In winters, Uttarakhand is very cold and sometimes extremely cold with the mercury dipping incredibly low, and many places receive regular snowfalls. The high altitude mountainous areas remain covered with snow for most parts of the year. The snowy peaks of the Himalayas act as a natural cooler not only to the immediate surrounding areas but also to the rest of India. Uttarakhand temperature during the winter season ranges from sub-zero to about 15° Celsius. The winter season in Uttarakhand generally extends from October to February.