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Weather Conditions in Srinagar
Srinagar, the capital of Kashmir, is a beautiful city, modern yet submerged in traditions. One of the things that people factor in when planning a trip is, when is the best time to visit Srinagar, which is based on the weather and climate. Since Srinagar is in Kashmir and is known for its cooler weather, it’s a good idea to understand which season one should visit the city and thus carry the appropriate clothing.
Srinagar has pleasant weather throughout the year and people often decide to come here no matter the season. However, December and January can be quite cold and freezing and many people will not be able to withstand it. The best time to visit Srinagar is during the autumn months, which is from September to November when the landscape turns into shades of molten gold. Here’s a look at the different seasons of the city and the best time to travel to Srinagar.
Summer in Srinagar is from the months of March to June. The valley can get quite hot and it’s not a very good time to travel there especially if you’re looking to enjoy cold weather. The interesting thing is that this is not the case at all times, and you might even enjoy the city in summer with perfect moderate weather. Nevertheless, it’s a chance you might not want to take. Imagine travelling to Srinagar and staying cooped inside the hotel room? This is the reason why summer is not the best time to go to Srinagar. However, there’s also a brief period in April when Srinagar sees a glorious spring and flowers bloom in all the gardens. In fact, the Tulip Garden which is said to be the largest in Asia is a marvellous sight at this time and if you’re in the city, you should certainly not miss it.
However, if you do happen to visit Srinagar during summer, try not to miss Baisakhi which is celebrated every year in April. Even though it is a Sikh festival, it is celebrated by everyone, specifically in Badamwari, which is supposed to be auspicious because of the almond blossoms here. So even if you are not able to enjoy the weather here, if you come in summer you will definitely enjoy the celebration. Do remember to bring light cotton clothes but also a few warm pieces such as a light shawl or cardigan in case the nights turn cool.
Srinagar’s monsoon months are from July to September, but the elusive months of autumn are between September and October. While Srinagar doesn’t get much rainfall, the autumn months are quite dry. Autumn is indeed considered to be the best time to visit Srinagar because the leaves turn into various shades of gold and rust. The entire city is blanketed in these gorgeous colours and it is indeed a sight to behold, one that you will not forget for a long time.
This is the best time to walk around the city and explore the many monuments or to go for a shikhara ride on the Dal Lake. The weather is perfect although it can be a little cool for some people. It’s best to travel to Srinagar during this time with adequate warm clothes such as sweaters, mufflers, jackets and thermal inner wear. Still the weather is quite deliciously cool and manageable and doesn’t get to freezing levels as it does in winter.
In Srinagar, the winter months are from between October to March. The temperature is quite low at this time and the usual range is between 0 to 15 degrees Celsius. During December and January, there is quite a bit of snowfall here which brings tourists flocking. But the downside is that roads are often blocked and so you need to be careful while making travel plans. For those who love chilly weather, winter might be the best time to visit Srinagar. However, weather can be unpredictable at this time and if there is any heavy snowfall, it will affect your flight status too. So, do be warned before making plans to travel to Srinagar during winter.
Chilly winter mornings speckled with the sunlight can be quite alluring and often people like to explore the city during this time. It’s best to carry thick woollen clothing with you and an even better idea to dress in layers and of course thermal wear. Don’t forget to carry warm socks and gloves too! Winters with snow can be harsh for someone who is unaccustomed to the cold. Winter is also the time of two important festivals which are celebrated with a good deal of enthusiasm in the city – Shivaratri and Nuroz. For the former, temples such as the Shankaracharya Temple are decorated beautifully, making it look stunning and awe-inspiring.
Another important thing to remember about Srinagar is that it is an area under conflict. As such, there are a number of untoward incidents that do take place in and around the city, but this has not deterred tourists from visiting. Nevertheless, it’s always a good idea to remember this when travelling to Srinagar and make appropriate arrangements for safety and security. Unfortunately, this is a harsh reality that has punctured the paradise bubble of the city.
If you have decided the best time to visit Srinagar, do make it a point to check the SOTC website for exciting offers and deals on Srinagar tour packages.
