- Northern India faces severe cold as January ends, with temperatures dipping below zero.
- Himalayan regions like Leh, Sonamarg, Pahalgam, Spiti and Manali see deep freeze.
- Western disturbances and winter systems disrupt travel and daily life across the hills.
Winter's grip on northern India is at its peak as January draws to a close, with the mighty Himalayas recording temperatures well below freezing. A cold wave driven by persistent western disturbances and winter systems has plunged several high-altitude destinations into deep sub-zero nights. Unlike plains where mornings feel merely chilly, these mountain towns are genuinely freezing — affecting daily life, transport and travel plans alike. For travellers seeking real winter landscapes, this is the season when dramatic snowscapes and icy mornings dominate. From Ladakh's frozen deserts to Kashmir's alpine valleys and Himachal's elevated terrain, here are five Indian places where the mercury has plunged into minus territory today.
Also Read: 6 Things To Do In Ladakh For Travellers Who Hate Crowds
Why North India Is Freezing Right Now
North India is shivering due to back‑to‑back Western Disturbances that brought widespread rain and snowfall between January 22–28, causing temperatures to plunge. Persistent dense fog has trapped moisture and blocked sunlight, preventing daytime warming, especially across Delhi‑NCR. Cold, dry northwesterly winds from Central Asia and high‑pressure systems have further deepened the chill across northern and central India.
Here Are 5 Indian Cities That Are Experiencing Minus Temperatures Right Now
1. Leh, Ladakh
Photo: Unsplash
Leh, the capital of Ladakh, is experiencing some of the harshest winter weather in the country right now. Nighttime temperatures in the region during January routinely plunge deep below freezing, often dipping to around –17°C or colder, while daytime temperatures might barely rise above –6°C on many days in late January. This bone-chilling cold is typical of Ladakh's high-altitude desert climate in winter, where snow and frost dominate the landscape and locals bundle up in layers even in daylight. These figures align with typical January weather patterns in Leh, where lows can average near –20°C and highs struggle to climb above –10°C.
2. Sonamarg, Jammu And Kashmir
Photo: Unsplash
Sonamarg, nestled in the Ganderbal district of Jammu & Kashmir, continues to record deeply freezing conditions. Recent reports have shown temperatures dropping to around –22°C, with snow cover and ice becoming the norm across the reach. This region has been among the coldest spots in the entire Kashmir Valley during the winter, particularly under the influence of the prolonged cold phase known locally as Chillai Kalan, which often keeps night temperatures well below zero throughout January.
3. Pahalgam, Jammu And Kashmir
Photo: Unsplash
Pahalgam, another valley gem in Kashmir, is also feeling the full brunt of winter. Reports indicate minimum temperatures around -19°C to roughly –6°C in recent days, consistent with seasonal patterns where it often drops well below freezing at night. With snow-covered meadows and an alpine backdrop, Pahalgam exemplifies winter in the mountains - beautifully stark but cold enough to freeze exposed water and require heavy winter gear for travellers.
4. Spiti Valley, Himachal Pradesh
Photo: Unsplash
The high-altitude desert of Spiti Valley remains one of the coldest inhabited places in India at this time of the year. Known for its icy winters and remote terrain, the valley has seen temperatures drop to around –29°C or lower at night during the peak of winter. Heavy snow and ice lead to extended periods when many villages are cut off, and only those seeking extreme winter solitude venture here at this time. The valley's elevation (often above 3,000 metres) ensures a frigid environment throughout January.
5. Manali (Higher Reaches), Himachal Pradesh
Photo: Unsplash
While the main town of Manali may hover closer to freezing than deep sub-zero, the higher reaches and surrounding areas - particularly in Lahaul-Spiti and near higher passes - are witnessing temperatures fall below zero. Recent cold waves and snow have pushed temperatures in some spots to around –9°C during nights, and winter travel remains challenging due to icy roads and lingering snow cover. Authorities have issued advisories, and heavy falls have affected transport in parts of the district.
Also Read: Heading To Switzerland? 7 Amazing Things To Do And See For An Unforgettable Holiday
Travelling to these destinations now means witnessing striking winter landscapes, but the extreme cold, fog, and snowfall have made conditions unpredictable. With active Western Disturbances keeping the region unstable and disrupting visibility and road access, avoiding non‑essential travel is safer until temperatures and routes improve.
