
Kashmir has two major peak seasons during the year when there is a heavy influx of tourism. The first peak season is between March to June when the weather is conducive, and major festivals like the Tulip Festival are celebrated. This time is particularly famous for UAE travelers who wish to have a picturesque visit during summers.
The second peak season is from December to February when the region receives heavy snowfall. Skiing and snowboarding at Gulmarg attracts adventure seekers, while the cottage honeymooner’s flock to the region to enjoy romantic snow covered sights. Both these peak seasons result in increased tourist activity and higher hotel rates, which makes early booking important.
Gulmarg, Pahalgam, and Srinagar are some of the most popular tourist spots in Kashmir, and tend to be overcrowded during peak seasons. Congestion on the Dal Lake and Mughal Gardens in Srinagar is notoriously bad during spring and summer. Peak winter seasons also tend to get crowded in Gulmarg, especially around Christmas and New Year’s due to school holidays, which creates long lines for ski rentals and gondolas.
From early November to late February is the best time when you have stunning landscapes and good weather. These times offer the best value due to reduced prices for accommodations as well as stunning landscapes.
The best time to visit Kashmir for UAE travelers who have never seen snowfall is during the winter months between Decembers to February. This period is marked with heavy snowfall transforming the region into a magical winter wonderland, which offers stunning winter landscapes, and exhilarating snow sports.
The temperature during these months is usually between 2.7°C to -5°C. Tourists can relish skiing and snowboarding in some of the best ski resorts in Asia located at Gulmarg. Other popular activities include snowmobile rides, snowball fights, winter hikes, and much more.
Snuggly stays in centrally heated hotels offer breathtaking views of the snow-covered region, which makes it ideal for families and honeymooners looking for romantic winter getaways or adventure seekers wanting to experience snow sports for the first time.
Kashmir is picture-perfect in the spring season with the flowers in full bloom and the weather being exceptionally warm. The temperature during this season in Kashmir is about 10 degree Celsius to 20 degree Celsius. The major highlight during spring season is The Tulip festival, which is celebrated during mid-March to mid-April in the garden, which is located in Srinagar.
Along with the tulips, the valley is also filled with almond flowers and is a must-visit place for someone looking to click breathtaking pictures. Visiting Sonmarg is also highly recommended during this time of the year due to its picturesque beauty. This specific season serves the purpose for nature fans, photographers and families who want to take advantage of the vibrant environment along with the warm climate.
Residents of the UAE seeking a mild summer retreat will find Kashmir to be at its peak during May and June. Skies are clear and temperatures are pleasant, ranging between 15°C to 30°C. Tourists can indulge in a serene Shikara ride on the iconic Dal Lake located in Srinagar, visit the meadows of Sonmarg and Pahalgam, or partake in trekking expeditions in the valleys.
This period draws families escaping the heat of the UAE as well as other tourists seeking relaxation paired with light hiking. Summer in Kashmir is a unique experience, with an abundance of greenery and clean air, paired with warm hospitality.
Even though Kashmir has moderate monsoon showers in July and August, it is an important time for pilgrimage travelers. The weather is quite pleasant with the temperature ranging between 20 to 25 degrees celsius. There are chances of slight rainfall; however, the season is great for traveling.
One of the main attractions is the Amarnath Yatra, which witnesses thousands of staying pilgrims. Adventure enthusiasts can also explore trekking routes in Pahalgam and take part in apple and walnut harvesting in the local farms. The rains aside, the monsoon period in Kashmir is favorable for spiritual sojourns and nature lovers who wish to explore the mountainous agricultural terrains of the region.
The merging of early autumn and late summer marks the start of ‘Golden autumn’ in Kashmir, which falls between September and November. The region is painted in hues of gold, creating a striking setting during the crisp air and clear skies. During this period, the temperature ranges between 10°C to 20°C, making it an ideal time to explore nature without the extreme cold of winter.
Visitors can partake in apple picking and walnut harvesting, while also exploring the beautiful saffron fields, especially in October. Sgarwalaka Phiran is popular among young girls who wish to knit bright vibrant patterns.
Strawberry valley located in Gulmarg is another one of the attractions open during winter battered by the snow. The stills of Kashmir are a treat to filmmakers and during this period, the calm embrace of autumn is perfect for photographers
UAE travelers, in particular, appear to find Kashmir most attractive between March and June, during which time the weather, the scenic views, and the adventure activities are at their best. The period between December and February is most suitable for tourists interested in winter sports and snow.
People experience golden cultural landscapes in autumn, which stretches from September to November, and the months of July and August are most favorable for pilgrims and trekking lovers. No matter when you decide to come, Kashmir's unparalleled beauty coupled with incredible hospitality will undoubtedly stay with you forever.