When it comes to visiting a hill station in May, Shimla is one of the few names that would come to your mind, isn’t it? Nestled amidst the majestic hills of Himachal Pradesh, this capital hill town is one of the most visited places in the entire state. Its beautiful lush greenery, glittering streams, stunning natural beauty, and loads of amazing activities to enjoy.
From enjoying the scenic beauty of flora and fauna around to enjoying a peaceful time strolling in the streets, there are a lot of things to do in Shimla. The hill town is also dotted with multiple amazing and historic attractions that keep people busy throughout their visiting time. So if you are planning on visiting the mesmerizing Shimla in May with your family or friends; this guide is going to help you with making the right decisions.
Is May a good time to visit Shimla?
With mild temperatures, clear skies, and a pleasant atmosphere, Shimla in May is a perfect escape from the summer heat. The greenery and blooming flowers add to the beauty of the hill station. The Summer activities such as paragliding, trekking, and camping are in full swing, making it a good time to visit.
The first and second weeks of May are considered the best time to visit Shimla as the weather is pleasant and the crowd is comparatively less.
Know more about: Best Time to Visit Shimla
Cheapest Time to Visit Shimla in May
Actually, May is known to be one of the prime times to visit Shimla. That’s because this is the first month when you will see the crowd coming here. And as compared to the coming month, you will still have a lot fewer people during the entire month. And if you are looking for the cheapest time to visit Shimla in May, then it is the first two weeks.
Shimla Weather and Temperature in May
Shimla in May offers moderate temperatures and a pleasant climate to all visitors. The average temperature of the hill town throughout the month remains between 15°C and 25°C. But the humidity level here can rise sometimes due to the surrounding greenery. While visiting here you can also expect occasional rain which makes the beauty of this place so much better.
Best Places to Visit in Shimla in May
There are so many amazing and historic attractions in Shimla that can be visited in May. From the mall road to the Jhaku Temple, the names are quite extensive and you will be amused to visit them. Moreover, if you have enough time, do not miss out on a single-day trip to Mashobra and Kufri on your journey. It is going to make your trip simply unforgettable. Now, here is a list of places to visit in Shimla.
The Ridge | Christ Church | Tara Devi Temple |
Mall Road | Shimla State Museum | Green Valley |
Jakhu Hill | Annandale | Chadwick Falls |
See Also: Honeymoon places in Shimla | Places to visit in Shimla in December
Places to visit near Shimla in May
If you are on a prolonged weekend or a vacation to Shimla, then you can extend the visiting destinations. Of course, there are multiple attractions in the city itself but do not miss out on heading to these amusing places. You can have a look at the table and pick those places that would fit in your itinerary depending on the time you have in your hand.
Places to visit near Shimla in May | Distance between these places and Shimla |
Mashobra | 13 km |
Kufri | 16 km |
Naldehra | 22 km |
Chail | 45 km |
Tattapani | 50 km |
Narkanda | 65 km |
Parwanoo | 88 km |
Things To Do In Shimla In May
For all those visitors who are planning a trip to Shimla for some adventure, there are a lot of things to do here. From strolling at Mall Road to taking a hike in the mountains. You are surely going to have a great time, no matter what. Now, here are some amazing activities that can be done by you.
Walk at the Mall Road | Visiting the Viceregal Lodge | Visiting Temples |
Taking a ride in the Shimla-Kalka railway | Shopping the Souvenirs | Zip-lining |
Rock climbing | Trekking | Enjoying the beautiful view of the surroundings |
See More: Things to do in Shimla
Local Food and Drinks you must try in Shimla in May
Shimla offers a perfect blend of multiple regions in one place. It has a tint of Punjabi, Tibetan, and Himachali flavors in many cuisines. While you plan a trip here, we would surely suggest that you do not refrain from trying the local cuisines here. It is going to be a wonderful time for you.
Popular restaurants in Shimla | Popular dishes and drinks |
Cafe Sol | Croissants and Muffins |
Wake & Bake Cafe | Omelettes, Pancakes, Waffles |
Eighteen71 Cookhouse & Bar | Butter chicken, fish and chips, wood-fired pizza |
Baljees | Chhole Bhature, Aloo Tikki Chaat |
The Oberoi Cecil | Butter Chicken, Rogan Josh, Dum Biryani |
Himachali Rasoi | Siddu, Kullu Trout, Chha Gosht, Kehwa |
Accommodations in Shimla in May
Being the capital city of Himachal Pradesh and one of the most visited destinations; there are a lot of amazing variety of accommodations here. You can pick any of these as per your budget and preferences. Here are some of the popular types of accommodations in Shimla that you can pick from.
Popular Accommodations in Shimla | Options that you get in them |
Luxury Hotels |
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Boutique Hotels |
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Budget Hotels |
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Guesthouses |
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What should I pack for a trip to Shimla in May?
While you are packing for your trip to Shimla, we would suggest that you pack comfortable and breathable clothes. Make sure that you keep a bag with you when going out and there should be a water bottle and some food. Stay hydrated all the time and make sure to have some cash on you.
Other than that, if you are planning on hiking or trekking, bring ideal shoes for them. And things that are related to this should also be considered. You must have sunscreen, sunglasses and probably a hat to save yourself from the sun.
Reasons to visit Shimla in May
Visiting Shimla in May is a great idea due to the pleasant weather, beautiful scenery, and numerous outdoor activities available such as trekking, camping, and sightseeing.
- Pleasant weather with comfortable temperatures
- The famous Summer Festival with cultural programs and performances
- Lush greenery and blooming flowers
- Adventure activities like trekking, paragliding, and camping
- Relish local fruits and cuisine
- Shopping for unique handicrafts and souvenirs
- A perfect getaway from the scorching heat in other parts of the country
Safety and health tips for visiting Shimla in May
Wherever you go across the globe, keep in mind some safety parameters and healthy tips are of utmost importance. Even if you have been to Shimla before doesn’t mean you can be relaxed and not be precautious. Here are some tips that will keep you safe and healthy throughout the trip to Shimla in May.
- Do carry a few light warm clothes in your backpack.
- You will have to keep a check on yourself and stay energetic and hydrated all the time.
- While going out in the sun do not forget to apply sunscreen.
- You should have it first all the time so that when needed, you can apply it.
- It is always advised to drink bottled water for your own safety.
Conclusion
With all the above-given information we believe your trip to Shimla will be quite amazing. The beauty of this place during May remains spell-binding and simply stunning. This place has a lot of offers and if you have time keep exploring the regions that are still offbeat around. You can trek on the trails in the forest around and enjoy your time. Shimla is a perfect destination to visit for family, friends, couples, and even solo travelers.
May is also the time when biker groups head towards Himachal and wait for the opening of the Ladakh roads. All in all, you will surely have a blast on your trip to Shimla in May!
See Also: Shimla in April | Goa in May | Andaman in May
Kerala in May | Ooty in May | Coorg in May