By Amanpreet Singh | Real-Time Updates for Clog the Blog
If you are reading this, you are likely packing your bags for a winter escape to one of the most beautiful hill stations in Himachal. As a traveler currently navigating the Himalayan belt, I know that checking the weather in dalhousie for the next 10 days is the most critical step in your planning.
Dalhousie in January is magical, but it requires preparation. Here is the real-time weather outlook from January 10th to January 20th, 2026, and my personal tips on how to survive and thrive in the cold.
1. The 10-Day Weather Forecast (Jan 10 – Jan 20, 2026)
Based on current meteorological data, Dalhousie is experiencing a classic Himalayan winter. Here is what your next 10 days look like:
| Date | Day Condition | High/Low Temp | Chance of Precip |
| Jan 10 – 11 | Crisp & Sunny | $12°C / 3°C$ | Low (10%) |
| Jan 12 – 14 | Mostly Sunny/Cloudy | $16°C / 5°C$ | Very Low |
| Jan 15 – 17 | Partly Cloudy | $17°C / 6°C$ | 10% (Mist likely) |
| Jan 18 – 19 | Active Rain/Snow | $15°C / 3°C$ | High (75%) |
| Jan 20 | Clearing Up | $13°C / 4°C$ | 25% |
Key Takeaway:
The first half of the week is perfect for sightseeing with clear blue skies. However, expect a significant weather shift around January 18th. A western disturbance is predicted, which could bring rain to the town and fresh snow to higher reaches like Dainkund Peak.
2. What to Pack: The “Survival Kit”
With night temperatures hovering near freezing ($3°C$ to $5°C$), you cannot afford to pack light.
- Heavy Woolens: A high-quality puffer jacket is non-negotiable.
- The Layering Rule: Wear a thermal base layer, a fleece mid-layer, and a windproof outer shell.
- Footwear: If you plan to visit Khajjiar or Dainkund during the Jan 18th-19th window, carry waterproof boots with good grip. Normal sneakers will get soaked and slippery in the slush.
- Skincare: The mountain sun is surprisingly strong during those “sunny” days. Use a high-SPF sunscreen and heavy moisturizer to prevent windburn.
3. Best Things to Do in This Weather
Since the weather in dalhousie for the next 10 days shows a mix of sun and impending rain/snow, I recommend splitting your activities:
During the Sunny Window (Jan 10 – 15)
- Dainkund Peak Trek: Go now while the trails are clear. The “Singing Hill” offers a 360-degree view of the snow-clad Pir Panjal range.
- Khajjiar (Mini Switzerland): Enjoy the green-and-white contrast of the meadows before the heavy clouds move in.
- St. John’s & St. Francis Church: These colonial stone churches look stunning against a clear blue winter sky.
During the Rain/Snow Window (Jan 18 – 19)
- Cafe Hopping: Head to Gandhi Chowk. Cozy up in a wooden cafe with a bowl of Thukpa or hot Ginger-Lemon-Honey tea.
- Mall Road Strolls: There is a unique charm in walking the Mall Road under an umbrella while the mist rolls in from the valley.
- Indoor Bonfires: Most heritage hotels in Dalhousie arrange evening bonfires. It’s the best way to spend a rainy Himalayan evening.
4. Travel Logistics & Road Safety
When the weather forecast shows rain or snow, travel becomes tricky.
- Fog Alert: Visibility can drop to less than 10 meters in the early mornings and late evenings. If you are driving yourself, avoid traveling after 6:00 PM.
- Pathankot to Dalhousie: The 80km climb is safe, but during the Jan 18th rain spell, be wary of minor shooting stones near the cliff edges.
- Connectivity: Heavy rain can sometimes disrupt local Wi-Fi. Ensure you have your offline maps and hotel contact numbers saved.
5. Aman’s Final Word
Don’t let a “rainy” forecast dampen your spirits. In Dalhousie, rain at the GPO (Main Town) often means magical snowfall at Khajjiar and Kalatop. If you are lucky enough to be there on the 18th or 19th, you might just witness the town turning into a white wonderland.
Stay warm, stay safe, and enjoy the crisp mountain air!
Happy Travels,
Amanpreet Singh
