People pack their baggage and board a train or an aeroplane to Kashmir when they wish to visit it. They do it because it is about exploring the world’s most beautiful place, nicknamed heaven on earth.
Some people still want to know the best time to visit Kashmir. Knowing the temperature, climate, and places to explore during that particular time is helpful. It helps you learn what to explore in each season, which activities to enjoy, and how to make your Kashmir tour safer and more memorable.
Keep reading this post till the end, as it explains the best time to visit Jammu & Kashmir. It also explains temperature, weather, significance, primary attractions, etc., which will be highly useful for you.
Winter in Kashmir (Mid-November to February)
Winter is an ideal time to visit Kashmir if you wish to enjoy snowfall and allied activities. The minimum winter temperature in Kashmir drops to 0 °C, and the maximum never exceeds 15°C.
In winter, Kashmir’s weather is colder, sometimes even chilly, as the minimum temperature is below 0. Mornings are chilly, and places like Gulmarg, Srinagar, and Sonmarg often see heavy snowfall. Due to snowfall, Kashmir is a winter wonderland and quite exciting. Jammu is warmer than these places.
Why Should You Visit Kashmir in Winter?
Due to extreme cold weather, winter is not the best time for many people to visit Kashmir. However, it is the best time for winter sports lovers. Snow all around makes you feel as if you are amid a white sea, and places like Gulmarg are quite enchanting. Winter is the best time to visit Kashmir if you love cold weather and like playing in the snow.
The Primary Attractions in Kashmir in Winter
The entire region of Jammu and Kashmir is enchanting. However, the following places are the ones you must explore in winter in your Kashmir tour:
- Sonamarg – Sonmarg is totally white. Covered with snow, each part looks like a place in a fairytale. Visit Sonmarg in December or January if you are a snow lover.
- Gulmarg – Are you fond of skiing and winter sports? If so, pack your bag and explore Gulmarg from mid-December to the end of January. The whole landscape is a snowy wonderland.
- Drang Waterfall – It is a frozen wonder that you must explore during the peak of winter. Include it in the itineraries of your Kashmir trip.
- Patnitop – Do you want to explore Kashmir peacefully? Patnitop is an ideal place to explore for breathtaking snowscapes with fewer crowds.
Spring in Kashmir (March to May)
Spring in Kashmir usually starts in the last week of February and continues into the first half of May each year. The temperature usually remains 10°C to 25°C. The weather starts to warm up, and the entire valley becomes a canvas of many colours. Flowers like daffodils, tulips, and hyacinths cover the whole region, especially the Mughal Garden.
Why Should You Visit Kashmir in Spring?
Spring is the best season to go to Kashmir due to the explosion of colours. Kashmir has Asia’s largest Tulip Garden, filled with vibrant tulip flowers. In addition, emerald-green meadows, blossoming almond trees, and mild weather make the entire valley even more attractive.
Things to Do in Kashmir in Spring (Primary Attractions)
Spring in Kashmir is the ideal time for nature lovers. Warm & sunny weather, blue skies, and colourful flowers make the valley ideal for people of all ages. Here is a list of places to visit or things to do in Kashmir in spring:
- Mughal Garden – In spring, Mughal Garden blooms at its best. It has a colourful carpet of roses and tulips. The season is the best time to visit Kashmir for photography and picnics.
- Dal Lake – Riding a shikara in the early morning, exploring floating markets, and experiencing lotus blooms in Dal Lake is a romantic getaway.
- Pahalgam – It is a must-visit place for tourists on a Kashmir tour in spring, particularly for nature lovers. The sites to explore in this region are the Lidder River and Betaab Valley.
- Gulmarg – Love gondola rides and trekking? March to May is the best time to visit in Kashmir. Include Gulmarg in your Kashmir itinerary.
Summer in Kashmir (June and July)
Summer in Kashmir starts in mid-May and continues till the end of July, sometimes into August. It is the best time to visit Jammu and Kashmir if you want an escape from extreme heat.
The temperature ranges from 15°C to 30°C, and the weather is warm but not uncomfortable. Summer is the ideal time to explore crystal clear lakes, green meadows, and hill stations like Pahalgam, Gulmarg, and Sonmarg.
From gondola rides in Gulmarg to shikara rides in Dal Lake and Mughal Garden, you have numerous places to visit and things to do. Based on your preferences and needs, you can choose the place and activities for your Kashmir trip.
Monsoon in Kashmir (July to September)
The monsoon brings relief from summer heat, particularly in places like Jammu. The minimum temperature is around 15°C, while the maximum temperature never exceeds 30°C. As a result, the entire region of Jammu & Kashmir remains warm and a little humid, except in the mornings.
Why Should You Visit Jammu & Kashmir in Monsoon?
Usually, the monsoon is an off-season for Kashmir tourism. So, there’s no crowd, and you can easily access the places or things you want. Rains come and go, making the weather highly comfortable.
Places to Explore or Things to Do in Kashmir in Monsoon
The monsoon is the best season to go to Kashmir to experience its misty scenery and greenery. During the monsoon, you can explore:
- Aharbal Waterfall – During the monsoon, this waterfall offers a delightful experience to nature lovers. The water plunges from a higher height, creating a soothing atmosphere around the Aharbal Waterfall.
- Dachigam National Park – Forests around this park are alive due to additional greenery. The monsoon is the best time to visit Kashmir if you are a wildlife lover.
- Yusmarg – It becomes stunning after the rainfall. Surrounding greenery makes it ideal for serene walks and a quieter retreat.
Autumn in Kashmir (October to November)
The temperature ranges from 9°C to 20°C, and the weather is starting to get cold. During early mornings and late nights, temperatures can drop to 0°C. You can feel quite cold if you are from a warmer place. During the day, you can feel the warm weather.
Why Should You Visit Jammu & Kashmir in Autumn?
The beauty of the entire region is breathtaking during autumn. Chinar trees’ leaves turn gold and copper. Trees across the region have red, gold, and yellow leaves that keep falling to the ground. It seems the ground is carpeted with red and yellow leaves. The scene or view is totally unforgettable and spectacular.
Best Places to Visit in Jammu & Kashmir in Autumn
The whole region of Jammu & Kashmir in autumn is a golden wonderland, with the changing colours of the Chinar trees’ leaves. It makes autumn the best time to visit in Kashmir, particularly for photographers and peace lovers. Here are a few places to explore in Kashmir in autumn:
- Chinar Bagh (Srinagar) – The fallen red, gold, and yellow leaves of Chinar trees create a carpet on the bagh ground. It makes the whole scenery stunning.
- Sonmarg – Before the arrival of winter, the entire valley seems like an artist’s dream. The whole valley offers a golden scenic hike.
Conclusion
The best time to visit Kashmir varies from person to person. For snow or winter sports lovers, winter is ideal. The time from spring to summer is ideal for adventure and nature lovers. Monsoon is ideally not suitable. However, autumn is the best time to visit Kashmir for peace and photography.
Deciding the purpose of your Kashmir tour can help you know the most suitable time for you. At Cholan Tours, we offer personalised Kashmir tour packages for travellers like you. Visit our website to choose an ideal package or consult our representatives to get a personalised package for your Kashmir trip.
FAQs
1. Which is the best time to visit Kashmir?
The best time to visit Kashmir is March to early May, as the weather is comfortable. However, it differs from one traveller to another based on what they want to experience. For example, winter (November/December to February) is ideal for people who love winter sports or want to experience snowfall.
2. When should I visit Kashmir to experience snowfall?
December to early February is the right time to experience snowfall in Kashmir.
3. What is the ideal time to visit Gulmarg?
March to June is the best time to visit Gulmarg.
4. What is the best season to go to Kashmir?
Spring is the best season to go to Kashmir.
5. Why should I visit Kashmir in winter?
You should visit Kashmir in winter to witness its snow-covered landscapes, experience the frozen charm of the Dal Lake, and enjoy winter sports like skiing in Gulmarg.
