Kashmir is a dream destination for many, globally. While some are fascinated by its snowfall, several are captivated by its pleasant summer weather. Most belong to the latter category. They simply want to enjoy Kashmir’s soothing beauty and capture those lovely moments in their camera. So, the most popular time to visit Kashmir is from March to June, when the weather is pleasant, and most of the roads are open for commute.
But that’s only a part of the multi-faceted Kashmir. Everyone has their unique reason to visit the place. Therefore, the best time to visit Kashmir varies with the activities one wants to indulge in. The place and its charm keep changing with the season. Accordingly, let’s look at the best time to visit Jammu and Kashmir for various activities and tourism objectives.
The Best Time to Visit Srinagar
Srinagar is one of the most famous destinations in Kashmir. The city features many tourist attractions such as Dal Lake, Nishat Garden, Shankaracharya Hill, Nigeen Lake, Mughal Gardens, Shalimar Bag, etc. Many tourists throng Srinagar throughout various seasons annually to experience Srinagar’s pleasant weather and incredible beauty despite persistent terror threats.
Srinagar is considered a year-round destination. However, the best time to visit Srinagar is from April to October. The weather during this period is the best-suited for tourism. From April to September, the temperature ranges from 15 to 30 degrees Celsius. The days feel warm. But during the nights, the temperature drops considerably, thus making the nights cooler and more pleasant.
Some people love visiting Srinagar during the winters as well. During winters, the minimum and maximum temperatures range between zero and 15-16 degrees Celsius. In Kashmir, winters begin a bit earlier compared to other places in India. While the rest of India experiences cold waves during December and January, temperatures in Srinagar begin plummeting from October.
The Best Time to Visit Kashmir with Family
For people looking to visit Kashmir with their family, the best time to visit Kashmir, as stated earlier, is March through October. This is the period when Kashmir’s weather is pleasant and the day and night temperatures are bearable for almost everyone, irrespective of the part of the country to which they belong. During summers, the average minimum and maximum temperature are 14-15 degrees Celsius and around 29-30 degrees Celsius.
That’s also the time when most of the tourist destinations are open, and commuting isn’t as much a concern as it could be during winters. Nevertheless, you must remember, this is also the time when Kashmir is crowded. Finding hotels and flights at the last moment during this season can prove challenging. Hence, if you plan to visit Jammu and Kashmir during the summers, ensure you reserve your tickets and hotels in advance.
Should you be a newly married coupled searching for the best time to visit Kashmir for a honeymoon, the time of your visit will significantly depend on what you like. For instance, if you are a couple that wants to enjoy snowfall and indulge in throwing snowballs at each other outside your hotel, winter is the best time. However, if you love traveling to different places, you must consider visiting Kashmir during the summers.
The Best Time to Visit the Tulip Garden
The mesmerizing sight of the perfectly planted multi-colored tulips catches the fancy of many across the globe. Additionally, the heavenly fragrance of the flowers, coupled with the light breeze, forms a refreshing experience. The garden is situated nine kilometers from Srinagar. It is developed on a mountain slope and covers an area of 30 acres. It comprises seven terraces with various flowers, prominently tulips.
Now, what is the best time to visit the Tulip Garden? It is between March-end and early April. If you wish to visit the annual Tulip Festival, the first two weeks of April are the right time to visit.
The Best Time to Visit Gulmarg
Nestled in the western Himalayas, Gulmarg is a tiny hamlet, the beauty of which transcends words. However, while beauty is one aspect, the place is also one of the most famous ski destinations. So, from honeymooners brewing love for each other to solo travelers exploring every bit of the beautiful nature, you’ll find a variety of people walking around and enjoying Gulmarg’s spellbinding beauty.
Gulmarg has a heavy tourist footfall throughout the year. However, winter and summers are when tourists crowd the place in large numbers. Again, people who wish to enjoy the snowfall prefer winters, and those who wish to explore greenery and experience Gulmarg with their family, the best time to visit the place in summer.
The peak season of Gulmarg starts in March and lasts until June. On the other hand, October to February is the shoulder season, and July to September is the low season. From October to March, the temperature ranges between 3-4 degrees Celsius to 10-11 degrees Celsius. April onwards, the region starts turning warmer with a minimum of 12-13 degrees Celsius and a maximum playing in the late twenties to early thirties.
Winters, in particular, are harsh. During November, the temperatures plunge to the sub-zero level. In December, nature covers the region with a thick sheet of snow. People who aren’t familiar with such low temperatures may find it difficult to acclimatize. If you are one among them, you must think twice before visiting Gulmarg during winters. Summers may suit more such people.
The Best Time to Visit Kashmir – Different Seasons
You may visit Kashmir during any time of the year, based on your choice, tourism objectives, and your ability to acclimatize with the region’s weather. Let’s look at Kashmir’s weather during different seasons.
- March to May
As mentioned earlier, this is the right time to visit Kashmir, as, during these days, the weather turns pleasant, with temperatures between 15-16 and 29-30 degrees Celsius. The amazing weather calls for a Shikara ride across the serene Dal Lake. Additionally, tourism blossoms across Sonamarg, Amarnath, Pahalgam, etc. But given the crowds during this season, it is prudent to book the tour in advance.
- June to September
Rains relieve the summer heat significantly. While the temperature remains more or less in the range similar to summers, rains can increase the humidity a bit, especially in Jammu. Apple growers pick apples during the monsoon. So, if you are an apple-lover, the monsoon is the best time to visit Kashmir.
- October to November
Also known as autumn, from October to November, the temperature ranges between nine to ten degrees and about 18-20 degrees Celsius. October to November isn’t winter, although it could be termed the onset of the cold season to follow. Some of the best places to visit Kashmir in autumn include Srinagar and Dachigam, when the trees appear reddish-golden, and the overall site turns splendid.
- November to February
November to February is the time when winter is at its peak across the valley. In many places, the temperatures fall to sub-zero. If you love extreme winters and are confident of pulling it off amidst the harsh weather, Kashmir won’t disappoint you as a tourist place.
Unfortunately, the terror threats and attacks with which the stunning valley has remained plagued have adversely affected tourism throughout the region. Terrorist incidences and statistics have reduced since the abrogation of Article 370. However, a lot is yet to be done and achieved. Nevertheless, with the situation improving by the day and investments flowing into the region, we may see tourism prospering at a higher rate than ever. We hope these insights help you decide your best time to visit Kashmir.
