The first and foremost question that occurs to anyone who is keen about planning such a visit to the valley is regarding the best time to visit the Kashmir Valley.

All year long the valley is open and a preferred tourist’s destination. In the winter season, the natural beauty of the area blooms up even more to attract visitors to it. During winter months, the snow covered areas around Srinagar may give the impression of lack of tourist value to the valley, but it is a misconception. At this time, Gulmarg attracts a large number of tourists. It is a popular sporting destination for all who love such sports. For those who are planning a visit to Jammu, it is recommended that the summer months are avoided due the high temperatures that prevail in this area. October to April is the best suited time for tourists to Jammu and Kashmir. The summer months, that is May to October, on the other hand, is better suited for trips to the upper reaches of the valley that is Leh and Ladakh.

Visits to Kashmir are best if planned during March to October when climatic conditions are at its best for tourism. The visitor gets to experience the seasonal beauty of spring that occurs between March to early May, then the summer which starts in early May and ends with late August and finally the autumn season from September to November. Visitors would be enchanted with the natural beauty of color that the valley presents in autumn. The cool climate adds a welcome change to the heat waves that prevail in the rest of the country during summers and spring season offer gift of flowers in full bloom in the valley. The white blanket cover that Kashmir experiences due the snowfall during the winter season from December to early March is perfect for those who want to pursue sports like skiing.

Climate info for Plans

Jammu and Kashmir can be grouped into three regions so far as their climatic conditions that prevail. Ladakh region can be classified as the Arctic cold desert. The Kashmir valley as such experiences Temperate climatic conditions. Jammu is the third region which experiences subtropical climatic conditions. Ladakh gets cut off from the rest of the country during the winter months due the extreme cold temperatures which prevails. Snowfall is not so heavy in this dry desert region. A limited air link is the only means of link with the area during the winter period. Jammu experiences cooler summer months and winter give it a lot of snowfalls. The area that forms the foothill of Jammu experiences high temperatures during the summer months and the winters are extremely chilly. So far as rainfall in the valley goes, it ranges between 92.6 mm in Leh while Srinagar gets 650.5 mm, and Jammu gets 1115.9 mm at an average.

Summer time in Jammu is a hot climate with temperatures ranging from 43°C to 23°C. Winter months has the region reeling under extreme cold conditions when temperature hovers in the sub 4.3°C ranges. Summer offers quite a pleasant experience in Srinagar as at this time temperature remains in within 25° C to 35° C in the months of June to August. March to May is spring time, and the temperature is around 7° C then, as also in the months of October to November which is autumn season. It is -10° C that temperatures dip during the winter months of December to February.

Best Time According to Seasons

The subtropical climatic condition of Jammu region gives it very hot summer months and winter months equally cold. In the summer months of May to August, temperatures shoot up to 45 degrees Celsius. There is heavy rainfall in Jammu during the monsoon months of June and July. The summer months are the time when the Amaranth Yatra is scheduled. This pious event has scores of Hindu devotees thronging Jammu for paying their prayers to the Lord Shiva. The shrine of the lord is located at a height of 14,500 (ft) and devotees either trek up to the spot else there is helicopter service available that can be availed by devotees. The pilgrimage gives salvation or “Moksha” to the devotee is the general belief.

In winters (December to March)

The minimum temperature touches 4° C in the Jammu region during winter. There is little snowfall also in and around Jammu and tourism peaks in these months. Srinagar, which is also called the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir reels under severe cold climatic conditions as also the upper reaches of Kashmir. People from these places also move over to Jammu during the winter months.

The beauty of Jammu is best experienced in the months of March to April which is spring time. The flora or Jammu is at full bloom during this time, and the valley is vibrant with their color and the running streams and springs which are sourced from the melting ice of the mountains. An important festival Lohri which is termed Makar Sankranti in the rest of the country is celebrated to welcome spring, at this time of the year. Singing and dancing around bonfire is the manner in which the festival is celebrated. Temperatures in the region range between 20° C to 30° C, making it a very pleasant time of the year.

In autumn (September and October)

Autumn that follows summer days is a welcome change from the humidity heat and rain that prevails before that. Temperatures get to be pleasant and tourists flock to the region once again. Temperatures vary between 20 and 30 degree Celsius during this time, but the ground presents a unique look in this period. Diwali festival is celebrated here in this period with great grandeur and fervor. Diyas are lit on every household and fire crackers fly in the air as a mark of celebration.

Other religious festivals that are celebrated in Jammu is the Shivratri festival where the Lord Shiva is revered. The event is held for three days. Other places of interest in Jammu are the forts, museums and gardens that are situated in the region. A market visit would allow the tourist to get a glimpse of the handiwork of the local people. The intricate workmanship that would be found on these items make them perfect gifts for taking back home.