October to March is the most reliable time to visit — clear skies, cool air at the upper elevations, mild winters in the lower towns like Paonta Sahib. April and May are hot in the foothills but pleasant up at Churdhar. The monsoon from late June to early September brings heavy rain, road washouts, and the risk of landslides on the routes to Renuka and Churdhar — best avoided. The Renuka Fair, held over the November full moon, is the year's biggest event.