Best Time to Visit Kashmir : Weather, Climate, & Temperature

Kashmir is so beautiful that people call it the heaven on this earth. If you want to visit Kashmir then you will find various seasons, and each season gives its beauty to the landscape of Kashmir. We can say that you can visit Kashmir throughout the year. Any season, whether it is summer, monsoon, winter, autumn, or spring, you will find Kashmir just as beautiful as in any season.

This is the reason why there is no particular season as such to visit Kashmir. It depends on what type of activity you want to do when you visit Kashmir. It also depends on the places you want to visit and how you want to spend your holidays in Kashmir. So we have thought of giving you a small peak into the various seasons in Kashmir and which is the best season to visit Kashmir.

Seasons in Kashmir

Broadly speaking, from a tourist perspective, there are four seasons in Kashmir.

• Spring season (March to April): This is a season to visit the Mughal gardens and the greenery of forests.
• Summer season (May to August): This is also the peak tourist season in Kashmir. This is the best season for Kashmir sightseeing tours.
• Autumn season (August to November): This is also the season to visit the gardens and view the autumn colors of the trees.
• Winter season (December to February): This is the time of snowfall and skiing in Kashmir. Gulmarg is the best place to visit during winter.
• Amarnath Yatra season (July to August): This is the season of Amarnath Yatra in Kashmir. Devotees have to trek 36 to 48 km for this trek to Amarnath Cave.
• Snowfall season (December to February): Snowfall season is usually when snowfall occurs in Kashmir. It is usually in January that there is heavy snow in Kashmir.

Kashmir during the summer season

Summer is the best season if you want to do most activities and sightseeing in Kashmir. This season starts in April and lasts till July. The weather is sunny, and rainfall is less during the summer season. It is rather dry weather in this period. Summer season is also the peak tourist season in Kashmir. The valleys are free of snow and are carpeted with lush green grass and forests. Pahalgam, Sonmarg, and Gulmarg are the best places to visit during the summer season. You can also visit some off-beat places in Kashmir during the summer season as the roads remain free of snow.

Summer temperature in Kashmir

The temperatures during summer remain in the range of 15 degrees to 33 degrees Celsius. In July temperatures can rise to 35 to 37 degrees Celsius. It is always preferable to wear light cotton clothes if you are planning to visit Kashmir during the summer season.

What is the weather like during the summer season?

You will not encounter bad weather during the summer season in Kashmir. Rainfall is also very low and weather remains sunny for most of the days. Nights are pleasant and cool. Summer season is perfect for most outdoor activities like horse riding, shopping, sightseeing, trekking, hiking, and boating.

Places to visit in Kashmir during summer season

These are the special places you must visit during the summer season in Kashmir.

• Gulmarg
• Sonamarg
• Pahalgam
• Yusmarg
• Srinagar
• Zero Point (Zohila Pass)

Off-beat places to visit during the summer season in Kashmir

Some off-beat places which you must visit in Kashmir during the summer season are shown below.

• Gurez Valley
• Sinthan Top
• Bangu
• Bangus Valley

Treks open during the summer season

Treks which are open in Kashmir during the summer season are shown below.

• Tarsar Marsar Trek
• Naranag Mahlish Trek
• Naranag Gangabal Trek
• Kolahoi Glacier Trek

Things to do during the summer season in Kashmir

• Shikara ride in Dal Lake
• Houseboat stays in Dal Lake
• Visit Mughal gardens
• Pony rides in Pahalgam
• Leisure walk in lush green meadows
• Trekking to Thajiwas Glacier, Nil Nag Lake
• River rafting
• Fishing in Lidder, Verinag, Gangabal Lake, and other places
• Gondola rides in Gulmarg
• Golfing
• Bird watching
• Camping

Kashmir during the winter season

If you want to experience the beauty of snowfall and snow-capped peaks then winter is the best time to visit Kashmir. Winter season in Kashmir lasts from December 21 to January 21. This season is considered to be the coldest season in Kashmir. Snowfall and rainfall are common during the winter season. The winter season is best for skiing and enjoying snowfall. Some winter treks are very popular during this period. You can indulge in snow-related activities like playing with snow, making snowmen, etc.

Winter temperature in Kashmir

Temperatures in Kashmir during the winter season may range from -5 degrees Celsius to 12 degrees Celsius. January is the coldest month and temperatures may drop to as low as -9 degree Celsius.

What is the weather like during the winter season?

You will have to face very chilly weather during winter in Kashmir. You must pack woolen clothes if you want to visit Kashmir during winter. Snow boots are strongly advised as it may get very difficult to tread in snow with your normal boots. Winter is also an off-season in Kashmir, so you can expect low hotel rates. Watching the snow in Kashmir during winter is a magical experience.

Places to visit in Kashmir during winter season

These are some special places you must visit in Kashmir during the winter season.

• Gulmarg
• Sonamarg
• Pahalgam
• Yusmarg
• Srinagar

Treks open during the winter season

Some treks are open during the winter season, and they are given below.

• Marchoi Valley Trek
• Lidderwat Aru Winter Trek
• Doodhpathri Winter Trek
• Dumail Naranag Trek
• Thajiwas Glacier
• Zoji La Pass
• Kolahoi Glacier
• Sheshnaag lake
• Betaab Valley
• Frozen Alpather Lake
• Naranag
• Gangabal Lake
• Mount Harmuk
• Chadar Trek

Things to do during the winter season in Kashmir

Winter is a great time if you want to do snow-related activities. You can have a thrilling time by doing some activities are mentioned below.

• Walk on the frozen Zanskar River
• Amazing beauty of the frozen Drung Waterfall
• Ice Skating
• Skiing
• Sleigh Riding
• Ice Hockey
• Heli-Skiing
• Snow Festival
• Shikara Rides
• Pony Rides
• Trekking
• Shopping
• Camping
• Sightseeing
• Cable car rides

Kashmir during the autumn season

The autumn season in Kashmir comes between September to November. This is also the season that looks just like the Fall season in the US. This season lends its beauty to the landscape of Kashmir. Chinar trees turn red and take on a golden look during this season. Autumn is also the season when you get to taste ripe walnuts, apricots, apples, and other fruits. Gardens take on hues of crimson and orange as leaves turn into a rich color. Autumn is also the best time to visit Kashmir.

Temperature in Kashmir during autumn

Autumn is the time which arrives just before winter. You can expect cool days and feel the chill in the air. Temperatures in the night can fall to 0 degrees Celsius. You can see the leaves fall to the ground and carpet the earth with its rich orange hues.

What is the weather like during the autumn season?

Autumn is the best season for photographers. It is relatively dry and not much rainfall during autumn. You can do most outdoor activities in Kashmir during these months. Woolen clothes are advisable as it can get really cold in the evenings and at night. Although there is not much snow, you can find some places with snow.

Places to visit in Kashmir during autumn season

When there is autumn season in Kashmir you must visit the Mughal gardens and other special places which are mentioned below.

• Naseem Bagh
• Nishat Bagh
• Shalimar Bagh
• Chashme Shahi Garden
• Pari Mahal
• Char Chinar

Kashmir during the spring season

As March comes, the spring season starts in Kashmir. This season lasts till May. Spring is the season of sowing seeds and growing plants and trees. There are chances of rainfall and humidity in the air. As a result, the landscape turns into green. Fields, forests, and hills are carpeted into a landscape of green. There is an explosion of greenery everywhere. Mustard fields, orchards, and flowers start to blossom during this period. Plants start to sprout small buds, which soon turn into a bright green color. Daytime temperatures rise during the spring season. Spring is the best time if you want to spend your honeymoon in Kashmir.

Temperature in Kashmir during spring

The temperatures during the spring season hovers between 14 degrees to 19 degrees Celsius. Temperatures during the night remain cool and it can range from 0 to 4 degrees Celsius.

What is the weather like during the spring season?

You will love Kashmir during spring season and it is the best time to visit the Mughal gardens. The weather will remain warm and it can get cold in the evening. Tulip Garden is the best place to visit during the spring season. You will see cherry blossom trees in full bloom during the spring season. Kashmir will transform into a landscape of colorful flowers, greenery, fragrances, and freshness. Spring season is called the rainy season in Kashmir. Spring season is the best season in Kashmir as you can go on long trekking trips, do sightseeing, do outdoor activities, shop, relax, photograph, boat rides, etc.

Places to visit in Kashmir during spring season

Some places that you must visit during the spring season in Kashmir are shown below.

• Gulmarg
• Betaab Valley
• Tulip Garden
• Sonamarg
• Nishat Bagh
• Badaamwari

Amarnath Yatra season in Kashmir

There is one season in Kashmir, which we can call the Amarnath Yatra season. It begins on July 1 and ends on August 19, 2024. This is the season when the Amarnath Yatra takes place in Kashmir. Amarnath Yatra is a pilgrimage to the sacred Amarnath Cave. This is a natural cave situated close to Anantnag, and Sonmarg and Pahalgam are the bases from which you can reach Amarnath Cave. Glaciers, rocky landscapes, and snow-capped mountains surround this cave. Amarnath Cave is where the natural shiv linga made of ice forms every year. This is said to be one of the most amazing natural formations in India. The naturally formed linga in Amarnath Cave is said to be the physical form of Lord Shiva.

Temperature during the Amarnath Yatra season

The Amarnath Yatra begins during the monsoon season in Kashmir. The temperatures will remain between 12 degrees to 34 degrees. Though the weather will remain unpredictable during this time, it is observed that it will normally remain sunny. Amarnath Yatra is best done from July to August. We will advise you to carry raincoats and rainwear with you as it might rain during some days.

Places to visit in Kashmir during the Amarnath Yatra season

While you are going to Kashmir during the Amarnath Yatra season, you can make plans to visit the following places.

• Chandanwari
• Pahalgam
• Baital
• Aru Valley
• Kohahoi Glacier
• Lidderwat
• Kokarnag Botanical Garden
• Zoji La Pass
• Tarsar Lake
• Sheshnag Lake
• Aishmuqam Shrine
• Srinagar
• Patnitop
• Gulmarg

Things to do during the Amarnath Yatra season

Though pilgrimage is the only main thing to do during the Amarnath Yatra season, there are some things that you can do during this period.

• Trek to Baital Lake and Pahalgam
• Trek to Gangabal Lake
• River rafting in Pahalgam
• Helicopter ride to Amarnath Cave
• Play a round of golf at Pahalgam golf course
• Shop for Pashmina shawls and Kashmiri handicrafts in Pahalgam
• Try Kashmiri cuisine like Wazwan
• Camping at Sheshnag Lake
• Aarti ceremony at Amarnath Cave
• Enjoy langar meals on the route to Amarnath Cave
• Holy dip in Amarnath Lake
• Trek to Chandanwari
• Enjoy the magnificent architectural ruins of Martand Sun Temple
• Practice Yoga and meditation for spiritual well-being

Snowfall season in Kashmir

Snowfall usually happens from December to February. But the best month to experience snowfall in Kashmir is in January. Kashmir receives heavy snowfall during this month. This is also the winter season in Kashmir. But it also snows in September and October in Kashmir. The first snowfall happens at Apharwat Peak in Gulmarg. If you like to experience snowfall in Kashmir this is the best time to visit Kashmir. Chances of snowfall are very high in January.

Weather during snowfall season in Kashmir

It is rather chilly during this snowfall season. You must wear woolen clothes during this period. Warm clothing, gloves, shawls, and snow boots are a must to pack for the snowfall season.

Snowfall temperature in Kashmir

Temperatures are between -2 to -12 in Kashmir during the snowfall season. January is the coldest month in Kashmir.

Things to do during snowfall season

Snow-related activities are usually, the best things to do during the snowfall season.

• Shikara boat ride in Dal Lake
• Visit the frozen Drung waterfall
• Skiing and snowmobiling in Gulmarg
• Gulmarg gondola ride
• Taste Kashmiri cuisine
• Ice skating
• Snowboarding
• Snow-sledding
• Snow-biking

Places to visit in Kashmir during snowfall season

There are some special places you should visit to experience snowfall in Kashmir.

• Apharwat Peak
• Gulmarg
• Srinagar
• Sinthan Top
• Zero Point
• Sonamarg
• Pahalgam

Conclusion

It is not fixed as to which is the best season to visit Kashmir. It all depends on what activity you want to do in Kashmir and what things you want to experience in Kashmir. If you are sure of this thing, then you can go and plan your Kashmir trip during that season. Spring and summer are the best seasons for sightseeing and doing the most outdoor things. If you want to go for skiing, then winter is the best season. Amarnath Yatra season is the best season in Kashmir for pilgrimages. You can visit Kashmir during the autumn season if you wish to taste the fruits and see the beauty of the landscapes.