Harshya
Climate & Seasonal Almanac

Kashmir Seasonal Travel Guides: Weather & Planning

Plan your visit based on verified India Meteorological Department (IMD) historical weather norms, seasonal mountain pass opening windows, and cable car ticketing regulations.

Featured Seasonal Guides

Select a guide below for complete temperature benchmarks, packing checklists, and local road conditions:

Kashmir in November: Weather, Snowfall and What's Open
Late Autumn / Pre-Winter (Harud Transition)
Day/night temperatures (12°C to 16°C), snowfall forecasts, mountain access, and clothing checklists.
Gulmarg in Winter: Gondola, Access and Costs
Peak Winter & Ski Season (December to March)
Day/night temperatures (-2°C to 4°C), snowfall forecasts, mountain access, and clothing checklists.
Kashmir in December: Snowfall, Chillai Kalan & Winter Guide
Early Winter (Wandh & Beginning of Chillai Kalan)
Day/night temperatures (8°C to 11°C), snowfall forecasts, mountain access, and clothing checklists.
Kashmir in January: Peak Snow, Ski Season & Sub-Zero Travel
Peak Winter (Core Chillai Kalan - Deep Snow & Ice)
Day/night temperatures (4°C to 7°C), snowfall forecasts, mountain access, and clothing checklists.

The Six Traditional Seasons of Kashmir

Kashmir traditionally observes six distinct two-month seasons (Rutus):

Kashmiri Season Calendar Months Distinctive Features
Sonth (Spring) Mid-March to Mid-May Almond blossoms (Badamwari), Tulip festival, lush green resurgence.
Grishim (Early Summer) Mid-May to Mid-July Warm sunny days, alpine wildflowers, trekking season open.
Waharat (Late Summer) Mid-July to Mid-September High humidity, ripening of mountain fruits (apples, pears).
Harud (Autumn) Mid-September to Mid-November Golden Chinar foliage, saffron harvest in Pampore, clear skies.
Wandh (Early Winter) Mid-November to Mid-January First sub-zero frosts, beginning of Chillai Kalan (40-day freeze).
Sheshur (Late Winter) Mid-January to Mid-March Deep snowpack, frozen waterfalls, peak ski season in Gulmarg.