Kashmir is one of the most popular travel destinations in our country. With boundless natural beauty, Kashmir offers a glimpse of snowy peaks, serene lakes, undulating hills and valleys and winding trails. It is also a storehouse of culture, art, history, music and folk dance and music. Every traveller can find what they are looking for, in Kashmir. Whether that is an escape in nature, learning about a new culture or simply a spiritual journey filled with peace.

Every season brings with it beautiful changes in the landscape and topography of Kashmir. Tourists can therefore enjoy different aspects of this destination, at different times of the year. There are however, certain months during which one can fully enjoy all that Kashmir has to offer. Here is a guide to the best time to visit Kashmir with family:

Seasons in Kashmir

Kashmir experiences four main seasons, i.e. spring, summer, monsoon and winter. The temperatures during all these seasons are quite different. During summer and spring, the temperatures can reach 30 degrees Celsius and are generally not lower than 15 degrees Celsius. The monsoon is a bit colder, with temperatures ranging from 13 degrees Celsius to 17 degrees Celsius. Winter, on the other hand, experiences extreme climate, with temperatures dropping to -2 degrees Celsius and not exceeding 12 degrees Celsius. 

Keeping in mind the climatic conditions, it is safe to say that the best season to visit Kashmir is late spring, summer and early monsoon when the temperatures are pleasant and there is plenty of natural beauty to be seen. Thus, the period from March to October is considered optimum for a visit to Kashmir. 

March to June 

The period from March to June is the time of late spring and summer. This is considered to be the perfect time for a trip to Kashmir. There are a number of reasons that make this period ideal. Firstly, the climate is extremely pleasant, being neither too hot nor too cold. Since summers in Kashmir don’t reach very high temperatures, there isn’t much danger of getting exhausted due to the heat. There also isn’t the need to carry bulky sweaters and tourists can venture out freely without considerations of extreme cold. Furthermore, summertime is when the snow on the hills and valleys melts and the lovely flora of the region reveals itself. Tourists can explore green, grassy hills and valleys, full of bright, blooming flowers. At the same time, they can view the snow-capped mountains in the distance which do not melt even in summer. Trekking or hiking plans can be made easily in such weather. Rivers and streams are also brimming with the melted snow and thus are perfect for activities like rafting or boating.

Similarly, the months of summer also are perfect for cultural activities. The month of Ramzan is celebrated with great pomp in Kashmir during this period and tourists can partake in the various delicious foods as well as other festivities. Pilgrims to places like Amarnath and Vaishno Devi also take place during this time, allowing visitors to experience the spiritual side of the region. However, since the months of March to June are the most popular season in Kashmir, the prices of travel and accommodation are bound to be higher than the rest of the year. Furthermore, because thousands of tourists flock to this region every year, one must plan the vacation and book tickets well in advance to ensure the plans are fixed before the hotels and flights fill up. 

July to September

The period from July to September is the monsoon time in Kashmir. While the region does not experience very heavy rainfall, this period is still not a very popular time to visit. Those who want a relaxing vacation can visit during this time and enjoy the greenery and the rainfall, while taking nature walks. The flowers and vegetation in this region really flourishes in the rain, which is why it can be a visual treat. However, it can be tough to take part in any other activities or winter sports during this time, since the weather conditions are not ideal for the same. Since July to September is considered off-season, the flight and hotel prices would be cheaper and thus tourists with a budget can take advantage of this to plan an affordable visit. 

October to February

The period of winter and early spring is also popular for tourists to visit Kashmir. While the temperatures in this time drop quite a bit and everything is blanketed by snow, it can still be a rewarding visit for those who love the cold weather and snowy locales. Tourists can view Kashmir covered in the pristine white snow and also take part in various winter activities such as snowboarding, skiing, skating, cable car rides, etc. Visitors can venture out early in the day to experience the natural beauty of the place and stay bundled in the warmth in their cosy hotels in the evenings. Since a lot of people visit during this time for the winter sports, tourists should plan and book their tickets well in advance during the winter time.