Dharamshala Experiences Record Warm December Day Amid Winter Concerns
Unseasonably Warm Weather in Dharamshala
Pallavi Sharma
Dharamshala: On December 17, 2025, Dharamshala defied the typical winter chill, marking its warmest December day ever recorded. This unusual warmth has raised concerns among locals, while the tourism sector remains hopeful for a change in weather as Christmas approaches.
The hill station reached a maximum temperature of 26°C, breaking the previous December record of 25.4°C set in 2010, as reported by the Meteorological Department. This spike in temperature is particularly striking given that surrounding higher altitudes continue to experience colder nights.
The warm weather has diminished the winter ambiance in Dharamshala and nearby McLeodganj, a renowned destination and the seat of the Tibetan government-in-exile. McLeodganj, home to the Dalai Lama, draws thousands of tourists from both India and abroad, especially during the festive Christmas and New Year season.
Despite the heat, local hoteliers remain optimistic. With an increase in tourist arrivals, those in the hospitality industry are looking forward to a potential western disturbance that could bring snowfall to the higher elevations, creating the much-desired 'white Christmas.' A hotelier from McLeodganj remarked, “Snowfall around Christmas would greatly enhance bookings and prolong tourist visits.”
Dharamshala, often called the winter capital of Himachal Pradesh, holds significant cultural, spiritual, and strategic value. It is not only a major tourist destination but also serves as the administrative hub of Kangra district and a gateway to several popular hill stations in the Dhauladhar range.
Weather specialists note that fluctuating temperatures are becoming more frequent during winter months, with warmer days alternating with sudden cold snaps. The Meteorological Department has suggested that rain and snowfall may occur in parts of Himachal Pradesh later this month, potentially alleviating the unseasonably warm conditions.