When you imagine Kashmir, chances are you're thinking of snow-dusted mountains, blooming valleys, or shimmering lakes under a crisp blue sky. What many don’t realize is that Kashmir changes dramatically with each season—offering something unique no matter when you go.
Whether you're chasing snowfall, colorful tulip gardens, or just want to avoid the crowds, knowing the best time to visit can make all the difference. Here's a seasonal breakdown to help you decide when to pack your bags for paradise.
Spring in Kashmir is a treat for the senses. The snow begins to melt, the air turns crisp, and the valleys burst into color with blooming tulips, almond blossoms, and fresh greenery. The star attraction during this time is the Tulip Festival in Srinagar, held at the Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden—the largest in Asia.
This is the ideal time for:
Want to explore more Srinagar highlights? Our Top 10 Places to Visit in Kashmir guide has a full breakdown.
Travel Tip: It can still get a bit chilly in the mornings and evenings, so pack layers.
If you're planning your first trip to Kashmir, summer is the safest bet. The temperatures are pleasant—ranging between 15°C to 30°C—making it perfect for sightseeing, trekking, and escaping the heat from the rest of India.
This is peak season in places like:
Because it’s the most touristy season, be sure to book hotels and houseboats in advance. Our Houseboats in Kashmir Guide will help you pick the right one.
Travel Tip: Since it’s also wedding and vacation season locally, expect crowds at popular spots.
Kashmir doesn’t get heavy monsoons like other parts of India. By September, the tourist rush winds down, and the valleys are lush from the late-summer showers. This is a quiet and peaceful time to visit if you prefer fewer crowds.
However, keep in mind:
Autumn in Kashmir is arguably its most underrated season. The chinar trees turn fiery red and golden, giving the valleys an otherworldly glow. It’s a perfect time for photographers and those looking for a calm, romantic setting.
Srinagar’s gardens and lakes are especially beautiful in this season, and you’ll find fewer tourists around.
Travel Tip: Days are comfortable, but nights start getting cold—carry warm layers.
If snowfall is your dream, this is when you go. Gulmarg becomes a snowy paradise, drawing skiers and snowboarders from around the world. Even if you’re not into winter sports, seeing the landscape blanketed in white is a magical experience.
Expect:
Travel Tip: Road closures are common in heavy snow, so check weather forecasts and travel advisories regularly.
Kashmir isn’t just one destination—it’s many, wrapped into a landscape that transforms with each season. Whether you're watching tulips sway in the spring breeze or sipping Kahwa next to a snow-covered window in Gulmarg, every season in Kashmir has its own rhythm and magic.
So, when should you go? Pick a time that matches your travel style. You can’t go wrong either way.
