When is the Best Time to Visit Kashmir? Month-by-Month Guide

Sitting at the foot of the world’s highest mountain range, Kashmir is a stunningly exquisite region. The Kashmir valley is in the middle of snow-capped mountain tops, and its crystal-clear lakes and rivers turns it into a popular tourist destination for Indian residents.

When preparing a visit to Kashmir, probably the most significant things to think about is the weather. What’s the best time to visit Kashmir? How is weather in Kashmir in Winter, summer and monsoons?

The best time to visit Kashmir varies according to what you want. The weather is cool and pleasant in the summer, but it can be fairly hot in the lower areas. The monsoon season brings heavy rains and thunderstorms, but also has some of the best landscapes. In the winter months, Nearly entire Kashmir valley is roofed in snow, making it a favorite destination in India for skiing and snowboarding.

Best Time to Visit Kashmir

The best time to visit Kashmir is during the summer months, from April to first week of July. The weather is dry and warm, and the skies are clear.

If you are seeking a less busy experience, then winter (October to March) stands out as the best time to suit your needs. The temperature is chilly and the skies in many cases are cloudy, but you can savor the scenery without having to struggle the crowds.

Monsoon season (July to September) could be a great time to visit if you’re looking for a more ambitious trip. The weather is moist and unexpected, but it’s also a time when the landscape is at its most lush and green.

Kashmir Monthly Weather Guide

The best time to visit Kashmir varies according to your desire. If you wish to benefit from the snow, then winter is the best time to go. If you are seeking warmer weather, then summer is the best time to travel. And if you wish to see the wet landscapes, then monsoon season is the best time to go.

This guide will give you a month-by-month summary of the weather in Kashmir, so you can pack accordingly. Take into account that the climate can vary depending on the region of Kashmir you are visiting, so be sure to do your research prior to going.

Kashmir in Winter Months

Kashmir’s winter months are freezing. The temperature in most of the Kashmir areas drops as low as -3 degrees Celsius, and the average rainfall is approximately 100 millimeters. The winter months are October, November, December, January and February. This is the perfect time to visit ski resorts like Gulmarg and Pahalgam.

October is definitely the start of the winter season in Kashmir. The temperature ranges from 8-19 degrees Celsius, and the nights are usually cool. The month is usually dry, even so you may suffer a few light showers.

November is one of the optimum of winter in Kashmir. The temperature can vary from 2-22 degrees Celsius, and snow is common during this month. November is additionally the driest month in Kashmir.

December is a extremely coldest month in Kashmir, with temperatures ranging from -5 to 21 degrees Celsius. The month sees a lot of snowfall, so you should definitely pack your heavy jackets and shoes.

January is the last winter peak months in Kashmir. The temperatures range between -3 to 21 degrees Celsius. January is commonly a very cold month, with hardly any sunlight.

February is the final month of winter in Kashmir. The temperatures cover anything from 5-21 degrees Celsius, and it’s typically quite cold this month. Additionally there is a possibility of seeing some snowfall in February.

March is the end of the winter season i n Kashmir. Though it does rain in March, climate in Kashmir gets warmer in March. Furthermore be prepared to see a good amount of snow in certain areas of Kashmir. March end is a fantastic season as you’re able to experience greenly in Pahalgam and white in Gulmarg/ sonmarg. So it could be a best month to visit Kashmir in winter to view lush green Kashmir landscape.

Kashmir in Summer Months

April is a good time to visit Kashmir. The weather is warm yet not too hot, and most of Kashmir’s skies are pretty much apparent.

May is even better, with some of the best weather of the year. Expect to see clear skies and lots of sunshine. This is the perfect time to visit lakes like Dal and Nageen, or take a hike in the mountains.

June is the oncoming of monsoon season, so the weather can be a little more unexpected. However, you may still find some good days to be had, and the landscape is particularly beautiful while it’s raining.

The summer season is also when pilgrims pay a visit to Vaishno Devi and Amarnath.

Kashmir in Monsoon Months

In monsoon season, the temperatures are moderate and the skies are generally cloudy. This is actually the best time to check out temples like Vaishno Devi or Amarnath Cave.

July is the month of monsoons in Kashmir. The weather is moist and warm, with temperatures ranging from 25-30 degrees Celsius. It could be fairly wet, with regular showers and thunderstorms. Having said that, the rain brings a great deal of relief from the heat, and the lush green Kashmir’s landscape is a sight to behold.

August is also a month of monsoons in Kashmir. The weather is similar to July, rich in moisture and temperatures ranging from 25-30 degrees Celsius. Yet, the rainfall is marginally minimal as compared to July. August is additionally the peak season for tourists, so be prepared for more crowds this month.

September is the final month of monsoons in Kashmir. The weather is even now pretty rainy, with temperatures ranging from 20-25 degrees Celsius. The rainfall goes down noticeably in September, turning it into a good time to visit Kashmir if you’re interested in less crowded places to discover

What to wear in Kashmir?

If you’re visiting Kashmir during the winter months, make sure to pack plenty of warm woolen clothing.

In summer, the weather in Kashmir is quite warm, so regular cotton clothing should suffice.

Monsoon season can be a bit more unpredictable, so it’s best to keep an eye on the weather forecast before planning your Kashmir trip.

5 Places to Visit in Kashmir

There are many beautiful places to see in Kashmir, each with its own unique offerings. Sonmarg, Gulmarg, and the Aru Valley all boast stunning natural scenery, while Yusmarg Valley and Sanasar are perfect for those who enjoy trekking and adventure. No matter what your interests, you’re sure to find a place in Kashmir that you’ll love.

Sonmarg

Sonmarg is a must-visit destination in Kashmir.It is actually where you can find the a group of rivers (the Lidder, Sind and the Neelum). Sonmarg has historic significance given that it was a gateway on the historical Silk Road that joins Kashmir with China. Sonmarg is a year-round destination, but April to June is the perfect time to visit, when you’re almost certain to find an outburst of wild flowers carpeting the valley.

Gulmarg

Gulmarg is really a prime place to go for winter sports enthusiasts, offering activities such as skiing, tobogganing, and snowboarding. The gondola ride is a must-do, offering spectacular views of the Kashmir landscape. Trekking to Alpather Lake is another popular activity, with the added bonus of a spectacular view of the lake. The best time to visit Gulmarg is from mid-December to February.

Aru Valley

The Aru Valley is renowned for its panoramic meadows and is a getaway for trekkers and hikers. There are plenty of top things to do in Aru Valley, for example trekking to Green Top and Base Camp or visiting Lidderwat. Horse riding is another well-known local activity. The best time to visit is July to September for sightseeing and tours, or the winter for snow skiing. It is possible to take a shared taxi from Pahalgam to Aru Valley, that takes about 45-50 minutes.

Yusmarg Valley

Situated in Budgam district of Jammu and Kashmir, about 50 km from Srinagar, Yusmarg is a place you should visit if you really want to understand its attractiveness. Doodhganga trek is regarded as the common attraction in Yusmarg. Also there is a hiking route from Yusmarg to Doodhpathri meadows. Charar-e-Sharif is a home to one of many holiest Sufi shrines- the Dargah of Sheikh Noor-ud-din Noorani, or more popularly Sheikh Noor-ud-din Wali. He’s equally by the Muslims and Hindus.

Sanasar

Prominent for its cup-shaped meadow in the middle of huge conifers, Sanasar is one more lesser-known gem of Kashmir, in the Ramban district of J&K. Sanasar is a exquisite valley that can be visited by gliding over its landscapes and meadows, or by trekking along its many trails. The valley hosts the 400-year-old Shank Pal Nag temple, which is unique for being built without mortar. Suri Kund, a small pond on the high Shank Pal ridge, is yet another fascinating destination that can be reached by trekking 7 hours from Sanasar town.

How to get to Kashmir?

So, how do you get to Kashmir? Well, there are several ways.

It is possible to take a flight to Srinagar the administrative centre of Kashmir. The Srinagar airport is positioned 14 kilometres from the city centre and provides flights to numerous cities in India. There’s also another airport, Jammu Akirport that sites 6 km southwest of Jammu.

Jammu & Kashmir has good road connectivity and can be reached by road via the National Highway (NH) 1 & NH44.

Alternatively, you can go on a train to Jammu and next take a taxi or bus to Kashmir. The closest railway station to Srinagar is the Jammu Tawi Railway Station, that is located 300 kilometres away.

The Jawahar Tunnel also connects Jammu to the valley of Kashmir.