Does it Snow in South India? Two Places to Witness Snowy Landscapes Like Himalayas During Winter
BENGALURU: While the Himalayan peaks are accustomed to their annual white mantle, a rare and shivering winter is currently transforming the high altitudes of the Nilgiris and the Eastern Ghats into a frozen wonderland.
The “Snowfall” Mystery: Fact vs. Fiction
As temperatures in Munnar and Lambasingi plummet to record lows this week, viral social media posts are once again asking: Does it actually snow in South India?
The scientific answer is a nuanced “no,” but the visual reality is a resounding “yes.” Unlike the North, the South does not experience atmospheric snowfall. Instead, it witnesses a dramatic phenomenon known as Ground Frost. When the mercury hits sub-zero or near-zero levels, dew drops on tea leaves and grasslands freeze instantly, creating a thick, white crystalline carpet that looks identical to a fresh dusting of snow.
Munnar Shivers at 3°C: Kerala’s Early Winter 2025
In Kerala, the popular hill station of Munnar recorded a season-low of 3°C on December 15, 2025, at the Chenduvarai and Letchmi tea estates. Climatologists attribute this early and aggressive chill to the La Niña effect, which has historically intensified Indian winters.
Local authorities report that the frost has arrived earlier than usual this year, drawing thousands of tourists hoping to catch the “white morning” at Top Station and Kolukkumalai. However, travelers are being warned to book accommodations in advance as occupancy hits 100% for the Christmas week.
Lambasingi: The Kashmir of Andhra Pradesh Under a Cold Wave
Over in the Eastern Ghats, Lambasingi (often called the “Kashmir of Andhra Pradesh”) is living up to its name. On December 13, the nearby Dalapathiguda station in Araku Valley recorded a staggering 3.3°C.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a “Cold Wave” alert for several districts in North Interior Karnataka and Telangana, with temperatures falling 4°C to 6°C below the seasonal normal. Even Bengaluru has been swept up in the chill, recording its lowest minimum temperature in eight years at 13.3°C.
Travel Advisory: How to Witness the South Indian “Snow”
For those chasing the frost, timing is everything. The phenomenon is most visible between 4:00 AM and 7:00 AM before the tropical sun melts the ice.
- Top Spots: Lambasingi (Andhra Pradesh), Munnar (Kerala), and Ooty’s Avalanche Lake (Tamil Nadu).
- IMD Forecast: The current cold spell is expected to persist until December 25, 2025, making it the coldest South Indian Christmas in recent memory.
While it may not be “falling” from the sky, the sub-zero reality of South India this December is offering a “Himalayan experience” right in the heart of the Peninsula.
