Best Time to Visit Uttarakhand for Snowfall, Char Dham & Hill Stations
Uttarakhand is a quite famous and beautiful destination among travellers and provides something special in every season. If you are looking to have a visit here, then knowing the best time to visit Uttarakhand can help in enjoying your trip to the fullest. Here you can find a lot of things, including magical snowfall in winters, sacred char dham yatra in summer, cozy escape to a hill station, and many more (the list goes on and on).Â
Whether you are fond of snow-covered landscapes, want to be a part of the spiritual journey, or are just looking for a relaxing spot at a hill station, you will get all here. But it is better to know the seasonal weather and travel conditions beforehand for a better experience.Â
How the right timing affects the visit to Uttarakhand
If you choose the right and best time to visit Uttarakhand, then it can help you in planning a smooth and comfortable trip. The weather can change as per the season and each season has its own traits that suit different travel plans. So if you figure out when the right time to go is, then you can have a safe and enjoyable journey ahead.Â
The impact of weather on travel experience
The weather has a great impact on sightseeing, comfort, and outdoor activities. If you choose the pleasant weather, then it can help you in exploring things easily.Â
Safety and precautionsÂ
If you are travelling in winter and monsoon, then you can face heavy snowfall and landslides, respectively. This affects the roads and can impact your trip, too. So visit in the right season only to avoid such risks.
Different seasons serve different purposes of travel
Every season is suitable for a particular type of travel, such as winter for snowfall, summer for char dham yatra, and spring or autumn for visiting hill stations.Â
What is the right time to visit Uttarakhand?
Uttarakhand offers a variety of climates and each season provides a different kind of experience. If you understand the Uttarakhand weather by month, then it helps travelers to plan their trip properly. So whether you want snowfall, spirituality, or just a moment of relaxation, go through, check the weather as per month first.
| Seasons | Weather conditions |
| Winter (December – February) |
|
| Monsoon (July -August) |
|
| Summer (March-June) |
|
| Autumn (September – November) |
|
Best Time to Visit Uttarakhand for Snowfall
When winters arrive, it turns Uttarakhand into a beautiful and scenic wonderland and attracts tourists who are fond of fresh snow, cold weather, and the mesmerizing view of the mountains. The Uttarakhand snowfall season is best for those who want to have snow-covered landscapes, calm surroundings, and winter activities.Â
| Snowfall season in Uttarakhand | |
| Month | Late December to February |
| Average range of temperature | Higher region – 5degree celcius to 7 degree celciusÂ
Lower Hill Station – 2 degree celcius to 10 degree celcius |
| Level of snow by region | Heavy snowfall in Auli, Chopta, and Munsiyari
Light to moderate snowfall in Mussoorie and Nainital |
| Best places to have snowfall in Uttarakhand | |
| Auli | Best for skiing and heavy snow cover |
| Chopta | Calm and soothing destination with the availability of natural snow trails |
| Mussorie | Occasional snowfall and the charm of winters |
| Nainital | Low snowfall with a vibe of a cozy hill station |
| Munsiyari | Heavy snowfall, along with panoramic Himalayan views |
Tips to follow during the snowfall season
Here are some of the tips that you must follow if you are going to have a trip during the snowfall season in Uttarakhand.
- Do carry woolen clothes, jackets, gloves, and waterproof footwear.
- Due to snow, the roads can become slippery and close temporarily.
- Do check the updates related to weather, road status, and advice of locals.Â
The right time to visit Uttarakhand for the Char Dham yatraÂ
To have a char dham yatra in Uttarakhand, you must have careful planning to conduct it smoothly. It is a must due to the weather conditions. If you choose the best season to visit Char Dham yatra, then you can travel comfortably and can also avoid weather related risks.Â
| Ideal months to conduct the Char Dham Yatra | |
| May-June |
|
| September – October |
|
| Time for the opening of the temple | |
| Yamunotri and Gangotri | Late April and early May |
| Kedarnath and Badrinath | Early to mid-May |
| Months to avoid Char Dham Yatra | |
| July to August (monsoon season) |
|
Why you should prefer summer and early autumn for pilgrims
Here are some of the reasons given below regarding why you should prefer summer and early autumn for pilgrims. Go through them one by one:-Â
- Availability of stable and comfortable weather
- Roads are safe, and travel conditions are becoming better
- Peaceful and soothing atmosphere
- Easy access to resources and facilitiesÂ
What is the right time to visit the Uttarakhand hill stations
Uttarakhand hill stations are quite popular among tourists for their pleasant weather, scenic beauty, soothing environment, and many more. If you choose the right season, then you can easily enjoy the nature walks, sightseeing, and cozy stay without worrying about the weather conditions.Â
Summer season in Uttarakhand hill stations (March-June)
- Best for families and leisure travellers
- Temperature falls between 15 degree celcius to 30 degree celciusÂ
- The weather remains pleasant compared to the plainsÂ
- It is the right time to get rid of the heat
Popular destinations to enjoy summer at
Here are some of the popular destinations that you can explore in summer in Uttarakhand.Â
- Mussorie
- Nainital
- Ranikhet
- Almora
Autumn season traits (September – November)
- Clear skies and fresh air all aroundÂ
- Availability of post-monsoon greenery throughout the hills
- The place will be less crowded
| Best hill station to visit during the monsoon | |
| Mussorie | Availability of scenic views and tourist attractions |
| Nainital | Markets, lakes, and just cool weather |
| Ranikhet | Calmness all around and mesmerising sceneries |
| Almora | Cultural prosperity along with himalayan backdrops |
Month-wise guidance to explore Uttarakhand
Here is an overview of the weather conditions of each month in Uttarakhand, and this is what you can look at to prepare your trip properly.Â
| January | Heavy snowfall in the higher regions, such as Auli and Munsiyari (best for skiing and winter landscapes) |
| February | Cold weather with snow and peaceful winter scenery. |
| March | Welcomes pleasant temperatures (best time for sightseeing and outdoor activities) |
| April | Best time to enjoy at hill stations, short trips, and nature walks |
| May | Commencement of Char Dham yatra (peak season for the pilgrims and summer travelers) |
| June | Peak Char Dham season and best time for family vacations in hill stations |
| July | At the beginning of the monsoon, the hills turn green, and traveling requires caution |
| August | Presence of very heavy rainfall (landslides can impact the travel plans) |
| September | Post monsoon landscapes with fewer tourists and clear and pleasant surroundings |
| October | Best time for pilgrimage, mountain views, and sightseeing |
| November | The weather turns cool and calm, best for travellers who are in search of peace and love photography |
| December | The beginning of snowfall in higher regions turns the festive mode on in hill stations. |
Sum up!
Uttarakhand is considered a year-round destination, but it is very important to figure out what time you prefer for your trip. This will help you in reducing chaos and enjoy to the fullest. from snowfall, Char Dham Yatra to hill stations, you can have the advantage of each and every thing, but only if you check the weather conditions beforehand.Â
So stick to the right timing and prioritize it for a comfortable, safe, and enjoyable trip to Uttarakhand. If you want to visit Uttarakhand and enjoy any of the three mentioned above, then you can connect with us. We, The Travel It, will help you have a great trip without any difficulty.Â
Frequently Asked Questions!
What is the best month to see snowfall in Uttarakhand?
If you want to experience snowfall, then visit Uttarakhand’s higher regions such as Auli and Munsiyari in January and February.
Is the Char Dham Yatra open throughout the year?
No, the char dham yatra usually remains open from late April or early May to October or early November.Â
Which hill station is best in summer in Uttarakhand?
Mussorie, Ranikhet, and Nainital are some of the best hill stations that you can visit during summer.Â
Can Uttarakhand be visited during the monsoon?
Yes, you can, but it is important to plan your travel carefully due to the heavy rainfall and landslide risks.
What is the coldest place in Uttarakhand during winter?
Auli and Musiyari are considered the coldest places in Uttarakhand during the winter season.Â