Kashmir:
Known for its beautiful climate in all throughout the year. Has a typical European climate that can widely be categorized into four seasons as SPRING, SUMMER, AUTUMN and WINTER.
SPRING – March to ending April – (15-18 Celsius during Day) to (0 to 5 degree Celsius in nights)
The whole valley comes alive in this time with velvety green grasses, mustard field in full bloom and blossoms after blossom of almond, cherry, apple, peach, pears, pansies, narcissi, daises and a million grass flowers carpet the ground. Throughout the valley thousands of fruits and flowers burst into bloom exuding and alluring fragrance. One can see miles and miles of mustard fields draped in Yellow and orchards full of multi hued blossoms. The Climate of Jammu and Kashmir at this time of the year is ideally suited to thoroughly enjoy the beauty of the place.
The most interesting event in this season is the Tulip Garden blossom – which starts around mid march and ends by 1st or 2nd week in April, depending on the heat intensity. And that is a spectacular that any visitor to Kashmir and Srinagar city would not want to miss.
SUMMER – May to August – (20-30 Celsius during Day) to (15 – 20 degree Celsius in nights)
Temperatures rise slightly and the Climate of Kashmir valley is unbelievably lovely at this time of the year. The gushing streams, majestic lakes, the maple Tree groves (locally known as Chinar), the forests all appear very enticing in the summers. Fruits are ripe and in plenty. Tourists can also visit the Orchards and assist the villagers in Apple and other fruit pickings. In and Around Srinagar you may be required to wear light woollens or heavy cotton clothing. The whole valley is like a painter’s canvas with a mosaic of varying shades of green – ice fields, meadows, trees, etc and Srinagar with its lakes and waterways is a heaven after the scorching heat of the Indian plains.
AUTUMN – September to November – (18-25 Celsius during Day) to (10-15 degree Celsius in nights)
The most awaited season in Jammu and Kashmir sets in the month of September. It is autumn, the season of mists and mellow fruitfulness. Everything turns to gold. The sight of the landscape has a magnetic appeal then. The red carpeted gardens are a treat to the eyes. Temperatures rise to a maximum of 23 degrees in the morning but the nights are relatively colder. The weather is very conducive for the tourists to take delight in the sights, sounds and smell of this idyllic land. The vibrant valleys, the rustle of the fallen leaves, the fragrance of flowers are there to enchant you. The onset of autumn, perhaps Kashmir’s loveliest season, is towards September, when green turns to gold and then to russet and red. The highest day temperatures in September are around 23oC and night temperatures dip to 10oC by October and further drop by November, when heavy woollens are essential.
WINTER – December to February – (5 to 10 Celsius during Day) to (-4 to 2 degree Celsius in nights) Winter starts in the month of December and it is extremely cold then. Even though the trees have a bare look and the beauty of the hued gardens no longer catches the eye, there is an altogether different charm in the surroundings. The upper reaches are snow covered and become a visual treat to eyes, the city of Srinagar also receives snow towards the mid of January – February and overall the whole landscape is transformed. This is the best time for Skiing enthusiasts to enjoy the beautiful slopes of Gulmarg and other places around Srinagar.
Jammu Region
The best time to visit the city is during the famous festivals like Lohri, also known as Makara Sankranti (January), Ramnavami (March) and Deepvali (October) when the whole town gets drenched in these festivities and otherwise from September to April.
SPRING – The spring time is quite brief in Jammu typically starting in February to March. The overall temperatures start rising and fresh leaves and shoots start appearing on trees. This time is particularly good for flower blossoms and foliage. And ideal for tourist.
SUMMER – summers are hot and temperatures can touch a soaring level to 45°C. Good item for sightseeing and taking the holy Amarnath pilgrimage. However the Hill stations around Jammu are very pleasant and a favourite of locals to escape from the Heat.
MOONSOON – Just like rest of Indian Jammu also receives a brief spell of Monsoon, which typically start around July 15 onwards are remain till August. The area receives good amount of rainfall and Jammu regions experiences a very high humidity levels of around 70-90%. The entire valley is surrounded by a thick fog during this season.
AUTUMN – (September to November) is flowering season and Jammu is very attractive during that period.
WINTER – (November to February) are cold with temperatures dipping to about freezing temperatures and snowfall occurring in the higher reaches of hilly areas around Jammu.
WHAT TO WEAR : During Summer light cotton fabric and during winter heavy and medium woolen dresses are advisable.
Ladakh Region
The best part of Ladakh landscape is the villages – which look like an oasis in the otherwise dry and arid landscape.
The weather of Ladakh remains cold and chilly for most part of the year and the best time to visit is from Mid May to September.
The Spring and Autumn are more like a fresh breeze after a long days walk – they come for a very short time and go signaling the onset of Hot summer and long – long winter.
SPRING – April to May – Temperature rises and the ground thaws. The farming activities start and the local population prepares the fields and gardens to plant the seedlings. Some lower passes become crossable – however it is still snow covered scenery all around on the mountains.
SUMMER – June to September Most of the tourists are visiting Ladakh during these months because the weather is pleasant and stable also, few monastic festivals take place. An ideal time for planning trekking or expedition, the temperatures in summer range between min. 5°, max. 35° Celsius.
WINTER – October to March The temperatures constantly dropping to the lowest grades in January or February (nubra valley and dha-hanu -15°, leh -20°, changtang -30°). It is not until march that the cold temperatures are gone. Although the sun shines during the day, it is not warming you up. However, there are many possibilities for the well-prepared winter visitors: most of the monastic festivals take place then and are attended by the locals in their traditional dress. If the zanskar river is frozen, experienced trekkers and mountaineers can do the adventurous chadar trek. Also, mountaineers have been known to cross high passes on snowshoes to find decent snowboard or ski destinations.
Ladakh being a Dry Desert – Monsoon is not confined to any particular season as sporadic rainfall may occur at any time.
The best time to visit Ladakh is from May until September, the region’s summer season. At this time, Ladakh is an unparalleled paradise, with clear, stunning views and warm and sunny weather – the average temperature range during the day is about 20–30°C. Keen trekkers usually head to Ladakh during July and August, when the Manali-Leh and Srinagar-Leh highways are open to vehicles.