Best Time to Visit Kashmir
April to June and September to October suit most travellers. Come from late December to February for snow.
Kashmir by Season
Spring: March to May
The valley turns green, orchards blossom and the Tulip Garden opens. Choose this for flowers, and for comfortable days. See Srinagar or our Tulip Festival tour. See our Tulip Festival 2027 guide.
Summer: June to August
This is the busy family season, when the mountains offer an escape from the heat of the plains. Sonamarg and Pahalgam are at their greenest, and the Amarnath Yatra runs for part of this period. Book early.
Autumn: September to November
Clear skies, fewer crowds and golden chinar trees. It is our favourite time for photographs, and for offbeat places like Gurez Valley before the passes close.
Winter: December to February
Gulmarg becomes a ski resort and Drung Waterfall can freeze. Pack properly, and leave spare time because snow can close roads. See our Winter Snow tour.
Kashmir Weather Month by Month
Temperatures are rough typical ranges for Srinagar. Gulmarg, Pahalgam and Sonamarg are colder, and conditions change from year to year.
| Month | Srinagar | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| January | −2 to 6°C | Deep winter. Good for snow and skiing, with some road closures possible. |
| February | 0 to 8°C | Still snowy. Gulmarg is at its busiest for skiing. |
| March | 4 to 14°C | Snow melts in the valley and almond blossoms appear. |
| April | 8 to 20°C | Tulip Garden season, usually into mid-April, with fresh green valleys. |
| May | 11 to 25°C | Pleasant days and green meadows. Roads to high places start to open. |
| June | 15 to 29°C | Warm in Srinagar and cool in the mountains. Busy with families. |
| July | 18 to 31°C | The warmest month, with some rain. Amarnath Yatra season, so Pahalgam and Sonamarg get busy. |
| August | 18 to 30°C | Warm, with some rain, and still green. Yatra usually ends this month. |
| September | 13 to 28°C | Clear skies and fewer crowds. Good for Gurez and high roads. |
| October | 6 to 22°C | Golden chinar leaves begin, and saffron blooms at Pampore. Great for photos. |
| November | 1 to 15°C | Cold, quiet and good value. Late autumn colour fades. |
| December | −2 to 9°C | Winter starts. Snow in Gulmarg becomes more likely late in the month. |
Best Time for Each Type of Trip
- Snow: late December to February. Gulmarg Ski & Snow package
- Honeymoon: April to June, or December to February for snow. Honeymoon packages
- Family: April to June, and September to October. Family packages
- Adventure: May to September, and January to March for skiing. Adventure packages
- Offbeat: May to October. Offbeat packages
Once you have picked your month, see our Kashmir itinerary for 3 to 7 days.
FAQs
What is the best month to visit Kashmir?
It depends on what you want. April has tulips, May and June are pleasant and green, September and October are clear and golden, and January and February are best for snow.
When does it snow in Kashmir?
Gulmarg usually gets its most reliable snow from about late December to February. Snowfall changes from year to year, so we check recent conditions before you book.
Which month is best for a Kashmir honeymoon?
April to June and September to October are popular for pleasant weather. Choose December to February if you want snow.
When is the Tulip Garden open in Srinagar?
It opens for a few weeks in spring, usually around late March and April. The dates are announced each year.
Is monsoon a bad time to visit Kashmir?
Kashmir gets less monsoon rain than most of India, so July and August are still popular. Expect some showers, and heavier crowds on the Amarnath route.
What is Kashmir like in December?
Kashmir in December is cold, with Srinagar around −2 to 9°C. Snow in Gulmarg becomes more likely late in the month. See our Kashmir winter tour package for December and January trips.
Tell us your dates and we will tell you honestly what to expect.
Ask our Srinagar team