What is the Best Time to Visit Kashmir?

If you are wondering about the best time to visit Kashmir then we are here to clear that doubt for you.

Kashmir is often regarded as a paradise on earth. It is on every traveler’s bucket list at one point or the other. Kashmir’s immense beauty attracts tourists from everywhere and every person who visits this place has a special place for the valley in his heart.

Many poets including Mirza Ghalib have spoken highly of the beauty of the region.

So, whether it is Indian or international tourists, thousands and thousands of people flock here every year to witness the magic that Kashmir holds. And whether it is families, honeymooners, or solo travelers, you will spot every kind of tourist here in the valley. 

If you too are planning to visit this beautiful valley of Kashmir then you have made a lovely decision. But when planning a trip to any destination, deciding when to visit it actually plays a huge role.

The time that you visit a place plays a huge role as it will determine the weather, climate, whether it is a peak season, etc. for the place. And it is very important to consider all these factors before you plan your trip.

While some destinations are suitable for tourists all year round, others may be unsuitable for tourism for specific seasons. So, here, in this article, we will tell you about the ideal time to visit Kashmir.

What is the Best Time to Visit Kashmir?

There are four main seasons in Kashmir namely summer, winter, spring, and autumn. Each season brings out an altogether different version of the valley. While the snow-capped mountains during the winter look nothing short of a wonderland straight out of a fairytale, the summer season has a charm of its own.

So here, we will tell you about the best time to visit for every kind of traveler and every kind of trip.

Best Time to Visit Kashmir According to Seasons

1. Summer and Kashmir

The summer in Kashmir starts in early May and ends in late August. While the rest of the country is battling the scorching summer heat, Kashmir still has pretty pleasant weather with the temperature soaring to not more than 30 degrees celsius.

So, if you are someone who lives in a hot or humid area and are looking for some time away from the scorching heat, summer is the ideal time for you to visit Kashmir. 

The climate during this time is also ideal for sightseeing as it is neither too hot nor too cold. You can explore the area by going for long morning walks, treks, boating on the Dal lake, going trout fishing, golfing, and enjoying a number of other activities. You can play some cricket too.

The temperature during this time is lovely as the gushing streams, the Chinar trees, the dense forests, the orchards, and the flowers, everything appears very enticing. The winter snow has started to melt and is forming rivulets, filling the brooks and rivers with fresh water.

All in all, summer is a wonderful time to visit Kashmir and enjoy the pleasant weather and plan out a host of different activities. But you also need to know that as summer is the peak season for travel in Kashmir, you need to book your trip months in advance.

Gulmarg, Pahalgam, Tangmarg, Sonmarg, Yousmarg, and some Mughal Monuments are a must-visit in summer. Some facets of Mughal Architecture you will find in Kashmir are just amazing. It is different and a lot more natural.

2. Autumn and Kashmir

Now, let’s discuss if autumn is the best time to visit Kashmir. The Autumn season begins in September and lasts till November in the beautiful valley of Kashmir. 

It is a magical time to visit the valley as this season is known as Kashmir’s ‘golden season’. In autumn, the afternoons are warm, nights are cold and the Chinar’s leaves have turned a beautiful golden yellow. 

The rustle of the leaves that have fallen down, the vibrant valleys, the misty atmosphere, and the beautiful gold-colored Chinars beautify Kashmir’s landscape all the more.

Autumn is also the harvesting season in Kashmir and you will find the harvesting of the most expensive spice in the world – saffron in full swing. So, you can enjoy the sight of the beautiful saffron fields or go apple picking in the vast apple orchards. Kashmir during this time is a beautiful treat for the eyes.

If you are there, don’t forget to get the best saffron along.

Autumn colors the valley in shades of browns, yellows, and oranges and the views are as beautiful as they can get. Autumn spent in Kashmir will charm you like nothing else.

Also as this isn’t a very touristy season, it will be easier to get good deals on hotels and flights. Keeping all of this in mind, autumn is definitely a good time to visit the valley. Dachigam National Park has to be on your visit list in Autumn.

Autumn is also the wedding season in Kashmir, you must have a few gushtabas, and ristas if a friend can arrange an entry for you to a Kashmiri Wedding Feast. Kashmiri cuisine is famous all across the globe, especially Wazwaan.

3. Winter and Kashmir

The coldest season of the valley begins in November/ early December and lasts till the beginning of March, with the temperatures going down to minus degrees. At this time don’t miss any Kashmiri tea such as the Kahwa and the Nun Chai.

Snowfall in Kashmir is magnificent and with white snow-carpeted mountains, the valley looks nothing short of a winter wonderland. It is undoubtedly a very magical time to visit Kashmir. However, winter is only the best time to visit Kashmir if you can enjoy very cold weather and snowfall. 

The whole of Kashmir is filled with snow and so this is also a wonderful time to enjoy some snow-related activities such as skiing and snowboarding. So, if you are someone who loves adventure sports, this is the best time to visit Kashmir for you.

Covered in a blanket of snow, Kashmir is sure to mesmerize you during the months of winter. So, if you are someone who loves and enjoys snow, visiting Kashmir during winters will be an unforgettable experience for you. 

Enjoy adventure sports and activities, take a cable car ride for a spectacular view of the snow-clad mountains, enjoy the local winter delicacies and behold the beauty that Kashmir has to offer.

Make sure that you pack lots of warm clothes and prepare yourself for an adventure of a lifetime. The easy pace of life in winter helps in arts such as Kashmiri Embroidery, rugs & carpet making, pashmina, etc.

4. Spring and Kashmir

Lastly, let us talk about what Kashmir is like in the months of spring and whether it is ideal for travel. The spring here starts in March and ends in April.

The spring season has pleasant weather during the day with the nights getting relatively cold. 

Whether it is the cherry blossom trees, the Chinars, or the tulip fields, there is a new freshness to everything. This is a time when you can experience nature at its finest in the valley. 

Nature isn’t just immensely beautiful but this is also a time that you can enjoy visiting all kinds of sights and monuments, whether it is the gardens, the Dal lake, the valley of flowers, mountains, valleys, etc.

Spring is a very enjoyable time if you are planning a trip to Kashmir. So, if you are looking for the best time to visit Kashmir then you can definitely consider the spring season.

Especially if you are a nature lover and enjoy pleasant temperatures that don’t exceed 20 degrees celsius then this is the perfect time for you to visit the valley. You can always try some street foods during this time.

What is the Best Time to Visit Kashmir for Honeymoon?

For years and years, Kashmir has been a very popular destination for honeymooners. If you have also planned to spend your honeymoon in the beautiful valley then we will tell you about the best time to visit.

You will find a ton of romantic places in Kashmir, each offering a different experience.

If you wish to spend some time with your loved one in the midst of beautiful white snow then visiting Kashmir from December to February is the best time for you.

However, if you are looking for some pleasant weather to enjoy your honeymoon then April to June would be the best time for you to visit.

Best Time to Visit Kashmir to Enjoy Snowfall

Without a doubt, the snowfall season in Kashmir is very exciting. If you are a snow lover then Kashmir is sure to be a paradise for you.

While the winter here starts in October/ November, December actually marks the onset of snow. For you to be able to enjoy enough snow and related activities, then December to early March would be the perfect time for you to visit the valley. It is the perfect time to enjoy snow-related activities.

However, remember to come packed with lots of warm clothes as the temperatures during this time tend to fall down to zero or minus degrees celsius.

Best Time to Visit Kashmir for Tulips

Kashmir is also very widely known for its beautiful tulip fields and as these tulips only bloom for about 30 days, that makes this sight even more special.

Depending upon the exact weather and temperature conditions, the tulips can bloom anytime between the end of March and the beginning of April. So, if you wish to witness the magic of these amazing flowers, April would be the best month to visit.

Best Time to Visit Kashmir for You

Undoubtedly, Kashmir is a beautiful place to visit all year round. Each season brings out a different version of the valley and honestly, it is difficult to figure out which one of them is the prettiest.

No matter which season you visit Kashmir in, it is sure to awe you with its beauty.

However, to make things easier for you, here are a few points to keep in mind to know the best time to visit Kashmir for you.

• Your purpose of travel
• Your budget
• Most preferred season
• Places to visit

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Mir Saeid

Mir Saeid is the Growth Hacker of Kashmirica, a brand that is poised to ‘Bring Exclusives from Kashmir to You’. An enthusiastic cultural entrepreneur, he is driven by a passion to bring about a social impact. He has a Masters in International Business from the University of Bedfordshire and has worked in leading Marketing positions at various SMEs and Startups for 8+ years.

Intrigued by the crafts of his birthplace,  he decided to bring the art on the Global Connoisseur through the internet. A polyglot who speaks English, Arabic, Urdu & Koshur, Mir loves traveling, reading, writing, and spending time on the cricket field – a passion rekindled just recently.