Often referred to as the paradise on earth, Kashmir offers everything that a tourist can dream of. From pristine lakes to snow-capped mountains, the state’s natural beauty is unsurpassable. What’s more, it’s perfect for all kinds of travellers, including solo travellers, group travellers, families, and honeymoon couples. And each season brings something beautiful to the place. This is why it’s best to decide the time of the year you are going to visit before planning your Kashmir itinerary. Crimson chinar leaves of autumn, vibrant tulips of the spring, snow-covered mountains of winter, and lush green meadows of summer - every season in Kashmir is fascinating. And while all times are perfect to visit, you should plan your trip based on the kind of experience you are looking for.
In this blog, we will share with you the best time to visit Kashmir. Further, we will discuss the various kinds of experiences you can expect every season. So, let’s delve right into the details.
The Best Time to Visit Kashmir - An Overview
Before we step into the specifics of what Kashmir offers during each season, let us share with you an overview of these seasons. Any time you travel to Kashmir, you will get a memorable and unique experience. Nonetheless, you must keep the weather in mind before you plan your trip. The following are the range of temperatures, in degrees Celsius, that you can expect during various seasons:
? Winter Season: -2 to 12
? Monsoon Season: 13 to 17
? Summer Season: 15 to 30
Ideally, the best time to visit Kashmir is from March to October. Not only are the flowers in their full bloom but also the weather is not too cold. However, being the peak season, the prices of flights and hotels are at their peak as well. Also, the place can be well-crowded during these months due to the ideal weather. Thus, you can also plan to visit during other times of the year.
Below, we have discussed what you can expect during each season in Kashmir.
Summer Season (March to June)
The summer season in Kashmir starts in March and lasts till early June. The climate makes it ideal for sightseeing since it is neither too cold nor too hot. You can expect the temperature from 15 degrees Celsius to 30 degrees Celsius during the day. Exploring the places through long morning walks is a pleasant experience.
During these months, you can visit highly popular tourist places in Kashmir like Gulmarg, Pahalgam, and Srinagar. The Gondola Cable Car Ride, pony rides on the lush green meadows, and playing golf at the Golf Course are some activities you can perform. Also, since the snow has melted by this time, you can go for a shikara ride on the Dal Lake or Nageen Lake in Srinagar to get the perfect Kashmiri experience of the on-lake lifestyle. Further, you can also go shopping on the floating market.
Monsoon Season (July to September)
The rains in Kashmir begin in July, marking the beginning of the monsoon season. Lasting till the end of September, the season is a great time to visit, considering the lush greens. Some tourists tend to avoid travelling to Kashmir during monsoons because of heavy rainfalls. However, others simply like to adore nature’s beauty when it is in its full bloom. And if you are somebody who loves apples, August is the time for you to taste these mouthwatering, Kashmiri apples. You can also go apple-picking for a little fun and adventure. Needless to say, the rewards are worth it all.
The greenery of meadows and valleys will make you want to extend your stay in Kashmir. And since it is not a peak season, travelling to the state during monsoon will give you a refreshing experience, away from the hustle and bustle of busy cities.
Winter Season (October to February)
Beginning in October, the winter season in Kashmir can be really chilly, especially for the ones who are habitual of living in warm climates. The temperatures can go as low as -2 degrees Celsius. So if you wish to soak yourself in the glimmering white beauty of Kashmir between the months of October and February, remember to pack as many warm clothes as you can.
The picturesque views of snow-capped mountains and frozen lakes will remain engraved in your memory forever. And with snow come the most adventurous activities that you can go for. Not only can you enjoy the snowfall during winter but also go skiing, snowboarding, skating, and Gondola cable car riding.
The places that you must add to your itinerary for Kashmir during the winter season are Pahalgam, Sonmarg, Srinagar, and Gulmarg. You will get to witness one of the many wonders of nature - snowfall. And if you are visiting with your partner for a romantic experience, watching the blankets of snow on the Pir Panjal range will leave you mesmerized.
When to Visit Kashmir?
We have laid out the specifics of each season in order to help you decide when to plan your Kashmir trip. However, if you are still confused, the following will make it easier for you to schedule:
Summer Season: Plan your trip to Kashmir during the summer if you are looking to go on thrilling adventures like trekking and camping. It is also perfect for shikara rides and overnight stays on houseboats.
Monsoon Season: If the main motive behind your trip to Kashmir is the experience of natural beauty in peace, this is the best time to visit. The places are less crowded and the flight and hotel prices are low as well.
Winter Season: To all snow lovers, we recommend planning a vacation to Kashmir during the winter season. Activities like skiing, snowboarding, and skating will make your stay even more fun.
The Bottom Line
Kashmir is a visual treat throughout the year, which is why there is no particular time that is the best for visiting. Nonetheless, you can schedule your vacation based on the kind of adventure you seek and the type of weather you are the most comfortable with. So will you choose to watch lush green meadows and blooming tulips or snow-covered mountains and frozen lakes?
