Best time to visit Jammu and Kashmir

Best time to visit Jammu and Kashmir

The best time to visit Jammu and Kashmir depends largely on the types of experiences you are looking for. Called Paradise on Earth, the state of Jammu and Kashmir is truly a tiny piece of heaven. Snow-clad mountains, pristine lakes, and surreal landscapes make up this region. There is a little something for everyone here, so read this article to find out the best time to visit Jammu and Kashmir based on your preferences.

Best time to visit Jammu and Kashmir

Aptly known as heaven on earth, Jammu and Kashmir is one of the most popular tourist destinations in India. There is no particular best time to visit this state. Most people prefer March to August, which is the spring and summer season in Kashmir. During this time, the climate is pleasant and you can explore the outdoors. Plus, all the trees and plants are in full bloom, making the scenery simply beautiful to look at. A lot of people also visit Jammu and Kashmir for the winter wonderland that is created from December to February. As a thick sheet of snow covers some regions of the state, it is the ideal time to indulge in winter activities such as skiing and sledding. Similarly, autumn, from September to November, is also a very beautiful time to visit, as the leaves start falling and covering the roads in hues of red and gold, and the temperature begins to dip. Monsoon is usually an off-season for tourism in Jammu and Kashmir, although it makes the region equally mesmerizing.

Winter season in Jammu and Kashmir (December to February)

If you want to experience the snowy wonderland that is Kashmir, visit in the winter season from December to February. The temperature ranges from -8 to 12 degrees Celsius. You will experience rainfall in the plans and snowfall in the upper regions. December and January are the coldest months in Jammu and Kashmir, and experience a very harsh winter.

You might think that winter is not a very good time to visit Jammu and Kashmir, but you will actually find a lot of tourists during this season who have come to enjoy the winter sports and activities available during this season, like riding in a cable car, skiing, skating, or sledding through the snow. There are also many treks that take place in winter. Make sure to book your tickets and accommodations in advance, since the prices are high and they can get sold out quickly.

Jammu is the winter capital of the state, since it is less cooler and more accessible during the winter months.

Best places to visit in winter in Jammu and Kashmir

Gulmarg, Sonmarg, Pahalgam, Srinagar, Patnitop

Kashmir turns into a snowy wonderland in winter

Spring season in Jammu and Kashmir (March to May)

In spring, the wildflowers start blooming and leaves and flowers start sprouting from the trees where snow has melted. There is a good chance of rainfall or even snowfall in some regions. It is still a bit cold, but the climate is pleasant. Temperatures range from 2 to 19 degrees Celsius. It is one of the best times for tourism in Kashmir. It is a good time for couples to visit, as the fragrance of new blooms makes the weather romantic. There are flowers blooming everywhere, plus the Tulip Festival that takes place in April.

It is a good time for bird watching, trekking, camping, sightseeing, or simply exploring the region. One of the most ideal times to visit Jammu and Kashmir, you will be in awe of all the beauty surrounding you in spring.

Best places to visit in spring in Jammu and Kashmir

Gulmarg, Betaab Valley, Nishat Bagh, Sonamarg

Dal Lake, Srinagar

Summer season in Jammu and Kashmir (June to August)

Jammu and Kashmir have a pleasant climate during summer, with temperatures hovering between 15 and 30 degrees Celsius. The snow starts to melt over the valley, and it is a great time to explore the outdoors. All the roads open up in summer, which means you can also visit some offbeat places in the state, along with the popular destinations like Gulmarg, Pahalgam, and Srinagar. Jammu tends to get quite hot in summer, so try to stay in Kashmir as much as possible.

It is also a good time for trekking – there are many popular treks in Jammu and Kashmir, such as the Kolahoi Glacier Trek, Tarsar Marsar Trek, and Naranag Trek. A lot of pilgrims visit Amarnath during the Amarnath Yatra in summer. Honeymooners will find it a pleasant time to visit the state. Enjoy a shikara ride in Dal Lake, or better yet, stay in a houseboat.

It is the peak tourist season in Kashmir, so everything often gets sold out quickly. Plus, the prices are inflated during this time, as the state is largely dependent on tourism for its income. So make sure to book everything in advance. Srinagar is the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir.

Best places to visit in summer in Jammu and Kashmir

Gurez Valley, Sinthan Top, Bangus Valley, Yusmarg

Summer in Jammu and Kashmir is a beautiful time to visit

Monsoon season in Jammu and Kashmir (June to September)

Summer and monsoon in Jammu and Kashmir kind of overlap with each other. The state receives significant rainfall in the monsoon season, with heavy rains in July. The climate turns lush green, but there is always a risk of landslides and roadblocks. The temperatures can rise up to 30 degrees Celsius even with the rains, since many regions become humid.

Monsoon is an off-season for tourism in Jammu and Kashmir. So if you plan a trip here during this time, you will find less crowds and great discounts on flights and accommodation. However, make sure to check the weather forecasts regularly before planning your days.

Best places to visit in monsoon in Jammu and Kashmir

Dal Lake, Pahalgam, Yousmarg, Aru Valley

Monsoon in Kashmir is a sight to behold

Autumn season in Jammu and Kashmir (September to November)

India has only three main seasons – winter, summer, and monsoon. However, the northernmost states of India also experience the beautiful autumn season. A vibrant explosion of red, orange, and gold hues all around, the region offers a picturesque landscape. The temperatures range from 9 to 20 degrees Celsius during the day. The climate is cool and dry, with a slight chill in the air. It is a good time for tourism – you will see a good number of tourists in autumn.

It is also the season for harvesting apples and walnuts in Kashmir. You will find apple-picking and harvesting going on in many places, and if you are lucky, you might even get a chance to pick some apples to take back with you.

Best places to visit in autumn in Jammu and Kashmir

Shalimar Bagh, Pari Mahal, Nishat Bagh, Vaishno Devi

Mughal Gardens

Festivals and events in Jammu and Kashmir

Tulip Festival: Taking place over two weeks in April, the Tulip Festival celebrates the blooming of tulips in the spring season at the Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden. There are over 50 varieties of tulips at the festival, and people from all over the world come to see the beauty of the blossoming tulips in all their glory.

Shikara Festival: The Shikara Festival is celebrated on the gorgeous Dal Lake for two days in July or August each year. The festival celebrates the traditional wooden boats, called shikara, that can be found in the lakes in Kashmir. The shikaras are beautifully decorated and showcased, while there are also shikara races, canoe polo, and the dragon boat race during the festival.

Baisakhi: The New Year of the Sikh community, Baisakhi offsets the harvest season in India. Celebrated in April, there are many celebrations that take place on this day, such as traditional rituals, devotional music, and martial arts. People perform Bhangra, a traditional dance form, while there are many events organized by schools and colleges.

Gurez Festival: The Gurez Festival takes place in July or August in the mesmerizing Gurez Valley. The people of the valley showcase their culture through various handicrafts, cuisines, and fun activities like painting, drawing, musical performances, as well as river rafting, trekking, zorbing, and more.

Lohri: Lohri is celebrated in mid-January to celebrate the harvest of sugarcane crops in Jammu and Kashmir. People gather around a bonfire and sing songs, dance, and eat winter delicacies made of jaggery and peanuts.

Tulip Festival in Kashmir

Is it safe to visit Jammu and Kashmir?

This question is often asked while planning a trip to the state of Jammu and Kashmir. Yes, it is safe to visit Jammu and Kashmir. People are under the notion that the situation in Kashmir often gets risky or volatile due to the political uncertainty. This is true – there have been many attacks in Kashmir in the last two decades. However, the places of political unrest, like Pulwama and Tral, are not tourist destinations, and won’t be recommended by any tourist guide or agency.

In fact, in the entire two decades, not a single tourist was hurt in this state. Plus, Kashmir is one of the safest places for female solo travelers. The people here are warm and welcoming, and you will find that Jammu and Kashmir offers great hospitality to tourists.

Tips to enjoy your trip to Jammu and Kashmir

• Jammu and Kashmir is safe for tourists, but always stay aware of your surroundings. Make sure you are not going completely off the track in any isolated place. Avoid areas with civil disturbances.
• Pack appropriately. Jammu and Kashmir is cold for a majority of the year, so make sure to carry warm, woolen clothes. Also keep an umbrella or raincoat with you, in case of unexpected rains.
• Keep yourself updated with the latest news and weather forecast. It is always good to know what is happening before planning ahead.
• Hire local guides and drivers. Locals are familiar with the road conditions and terrain of the region, which means they can escort you safely from one location to another.
• Always stay hydrated, and keep a water bottle and some snacks with you at all times if you are traveling for long distances.
• While you are in Jammu and Kashmir, do try their authentic local dishes such as Rogan Josh, Yakhni curry, or Kahwa.
• Respect the local culture and traditions, and be aware of your surroundings. Do not engage in any political debates with the locals or hurt their sentiments.

So, when are you planning your trip to Jammu and Kashmir? Let us know! At India Someday, we plan personalized trips to India for you, based on your requirements and interests. Contact us, and together we can plan your perfect trip to India!