Kashmir month by month

January is the deepest of the Kashmir winter and the most dependable month if snow is what you came for. Gulmarg is at its best, the Dal freezes at the edges, and the valley is genuinely quiet once the New Year crowd has gone home. Everything moves more slowly, which is part of the appeal and occasionally part of the problem.

Temperature

2 to 8°C day · −4 to 2°C night

Snow

The most reliable snow month of the year, along with February.

Price

Mid — below the Christmas peak

Crowds

Quiet after the first week

Packing

Serious thermals, a waterproof outer layer, gloves and boots with grip. Snow boots can be hired at Gulmarg, which is usually more sensible than flying with them.

Closed or restricted

Higher roads including the Sonmarg approach are usually shut. Gondola phase two closes on high wind more often than in any other month.

February is the month we recommend most often to people whose priority is snow without crowds. Conditions are close to January but the days are longer and the light is better, and hotel rates have come off the New Year peak. Toward the end of the month the first hints of the thaw arrive.

Temperature

4 to 11°C day · −3 to 3°C night

Snow

Still reliably snowy, with slightly longer days than January.

Price

Mid — the best value of the snow season

Crowds

The quietest of the winter months

Packing

Much the same as January. Sunglasses matter more than people expect — the glare off fresh snow at Gulmarg is severe.

Closed or restricted

Sonmarg road typically still closed. Gulmarg fully operational in most years.

March is the awkward month and the only one we routinely advise against. The snow has largely gone from the valley floor, the almond blossom is brief and easy to miss, and the tulips have not opened yet. It can be grey and wet, and the landscape is between two states rather than in either. It is the cheapest month of the year, and that is not a coincidence.

Temperature

10 to 17°C day · 2 to 7°C night

Snow

Receding fast and unreliable. Do not plan a trip around it.

Price

Low — the cheapest month of the year

Crowds

Very quiet

Packing

Layers for mild days and cold evenings, plus a waterproof jacket. March gets more rain than the winter months before it.

Closed or restricted

Higher passes still closed. Gulmarg may have snow at altitude but the bowl is often patchy.

April is the classic Kashmir of the postcards: the tulip garden is open for its brief three-to-four-week season, the mustard is flowering across the valley floor, and daytime temperatures are comfortable for walking without heavy winter layers. It is busy and prices reflect that, but unlike some peak months the reality justifies the demand.

Temperature

15 to 22°C day · 6 to 11°C night

Snow

Present at high altitude only (Apharwat, higher Sonmarg).

Price

High — peak spring demand

Crowds

Busy, driven by the tulip garden

Packing

Light layers for the day, a fleece or light down jacket for early mornings and late evenings. Rain shell useful.

Closed or restricted

Sonmarg road reopens in most years. Gulmarg gondola phase two is running normally.

May is the best all-round family month. The whole valley is green, the gardens are in full flower, all destinations including Sonmarg and Doodhpathri are fully open, and the days are long and warm without being oppressive. If you are travelling with children or older family members who cannot manage winter cold, this is the month to choose.

Temperature

18 to 26°C day · 10 to 15°C night

Snow

Apharwat peak and high passes only. Valley floor is entirely green.

Price

High — summer holiday peak begins

Crowds

Busy, especially family travel

Packing

Summer clothing for the day, a light sweater for evenings, and good walking shoes. Sunscreen matters at this altitude.

Closed or restricted

All major roads and passes within the valley are open.

June is warm in the valley — warmer than most visitors expect, sometimes touching 30°C in Srinagar — but the higher stations like Gulmarg and Sonmarg remain delightfully cool. It is the peak of the domestic holiday rush, so book vehicles and hotels early.

Temperature

22 to 30°C day · 13 to 18°C night

Snow

High glaciated areas only. No valley snow.

Price

High — school holiday demand

Crowds

Peak domestic family season

Packing

Cotton clothing, sunglasses, sun hat, and light evening layer for hill stations.

Closed or restricted

Full access across all circuits, including Sinthan Top and Razdan Pass.

July brings occasional monsoon showers into the valley and coincides with the Amarnath Yatra. While Srinagar and Gulmarg operate smoothly, Pahalgam and Sonmarg experience significant pilgrim transit and security convoys.

Temperature

23 to 31°C day · 16 to 21°C night

Snow

None, except permanent glaciers.

Price

Mid-High

Crowds

Heavy in Pahalgam/Baltal due to Amarnath Yatra

Packing

Waterproof jacket or umbrella, breathable clothing, comfortable trekking shoes.

Closed or restricted

Traffic management on highway due to Yatra convoys. All routes open.

August sees the valley lush and green with apple orchards beginning to ripen. As the Yatra winds down in mid-August, tourist crowds thin out, offering serene meadow views and pleasant weather.

Temperature

22 to 29°C day · 15 to 19°C night

Snow

None on tourist circuits.

Price

Mid

Crowds

Eases significantly in second half of August

Packing

Light clothing with rain protection and light woollens for hill station nights.

Closed or restricted

Open everywhere. Occasional rain showers.

September is arguably the valley's best-kept secret: clear blue skies, minimal rainfall, comfortable daytime warmth, and apple harvests in full swing across Sopore and Shopian.

Temperature

20 to 27°C day · 10 to 15°C night

Snow

Early dusting possible on highest peaks late in month.

Price

Mid — excellent value

Crowds

Moderate and peaceful

Packing

Light day clothes, light jacket for evenings, walking shoes.

Closed or restricted

Flawless road conditions across all tourist routes.

October is the Chinar season and our operations team's favourite month. The valley turns brilliant shades of gold, amber, and russet. Days are crisp and sunny, while nights become sharply cold.

Temperature

15 to 22°C day · 3 to 8°C night

Snow

High passes get first snow dustings.

Price

Mid-High — autumn photography season

Crowds

Moderate

Packing

Warm fleece, woollen sweater, light down jacket for night temperatures.

Closed or restricted

All tourist circuits open. High passes may experience brief early snow closures.

November marks the transition into winter. The golden Chinar leaves fall, creating russet carpets in the gardens. It is quiet and cheap, though landscapes can look dry before the first major snowfall arrives.

Temperature

10 to 16°C day · −1 to 4°C night

Snow

Higher reaches receive snow; valley floor awaits first fall.

Price

Low — shoulder season value

Crowds

Very quiet

Packing

Heavy woollens, thermals, windbreaker, warm gloves and cap.

Closed or restricted

Sonmarg and Gurez roads often close late in the month for winter.

December starts winter tourism in earnest. Chillai Kalan (the 40-day deep freeze) begins on Dec 21. Gulmarg transforms into a snowy winter wonderland, drawing skiing enthusiasts and honeymoon couples.

Temperature

4 to 10°C day · −4 to 1°C night

Snow

Snow likely in Gulmarg/Pahalgam; valley floor varies.

Price

High for Christmas/New Year week; Mid earlier

Crowds

Quiet early, very busy late Dec

Packing

Heavy thermals, down jackets, insulated gloves, snow boots, and woollen socks.

Closed or restricted

Sonmarg closed. Gulmarg requires snow-chained vehicles on Tangmarg road.