Best Time to Visit Kashmir

If Kashmir is often called ‘heaven on earth’, you have Mughal emperor Jahangir to thank for this observation. Best time to visit Kashmir is during the months of March to August. Tourists come to Kashmir valley so they too can witness this ‘heaven on earth’ and enjoy all that it offers. During this period two seasons are covered in Kashmir. Spring (March to early May) and Summer (early May to late August). The blossoms of spring and the cool weather of summer creates the perfect season to visit Kashmir during this time. The beauty is enough to transport you to another realm altogether. Kashmir’s beauty is indeed quite bewitching, and you will want to start making plans for the next trip right away.

Peak Season – Summer Shoulder Season – Autumn Low Season – Monsoon

Kashmir In Summer 

It doesn’t matter why you’re planning to visit Kashmir. But if you’re newly married and planning a romantic getaway, then the best time to visit Kashmir for honeymoon is in the summer. Summer in Kashmir extends from the months of June until August. This is the time when most people plan to visit the state which has often effusively been praised as being paradise on earth. Temperatures can vary between 14 to 30 degree Celsius, although sometimes summers have been known to be quite warm too. 

In summer, while hotel prices might go up, the weather is delightful and a shikhara ride on the mirrored surface of the gorgeous Dal Lake in Srinagar is simply unmissable. The best time to visit Srinagar is in summer when you’ll get a chance to observe the way of life of people in the valley. The Mughal Gardens are gorgeous and flowers bloom profusely during this time of the year. Many people believe it’s quite simply the best time to visit Jammu and Kashmir.

Other places like Pahalgam and Sonmarg are also beautiful during the summer, making it the best time to visit Kashmir. The weather is clear and gorgeous. And the sights are simply breath-taking at this time of the year.

Kashmir During Monsoon 

Most people might consider the monsoons to be an off-season in Kashmir. The advantage is that there are often good deals on hotels and tours so you will save money. The monsoons between September and November might get a bit chilly for your liking, so do come prepared with enough warm clothes as well as waterproof raincoats and umbrellas.

However, don’t let the weather discourage you. Some parts of Kashmir may not get much rainfall and the weather can be quite pleasant even during these months. It’s also the best time for apple-picking, so you might be able to enjoy this activity if you’re lucky. 

Kashmir During Autumn 

Many people vouch for the mesmerising beauty of Kashmir during the autumn months of September and October. In fact, they might even say that it is the best time to visit Kashmir. Kashmir’s famed Chinar trees turn different hues of gold during this time of the year. Trees are lush with these red-yellow leaves, and the ground is carpeted with them. 

Srinagar and its surrounding areas like Dachigam are unbelievably and hauntingly beautiful, making it quite possibly the best time to visit Jammu and Kashmir. The weather is cool and not freezing cold. But it’s always a good idea to carry woollen clothes with you if you are coming from warmer climes and are not used to the chilly evenings. 

Kashmir During Winter 

If you love the idea of a winter land, covered with snow as far as the eye can see, then you will love visiting in the months from November to February. This is the best time to visit Kashmir for snowfall. The weather is markedly colder now, with temperatures plunging to 0 and sometimes, well below. During winters, most people might be wary of visiting Kashmir, but there’s a good number of people who visit Gulmarg for adventure snow sports. 

Jammu has milder winters than Srinagar, which is why it’s considered the winter capital. However, be prepared for a lot of snow if you’re visiting Srinagar, Gulmarg or Sonmarg. The Pir-Panjal range is blanketed with snow, providing you with some sights that will delight your heart. If you love the cold weather and don’t mind crunching through the snow in boots, then indeed, this is the best time to visit Kashmir for snowfall.

Adventure enthusiasts can have their fill of skiing and snowboarding while the sights from the cable car rides are unforgettable. There’s snow all around you, and the sea of white becomes all the more pronounced in places like Gulmarg. 

Kashmir has always been a popular destination for families and honeymooners. In fact, several Bollywood films have been shot here, adding to its allure. A shikhara boatman on the Dal Lake will happily educate you about the different locations and movies that have been shot here, while taking you around the lake. 

No matter how much you’re prepared for it, Kashmir’s beauty will hit you hard and leave you breathless wanting for more. The sights, sounds and smells of this stunning valley, the smiles and kindness of the local Kashmiris will stay with you, long after you’ve left Kashmir. It will make you want to return soon, and you will realise that the best time to visit Kashmir is now, irrespective of what the weather is like. 

Do check the Aarabal Holidayz website where you can select some of the popular Kashmir tour packages which will make your trip easier and help you create unforgettable memories.

Tips – If you’re headed to Kashmir during the autumn months, do find out if there’s any apple-picking happening nearby so you can also join in, if it’s allowed. Another thing to remember is that despite being nearly normal weather for Kashmiris, you might still find it cold, so do pack your clothes as though for winter. Sometimes, it snows during this time too, so you don’t want to be caught unprepared.

If you have decided the best time to visit Kashmir, don’t forget to choose from one of Aarabal Holidayz exciting Kashmir Tour Packages. The sights of beautiful snow-capped mountains await you along with a host of unforgettable experiences that are uniquely Kashmiri.