January
Shoulder seasonCold with snow in the valley and heavy snow at Gulmarg
Good for snow-focused trips; Pahalgam day trips may be curtailed by weather
February
Shoulder seasonCold, snow possible in Srinagar and likely at Gulmarg
Similar to January; carry heavy woollens and keep road status checks flexible
March
Good time to goCool to mild, snow melting at higher reaches
Crowdsmoderate
Pricesmoderate
Shoulder month with lighter crowds and easier driving on both day trips
April
Best time to goMild and pleasant across the valley; tulip season in full effect
Tulip season; book hotels and vehicles well ahead for this window
May
Good time to goWarm days, cool evenings, gardens in full leaf
Crowdsmoderate
Pricesmoderate
Comfortable for both Gulmarg and Pahalgam day trips
June
Good time to goWarm in Srinagar, pleasant at Gulmarg and Pahalgam
Peak school-holiday period; expect queues at the Gulmarg Gondola
July
Good time to goWarm with occasional rain in the valley
Crowdsmoderate
Pricesmoderate
Green valley views, but keep buffer time for weather-related delays
August
Good time to goWarm and wet in spells, cooler at the higher resorts
Crowdsmoderate
Pricesmoderate
Works if you accept rain interruptions and plan indoor Srinagar time
September
Best time to goMild and clear, good visibility across the valley
Crowdsmoderate
Pricesmoderate
Strong month for photography and comfortable day trips
October
Best time to goCool, with autumn colour in the gardens and meadows
Crowdsmoderate
Pricesmoderate
Excellent balance of weather and crowd levels for a four-day plan
November
Good time to goCold, with early snow possible at Gulmarg
Quiet and affordable, but pack for cold and confirm road conditions daily
December
Good time to goCold with snow at Gulmarg and possible valley snowfall
Crowdsmoderate
Pricesmoderate
Snow break for Gulmarg; Pahalgam access depends on weather
- BestApr, Sep, Oct
- GoodMar, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Nov, Dec
- FairJan, Feb