Best time to visit Uttarakhand isn’t the same for everyone. This Himalayan state changes its mood every few weeks — misty valleys in August, blazing rhododendrons in March, golden terraces in October.
I’ve frozen my fingers holding a cup of tea in Auli in January, trekked through monsoon clouds in Chopta, and watched Diwali lights twinkle across entire valleys in October.
Here’s my Best Time to Visit Uttarakhand: month-by-month guide so you can pick the perfect time to pack your bags-whether you’re chasing snow, flowers, festivals, or just peace.
Official Uttarakhand Tourism Website
Quick Overview: Best Time to Visit Uttarakhand
| Activity | Best Months | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Snowfall & Winter Sports | Dec – Feb | Auli, Munsiyari, Chakrata |
| Trekking & Adventure | Mar – Jun, Sep – Nov | Kedarkantha, Valley of Flowers, Chopta |
| Pilgrimage (Char Dham) | May – Oct | Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, Badrinath |
| Wildlife & Nature | Mar – Apr, Oct – Nov | Jim Corbett, Rajaji National Park |
| Budget Travel | Jul – Aug | Off-season discounts in hill towns |
How to Reach Delhi to Uttarakhand
Best Time to Visit Uttarakhand: Month-by-Month Travel Guide
January – Best Time to Visit Uttarakhand for Snow Lovers
- Weather: Freezing, especially in higher altitudes like Auli & Munsiyari.
- Temperature: Highs 5°C to 15°C (in towns), sub-zero in Auli & Munsiyari.
- Why Go: First big snow of the year, perfect for skiing and snow hikes.
- Local Moment: In Munsiyari, walk past the main market at dawn, and you’ll see the Panchachuli peaks glowing like gold.
- Travel Tip: Pack extra power banks; winter loves power cuts here.
February – Clear Skies & Cozy Cafes
- Weather: Crisp air, light snow in upper regions.
- Temperature: Highs 8°C to 18°C, colder in higher regions.
- Why Go: Fewer tourists, crystal-clear Himalayan views.
- Traveler’s Memory: Once, in Chopta, a shepherd shared roasted corn with me as snowflakes danced outside his hut. Pure magic.
March – Hills on Fire with Rhododendrons
- Weather: Pleasant days, chilly nights.
- Temperature: Highs 12°C to 22°C; snow melting at mid-altitude areas.
- Why Go: Rhododendron forests bloom bright red, treks reopen.
- Local Tip: Try fresh Buransh juice from roadside stalls, locals swear it keeps the heart healthy.
- UNESCO World Heritage – Valley of Flowers
April – Wildlife Calls
- Weather: Sunny and comfortable in most regions.
- Temperature: Highs 15°C to 25°C, pleasant in most hill stations.
- Why Go: Jim Corbett safaris are at their best; Kedarnath & Badrinath start prepping for pilgrims.
- Hack: Stay overnight inside Corbett, waking up to deer outside your window is unforgettable.
May – Char Dham Yatra Begins
- Weather: Warm days, cool nights.
- Temperature: Highs 18°C to 28°C in hills; hot in plains (30°C+).
- Why Go: Pilgrimage season starts, Kedarnath trek opens.
- On the Road: Expect langars offering endless chai along the way; it’s mountain hospitality at its best.
June – Best Time to Visit Uttarakhand for Trekking & Adventure
- Weather: Clear mornings, green meadows.
- Temperature: Highs 18°C to 26°C; pleasant but warmer in low-altitude towns.
- Why Go: Valley of Flowers is in full bloom; Roopkund trek is stunning.
- Local Tip: At Govindghat, fuel up on aloo parathas before heading uphill.
July – Monsoon Waterfall Season
- Weather: Heavy rains, misty valleys.
- Temperature: Highs 15°C to 23°C in hills; heavy rainfall lowers daytime temps.
- Why Go: Waterfalls roar to life; forest greens deepen.
- Caution: Avoid risky treks; instead, slow travel in Ranikhet or Lansdowne.
- India Meteorological Department – Weather Updates
August – Cloud-Wrapped Villages
- Weather: Wet but peaceful.
- Temperature: Highs 15°C to 22°C; heavy rainfall continues.
- Why Go: Almost no crowds, hotel discounts.
- Personal Pick: Kausani-every evening, clouds lift for just a few minutes to reveal Nanda Devi peak.
September – Trekkers’ Delight
- Weather: Fresh greenery, clear skies.
- Temperature: Highs 16°C to 24°C; post-monsoon freshness.
- Why Go: Perfect time for Kedarkantha, Nag Tibba, and post-monsoon photography.
October – Golden Hills & Diwali Nights
- Weather: Cool, dry, perfect for festivals.
- Temperature: Highs 14°C to 22°C; nights turn cooler.
- Why Go: Autumn colors + Diwali celebrations in the hills.
- Local Moment: Stay in a village during Diwali, you’ll see entire valleys glowing with diyas.
November – Silent Trails
- Weather: Chilly but clear.
- Temperature: Highs 10°C to 20°C; cold mornings and evenings.
- Why Go: Peaceful retreats in Kausani, Almora.
- Tip: Carry extra layers-mornings are sharp.
December – Winter Wonderland Returns
- Weather: Snow in higher altitudes.
- Temperature: Highs 5°C to 15°C; sub-zero in high altitudes.
- Why Go: Christmas in the hills; skiing in Auli.
- Local Memory: In Munsiyari, a chaiwala once told me, “Warm your hands first, then drink.” That’s Uttarakhand warmth.
FAQs: Best Time to Visit Uttarakhand
Q1. What is the best month to visit Uttarakhand for snow?
A: The best months for snow in Uttarakhand are December to February. Auli, Munsiyari, and Chopta receive heavy snowfall during this time, making them perfect for skiing, snowboarding, and snow treks.
Q2. Which months are best for trekking in Uttarakhand?
A: The best trekking season is May–June and September–October, when the weather is pleasant, skies are clear, and trails like Kedarkantha, Nag Tibba, and Valley of Flowers are in prime condition.
Q3. Is monsoon a good time to visit Uttarakhand?
A: July and August bring lush greenery and roaring waterfalls, but also heavy rains and landslide risks. If you love misty mountain views and fewer crowds, the monsoon can be magical—but stick to safer hill stations like Lansdowne or Ranikhet.
Q4. Which month is best for the Char Dham Yatra?
A: The Char Dham Yatra usually begins in May and goes on until October, but the best months for comfortable travel are May–June and September, avoiding heavy monsoon rains.
Q5. When can I see rhododendron flowers in Uttarakhand?
A: March and April are the blooming season for rhododendrons (Buransh). You’ll find hillsides painted red in places like Chopta, Khirsu, and Munsiyari.
Best Time to Visit Uttarakhand: Final Travel Pointers
- Best Overall Months: March-June & September-November
- Snow Lovers: December-February
- Budget Months: July-August
- Pack: Layers, waterproof shoes, torch, and a local SIM (Jio or BSNL works best in remote villages)