The best time to visit Srinagar is throughout the year. The bejeweled capital of the mesmerizing state of Kashmir, Srinagar is truly a place worth visiting. With pleasant climate throughout the year, there is no specific time to visit Srinagar – it depends on the kind of experiences you want. Read on to find out the best time to visit Srinagar for you!
Winter season in Srinagar (December to February)
From December to February, Srinagar turns into a winter wonderland. With temperatures ranging from -4 to 15 degrees Celsius, the winter season brings plenty of snow and cold winds to Srinagar. If you wish to experience snowfall, this is the best time to visit Srinagar.
Stay on a houseboat in Dal Lake or Nigeen Lake, which are both frozen during this time. The Old City of Srinagar looks exceptionally beautiful coated in white. Travel to places like Gulmarg and Sonmarg if you want to experience winter activities such as snowboarding, skiing, sledding, and more. Keep yourself warm with kahwa tea, rogan josh, and local winter vegetables. The festival of Shivratri also takes place in this season.
However, this is also one of the peak tourist seasons in Srinagar. If you want to escape the crowds, visit Dachigam Wildlife Sanctuary, Pari Mahal, Pulwama, and Badgam. Shop for souvenirs like pashmina shawls to keep you cozy, Kashmiri carpets, and walnut wood carvings. 21 December to 31 January are the harshest 40 days of winter, and this period is locally called Chillai Kalan. Temperatures stay between -2 and 7 degrees Celsius, and it is one of the most authentic Kashmiri experiences you can witness along with locals.
Although many tourists visit Srinagar during the winter season, heavy snowfall can disrupt travel plans. Road blockages, power outages, and flight cancellations are a possibility in this season, so make sure you plan carefully and check the weather forecast beforehand. Carry warm woollens and thermals, since it can get very, very cold in winters.
Spring season in Srinagar (March to May)
March to May is the best time to visit Srinagar. Spring and early summer in the region, the temperatures range from 12 to 26 degrees Celsius, and the weather is cool and extremely comfortable. This is the best time for sightseeing and exploring the city.
Visit the Shalimar Garden, Nishat Bagh, Pari Mahal, and other Mughal Gardens, which are in full bloom during the season. The beautiful Tulip Festival takes place in this season at the Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden. Take a nice boat ride in Dal Lake, and go shopping in the floating markets of the lake. The mild temperatures are great for a houseboat stay.
For adventure enthusiasts, trekking and paragliding are the perfect activities for the season. You can also explore attractions like Jamia Masjid, Hazratbal Shrine, and Shah Hamdan Mosque in Old Srinagar. The festival of Baisakhi is celebrated in April in Srinagar.
Carry light woollens, sweaters and light jackets along with an umbrella or windcheater for unpredicted rain showers. Afternoons are usually sunny, so carry long sleeved cotton clothes, sunglasses, cap or hat, and sunscreen. Stay hydrated throughout the day.
Read more: Things to do in Srinagar
Summer season in Srinagar (June to August)
Since Srinagar is in the rainshadow region of the Pir Panjal ranges, it does not have a typical monsoon season like the rest of the country. June to August in Srinagar is largely summer season, with occasional showers, and temperatures stay below 30 degrees Celsius.
This is a good time for exploring the city, strolling through Old Srinagar, and shopping at Lal Chowk for local items. This is the time when trekking in Kashmir begins in full force. Try the Kashmir Great Lakes Trek, one of the most breathtaking treks in India, or go for shorter hikes and treks near Sonmarg and Pahalgam. Try white water rafting on Lidder River, or enjoy paragliding in the city.
This is the time to savor fresh local fruits like apples, cherries, plums, and apricots directly from the orchards, wazwan feasts, and authentic sweets. The Shikara Festival and Eid often take place during this season in Srinagar.
Carry light cottons, light jackets or shawl, sun protection, as well as rain protection. If you plan on trekking, carry sturdy shoes as well. Apply plenty of sunscreen, moisturizer, and lip balm, and carry a reusable water bottle with you to stay hydrated throughout the day.
Kashmir Great Lakes Trek (Picture credits: Trek the Himalayas)
Autumn season in Srinagar (September to November)
Autumn begins in September, and you can witness the magical transformation from summer to winter as the green foliage turns a beautiful golden. The temperatures range from 12 to 15 degrees Celsius, and the climate starts turning chilly. The Chinar trees display their red and orange leaves before shedding, and the region looks like something out of a postcard.
Visit the gardens, enjoy a picnic, ride in a shikara, or shop for souvenirs in Srinagar in autumn. A houseboat stay on Dal or Nigeen Lake is the perfect experience in autumn, since fewer tourists mean discounted prices. Visit Sonmarg before it is closed for the winter season, go on short treks and hikes, and if you are a photography enthusiast, you will get some of the most picturesque landscapes in autumn. Shop for saffron, walnuts, papier-mache, and pashmina.
Carry warm woollens, since the nights can get extremely chilly and the days too have a slight nip in the air. Apply moisturizer and lip balm, and stay hydrated.
Festivals and events in Srinagar
Shivratri: Shivratri is one of the main festivals among Kashmiri Pandits. Taking place in February or March, Shivratri is celebrated with traditional rituals, lighting of lamps, and food preparations like dum aloo and nadru yakhni.
Nuroz: Nuroz, or Navroz, is celebrated among the Kashmiri Shia community. It is the Persian New Year and takes place in March. The festival is observed with prayers, traditional Kashmiri delicacies and sweets, and family get-togethers.
Baisakhi: Baisakhi marks the harvest season. Celebrated by Hindus and Sikhs in April, people gather at temples or gurudwaras and at various fairs arranged across the region.
Tulip Festival: Taking place in March or April at Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden, the Tulip Festival attracts visitors from all over the world. With over thousands of tulips blooming in the fields, the event also includes Kashmiri cuisine, musical performances, and various stalls selling local handicrafts.
Shikara Festival: The Shikara Festival takes place at Dal Lake in May or June. A beautiful event celebrating the houseboats or shikaras of Srinagar, it features various cultural programs, boat races, and exhibitions showcasing local handicrafts and cuisine.
Apple Festival: Taking place in September or October, the Apple Festival is a celebration of Kashmir’s apple harvest. The local farmers and traders gather to showcase their apple produce along with other items like jams, juices, and dry fruits.
So, when will you be visiting Srinagar? Let us know! At India Someday, we curate personalized trips to India based on your requirements and necessities. Contact us and together we can plan the perfect trip to India for you!
Frequently Asked Questions
For a pleasant climate, March to October is a great time to visit Srinagar, but if you want to experience snow, visit the city during December to February.
Srinagar becomes a snowy wonderland from December to February, with freezing temperatures.
You need at least 3 days to experience Srinagar, but if possible plan a week-long itinerary, wherein you can enjoy a houseboat stay, visit the Mughal Gardens, and see historic monuments. In a week, you can also explore places like Gulmarg, Sonmarg, and Pahalgam.
About Aishwarya Shete
Aishwarya Shete is a content writer at India Someday. Her passions are writing, photography, and more importantly, food. She hopes to travel the world someday and document it through her pictures and words.
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