Kashmir is a full year tourist destination; nature has bestowed Kashmir with natural beauty and adventure sports potential at the same time. Kashmir climate is divided into four Seasons namely Spring, Summer, Autunm and Winter.
Spring: March – April – May
March is the onset of spring season in Kashmir Valley. The weather starts to improve the temperatures start to rise gradually and Snow in lower areas starts to melt. Ending March is the season when tulips start to bloom in Tulip Garden Srinagar. The agriculture activity starts in Kashmir during this season, Almond, Apricot and Cherry trees start to blossom, the paddy fields are blooming with mustard flowers. The weather is mostly pleasant but you need to keep summer cool clothing with you. Sleeve less jackets and sweaters are mostly used in this season.
Places to visit during spring in Kashmir: Badaam Wari, Tulip Garden, Dachigam, Hokar Sar, Aru Valley, Sonmarg, Gulmarg, Drang, Pahalgam, Wular Lake, Yusmarg
Best Time to Visit For: Snow, Cherry Blossom, Almond Blossom, Bird Migration, Flowing Streams, Tulip Festival
Summer: June – July – August – September
June is the start of summers in Kashmir the mercury starts to go above 26 C and the weather is pleasant. This time of the year Kashmir is on a full bloom, the gardens are lush green with all the flowers vibrantly adding to the beauty of the gardens. Trekking in Kashmir starts from June mid onwards, the snow melts in the higher altitudes making way for visiting the high-altitude lakes, high pastures and meadows. It is among the high season time in Kashmir, tourist all over the globe come to witness the beauty of Kashmir. The fruits start to ripe towards the end of July and September. You don’t need any woolens at this time of the year apart from light sweater or wind cheater if you are visiting places at higher altitude.
Places to visit during spring in Kashmir: Badaam Wari, Tulip Garden, Dachigam, Hokar Sar, Aru Valley, Sonmarg, Gulmarg, Drang, Pahalgam, Wular Lake, Yusmarg, Aharbal, Achabal, Kokernag, Daksum, Sinthan Top, Gurez, Bangus, Thajwas, Dal Lake
Trekking: Vishansar & Kishansar Lakes, Gangbal & Nundkol Lakes, Kashmir Great Lakes Trek, Kounsarnag, Alpathar lake, Baisaran, Kongwattan, and many more treks and camps
Best Time to Visit For: Trekking, orchards, Leisure , Flowing Streams, Cultural tours, Biking Tours.
Autumn: October – November
The season that can bring out the hidden poet inside you in the autumn in Kashmir. It’s also known as the golden season of Kashmir. The trees turn yellow and golden brown in this season. Many people prefer to visit Kashmir during this time, particularly foreigners and the poet class. This time is also good for honeymooners as the mild day temperatures and colder night temperatures play a big role in staying together. The famous Chinar tree has got its name in this season as the Persian word Chi-nar means “Like Fire”. The Chinar leafs turn Golden fiery during this season. The tree looks like a ball of fire at the time of sunrise and sunset, so the name Chi-Naar. Naseem Bagh university campus in Srinagar is a famous place to visit at this time in Kashmir. The autumn season is also known as the season of poetry and nostalgia.
Must see places during autumn in Kashmir: Naseem Bagh, Shalimar Bagh, Dachigam, Safron Fields of Pampore, Hokar Sar, Srinagar Golf Course, Residency Road Srinagar, Drang Water Fall, Pahalgam Village Life, Apple Orchards, SPS Museum
Best Time To Visit For: Honeymoon, Holidays, Photography Tours, Cultural Tours, Business Tours, Destination Weddings. Apple Picking, Saffron picking
Winter: December – January – February
Snow the word in itself is a temptation for those who live in coastal or hot regions and for Kashmir it’s a blessing. Every year Kashmir witnesses snow fall in December January February. In lower areas like cities and towns the snow fall can be between 3 inches to 24 Inches but on higher reaches and villages the snow fall can range between 2 feet to 12 feet. December January February is the winter season in Kashmir which begins from November onward. Temperatures start to dip with every passing day you can have bright sunny days but the winds are cold. The temperatures can dip up-to -10°C at some places. Usually you will witness lesser flow of tourists in Kashmir during this time. Winter is also the off season for tourism in Kashmir. Hotels and flights are cheaper than summers and you can get good deals on your holidays during this season. After the snowfall the valley of Kashmir is covered with the blanket of white snow all over, temperatures dip, Kangri’s (Kashmiri Fire Pot) are out to keep Kashmiri people warm.
Must see places during winters in Kashmir: Frozen Dal Lake, Gulmarg Gondola, Handicraft Centers, Drang Tangmarg, Wular Lake, Hokar Sar, Jehlum Bund Srinagar, Boulevard Road, Shanker Acharaya, Hari Parbhat Forte.
Best Time To Visit For: Snowfall, Skiing, Snowboarding, Frozen Lake View, Handicraft Shopping.
What is the best time to visit Kashmir?
All in all, Kashmir is four season destination it only depends on what kind of climate, weather and activities you prefer on a holiday. Going by the tourism trends in Kashmir, most of the travelers prefer to visit Kashmir in warm weather, that is from mid of March to end of September. The peak months for tourism are May June July & August. However, to enjoy snowfall in valley 3rd week of December to 1st week of January is the best time to visit Kashmir. You can visit in spring season between March to May and can still enjoy Snow in Gulmarg and Sonmarg. Kashmir is a soothing experience for the eyes and the soul of a nature lover, no matter what season which month you choose, you will love the way Kashmir presents itself. Many people in India visit Kashmir as it is a pocket friendly tour destination in India or in other words cheapest tour destination in India.
