – Prepare for cool to freezing temperatures. Which means, you need to pack warm clothing –pants, long sleeve shirts, sweaters, scarves, socks, closed shoes and a winter jacket. Throw in some moisturiser and lip balm, which will prove to be beneficial during this time.  

Ooty in Summer (March to May)

Temperature – The air temperature during the season of summer fluctuates between 15°C and 30°C, although it can sometimes fall to 12°C. 

Weather – The climate of Ooty in summer is pleasing and pleasant. The average temperature hovers within a comfortable range. While the days are warm, sometimes even hot, the nights can get particularly nippy. All in all, the hill station is blessed with a climate that is neither stifling nor humid. As such, some may consider this to be the best climate to visit Ooty in. 

Significance – Ooty during summer, is a blooming and splendid affair. Individuals can tour the many exquisite natural sights with ease. Here are some of the most sought-after spots for one to bask in during the glimmer of summer - Ooty lake, Rose Garden, Doddabetta Peak, Ketti valley, Pykara river, Pine forest, Toda huts, and Mukurthi National Parks. Furthermore, street shopping and eating comes highly recommended. 

Why you should visit now – The season of summer is just right, in terms of climate and temperature. One has the opportunity to sight-see, engage in adventure sports as well as stroll and picnic, without the hassle of rain, fog or mist. There is so much to discover and experience. For instance, the Summer Festival in May hosts flower shows, boat races and other exciting cultural programmes. 

Things to know before the visit – Summer also falls under the category of peak tourist season. During this time, one can expect larger crowds, longer queues and comparatively slower service. Furthermore, prices tend to incline towards the higher side. As such, we’d urge you to make all your flight, accommodation and tour bookings well in advance. 

Tips – Although the summers are far from harsh, we’d recommend the following imperative items – light cotton clothing, comfortable footwear, sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat. We’d also urge you to stay hydrated through the day and consume light and well-balanced meals. 

Ooty in Monsoon (June to September) 

Temperature – The air temperature during the season of monsoon fluctuates between 12°C and 25°C, although it can sometimes drop to 5°C. 

Weather – As a quintessential Indian hill station, Ooty is blessed with an enchanting monsoon climate. During this time, the landscapes take on greener hues and become lush with moisture. The temperatures hover within an amicable range, more often blessed with cool winds vis a vis warm air. Rainfall averages from moderate to heavy, depending upon the month in question. 

Significance – From a marvellous toy train ride to charming boat rides, Ooty is a curation of diverse experiences that are nothing short of extraordinary. Lakes, waterfalls, pastures and forests sparkle brilliantly as the first drops fall from heaven. This is a wonderful time to enjoy hot and delicious foods like Rasam and Sambhar. One can even visit the iconic 6th Mile and 9th Mile, both of which have been featured in Bollywood and Tollywood films!

Why you should visit now – In spite of the rain, Ooty enables tourists to enjoy a plethora of enriching experiences. Every sense gets heightened, every emotion gets magnified. During the season of pitter-patter, the clouds hang low, creating a surreal feeling of floating in the air. In fact, a visit to Doddabetta Peak will have you feeling like you’re passing right through the clouds!  

Things to know before the visit – Monsoon is deemed as low tourist season for obvious reasons. With fewer tourists and a generally peaceful atmosphere, prices tend to be on the lower side. Cottage and hotel rates get slashed. Furthermore, entry fees and ticket rates to enter the botanical gardens are also lowered. Budget travellers should optimise on this time! 

Tips – Keep in mind certain things when planning your trip to Ooty. Firstly, you will need an umbrella, raincoat/windcheater and rain-proof footwear with a good grip. Since it gets chilly, make sure to pack sweaters and shawls. Always have some mosquito repellent and medication for gastroenteritis in hand, in-case of any mishaps. 

The Queen of Nilgiris is calling to you, can you hear its echoes? All you have to do is pick one of Thomas Cook’s delightful Ooty Holiday Packages and you can be on your way to the thrills of the hills!