Short answer: From April to June Manali has mild days — published figures are around 20°C in May and up to 25°C in June — with cool nights. It is peak season: the valley is green, rafting and paragliding run, and Rohtang Pass normally opens to tourists once the snow is cleared, with a limited number of vehicle permits each day. Expect heavy traffic on weekends and in late May and June.
Summer at a glance
| Detail | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Weather | Mild days, cool nights; pre-monsoon showers increase in June |
| Snow | Not in town; on the high passes, depending on the year |
| Rohtang Pass | Online vehicle permit, daily cap; opening date depends on snow clearance |
| Atal Tunnel / Lahaul | Open; no Rohtang permit needed for this route |
| Crowds | High in May and June, especially weekends |
What to do
- In and around town: Hadimba temple, Old Manali, Vashisht and the forest walks. See things to do in Manali.
- Solang Valley: about 13 km away, with paragliding, a ropeway and other activities. Arrive before 10 am to avoid the queue of cars. Is it worth it?
- Beyond the Atal Tunnel: Sissu and the Lahaul valley, usually where you find summer snow most easily — Manali to Sissu and Lahaul guide.
- River rafting: on the Beas, generally April to June and again after the monsoon. Use a registered operator.
- Treks: Hampta Pass and Bhrigu Lake open as the snow melts, typically from June.
Rohtang Pass in summer
- Permit: vehicles going to Rohtang for sightseeing need an online permit from the official Himachal portal. Recent guides give the address as rohtangpermits.hp.gov.in and warn about unofficial sites that add fees.
- Daily cap: the National Green Tribunal limited tourist vehicles; current guides cite 1,200 permits a day (800 petrol, 400 diesel), released in slots that sell out fast for weekends.
- Closed day: the pass has long been shut one day a week for maintenance, usually reported as Tuesday. Confirm on the portal.
- Opening: the date changes every year with snow clearance, and the road can be open only part of the way early in the season.
- Not needed if you are going to Lahaul or Leh through the Atal Tunnel.
If you hire a local taxi, the driver normally arranges the permit. Carry warm layers: it is far colder at the pass than in town.
Handling the crowds
- Travel midweek, and avoid the last week of May and first half of June if you can.
- Start every outing by 7–8 am.
- Stay in Old Manali, Vashisht or on the left bank for quieter evenings.
- Book rooms and transport well ahead.
See places to avoid during peak hours and, for other seasons, best time to visit Manali and Manali in winter.
Check before you go
- Rohtang permit portal — permits, daily quota and closures.
- Kullu district administration — road and weather advisories.
- India Meteorological Department — forecasts and warnings.
- HRTC online booking — state bus timetables and fares.
Plan a summer trip to Manali
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Frequently asked questions
Is there snow in Manali in May and June?
Not in town. Snow is usually found on the high passes and in Lahaul, depending on the year.
Do I need a permit for Rohtang Pass?
Yes, tourist vehicles need an online permit, and the number per day is capped.
Do I need a permit for the Atal Tunnel?
No Rohtang permit is needed to drive through the tunnel to Lahaul.
How many days are enough for Manali in summer?
Four to five days, including a day beyond the tunnel.
Is Manali very crowded in June?
Yes. Start early each day and prefer weekdays.
Compiled by the Funtoor team from published sources and official pages, last reviewed in October 2026. It is a planning guide, not a first-hand trip report; distances, fees, rules and timetables change and sources differ, so confirm anything time-sensitive before you travel.
Written by
Funtoor Travel Team
Travel planners based in Chail, Himachal Pradesh. We plan and arrange trips — stays, transport and experiences — across the Himalayas.
