A month-by-month breakdown of Kashmir's weather so you can plan the trip you actually want.
Kashmir looks completely different depending on the season, and the trip you want (snow sports vs. houseboats and gardens in bloom) determines when you should actually go.
December – February: Snow Season
Gulmarg gets reliable snowfall for skiing and snowboarding, and Srinagar itself can see light snow. Dal Lake sometimes partially freezes. Pack heavy: night temperatures regularly drop below freezing.
March – May: Spring Bloom
Srinagar's Mughal gardens, Shalimar Bagh and Nishat Bagh, are at their best as tulips and blossoms come out. Weather is mild and this is a good window for sightseeing without the summer crowds.
June – August: Peak Summer
The most popular window, and for good reason: pleasant weather across Srinagar, Gulmarg and Pahalgam. It's also the busiest and priciest time to book, so plan ahead if you're traveling in these months.
September – November: Autumn Colours
Chinar trees turn gold and red across Srinagar, and the crowds thin out again. A quieter, photogenic alternative to summer if your dates are flexible.
