The best time to see snow in Kashmir is mid-January to early March, but recent winters show that snow does not follow the calendar. In 2024, 2025 and 2026, the heaviest snow reached Gulmarg late: in February, early March and late January. This guide uses weather data, news reports and this season's updates to help you pick the right month. For where snow falls first and what to see, read our guide to snow in Kashmir.
Best Time to See Snow in Kashmir: Quick Answer
The best time to see snow in Kashmir is mid-January to early March. February is the snowiest month in Gulmarg on the data we checked, and January is the coldest. December can bring early snow, but not every year. Book a window of at least four days, and keep one spare day for weather.
Best Time to See Snow in Kashmir at a Glance
Kashmir snow calendar 2026-27: November to March snow chances, February snowiest, last three winters’ timing
Month Snow in Gulmarg Snow in Srinagar Prices and crowds Best for
November High slopes only Very rare Usually the lowest of the year Quiet, budget stays
December Usually by late December, but not every year Rare, mostly late in the month Peaks from Christmas to New Year Festive trips
January Likely, but dry spells have happened Possible on some days High around holidays, lower after Deep-winter cold
February The snowiest month on the data we checked Possible on some days Moderate First-time snow lovers and skiers
March Upper slopes only, and fading Thawing Lower Snow plus early spring
Which Month Is the Snowiest in Kashmir?
Bar chart of average snow depth around Gulmarg by month, with February the deepest at 17.8 cm
•February is the snowiest month in Gulmarg on the data we checked. Most guides say January, so here is the evidence:
An 11-year model dataset from snow-forecast.com puts Gulmarg's snowiest week in the first week of February, with about 58 cm of snowfall over roughly three snowy days.
•NASA's 2001-2020 averages for the area around Gulmarg show snow depth peaking in February. This is a regional average over about 50 km, not a resort snow report.
•Researchers cited by Greater Kashmir in 2024 noted that December and January had received scanty or no snow in recent years, while February and March saw heavier snowfall.
•January is still the coldest month. IMD records show an average low of about -5.4°C in Gulmarg.
These are averages. Any single winter can look different, as the next section shows.
What the Last Three Winters Show
Winter What happened
2023-24 A dry January left Gulmarg short of snow, and the Khelo India Winter Games leg moved to 21-26 February after snowfall. Srinagar's plains saw their first snow around the start of February.
2024-25 Srinagar's first snow came on 27 December. Gulmarg still lacked snow in February, so the games moved from 22-25 February to 9-12 March after fresh snowfall.
2025-26 A long dry spell ended with heavy snow on 22-23 January. On 27 January, snowfall cancelled all flights at Srinagar and closed the Jammu-Srinagar highway.
Sources: Deccan Herald, All India Radio, Olympics.com, DD News, Kashmir InFocus and Kashmir Observer.
In February 2025, All India Radio reported that the Gulmarg leg of the games was postponed for lack of snow. Three winters are a small sample, so treat them as a warning, not a rule. They are the reason we suggest a window from mid-January to early March instead of Christmas week.
When Can You See Snow in Gulmarg?
Aerial view of snow-covered pine forest, roads and wooden buildings in Gulmarg in winter, Kashmir
Gulmarg sits at about 2,650 m, and the top of the Gondola at Apharwat reaches about 3,980 m. Height decides when snow arrives.
•September to October: Snow falls on the highest slopes only, around Apharwat. This season, the first snow came on 5 September.
•November: The upper slopes can hold snow. Gulmarg town usually stays clear.
•December: The town usually turns white by late December, but early December is thin in many years.
•January: Snow is likely, but dry spells have happened.
•February: This is the best month for deep, settled snow.
•March: Snow fades in the town and stays on the upper slopes.
April: Only the highest ground keeps snow.
The Gondola runs in two phases, and wind often holds Phase 2. It is also widely reported to close on the second and fourth Monday of each month for maintenance, so confirm on the official ticket site before you plan around it.
Kashmir Snowfall Time 2026-27: What We Know Today
Snow has already touched the high reaches this season. Here is the timeline, as of 2 November 2026:
•5 September: First snowfall of the season on higher parts of Gulmarg, Sonamarg and Gumri (Kashmir Observer and Greater Kashmir).
•13-14 October: A fresh spell on Apharwat above Gulmarg, in Sonamarg, along the Zojila axis, and around Pahalgam, while Srinagar got rain.
•23-24 October: Fresh snow at Peer Ki Gali, Sinthan Top and Aharbal (Kashmir Observer and Kashmir Horizon).
1 November forecast: The Meteorological Centre Srinagar expects mostly dry weather until 10 November, with light snow possible on higher reaches on 5 November and from 11 to 13 November.
No one can forecast the exact dates of the 2027 snowfall this early. Check the Meteorological Centre Srinagar forecast 7 to 10 days before you travel. We update this section every week from November to February.
Which Month Not to Visit Kashmir?
No month is bad for everyone. The answer depends on your goal:
•If you want snow, avoid May to September. Gulmarg town has none, and only the highest peaks hold any.
•If you want a smooth trip, avoid a tight itinerary in January storm weeks. On 27 January 2026, all flights at Srinagar were cancelled. Keep one spare day.
•If you want lower prices and less traffic, skip the Christmas to New Year week and July to August in Pahalgam. Amarnath Yatra traffic fills Pahalgam's hotels in those months.
Which Is the Cheapest Month to Visit Kashmir?
Published estimates vary, so use this as a guide and ask for a written quote.
Period Price level Note
November Usually the lowest of the year Only the high slopes have snow
Early December Low Snow is not certain
About 20 December to 5 January The highest One published estimate puts Gulmarg hotels about 60% higher
Mid-January to February Lower outside Gulmarg Gulmarg stays pricey because of ski demand
March Lower Snow only on the upper slopes
Travel sites estimate that off-season hotel rates run 30 to 50% below peak. For a snow trip, the best value is early December, weekdays in late January and February, and March.
How to Choose Your Month for Snow
You want Choose Why
The best chance of deep snow Early to mid-February The snowiest week in the data we checked
Skiing or snowboarding Mid-January to February The snowpack is deepest
A festive trip Late December Snow is likely, but prices peak
A honeymoon with fewer crowds Early to mid-February Calmer resorts and settled snow
The lowest price Early December or March Lower rates, less certain snow
Photos February Settled snow and clearer spells
Plan Your Snow Trip: Sample 4 Days and Price
We built our Gulmarg Snow Getaway around this plan:
•Day 1: Arrive in Srinagar, take a shikara ride and spend the night on a Dal Lake houseboat.
•Day 2: Drive to Gulmarg, check in to a ski-in/ski-out resort and enjoy a bonfire in the evening.
•Day 3: Ride the Gondola, weather permitting, and take a beginner ski lesson.
•Day 4: Return to Srinagar for your flight.
The package starts at ₹18,499 per person on twin sharing, plus 5% GST. It includes breakfast and dinner, transfers, a private guide, and Gondola tickets for both phases. Ski gear rental, lunch and flights are extra.
Flying from Mumbai? Nonstop flights take about 2 hours 40 minutes. Late-October searches showed one-way fares from about ₹6,300 for the cheapest deal, with common itineraries around ₹9,000 to ₹10,500, and winter fares can be higher. Do not book a same-day onward connection after your Srinagar flight in January.
Practical Tips for the Snow Season
•Keep one spare day. Heavy snow can close the highway and cancel flights, as it did on 27 January 2026.
•Check roads before you move. The Zojila pass closes in winter, and the Mughal Road shuts after heavy snow. Since the Z-Morh tunnel opened in January 2025, Sonamarg town stays reachable far more reliably.
•Stay one night in Gulmarg. You will see the snow before day-trippers arrive.
•Pack for snow. Bring thermal layers, a waterproof jacket, waterproof boots with grip, gloves and sunglasses.
•Book early for peak weeks. Christmas, New Year and winter weekends fill up first.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Best Time to See Snow in Kashmir
What is the best time to see snow in Kashmir?
The best time to see snow in Kashmir is mid-January to early March. February is usually the snowiest month in Gulmarg, and January is the coldest. December can bring early snow, but recent winters show it does not arrive on a fixed date, so keep your plans flexible.
Which month is the snowiest in Kashmir?
February is the snowiest month in Gulmarg on the data we checked. An 11-year model dataset puts the snowiest week in the first week of February at about 58 cm, and NASA records for the area show snow depth peaking in February. January is colder but has had long dry spells in recent years.
When can I see snow in Gulmarg?
Gulmarg usually turns white by late December and holds good snow through February. The upper slopes near Apharwat can get snow from September or October and keep it into March, sometimes April. Snow in Gulmarg town is not guaranteed in any given week, so plan a flexible window.
Which month not to visit Kashmir?
It depends on your goal. For snow, avoid May to September, when Gulmarg town has none. For a smooth trip, avoid a tight itinerary in January storm weeks, since all Srinagar flights were cancelled on 27 January 2026. For lower prices and less traffic, skip the Christmas to New Year week and the July to August Amarnath Yatra season in Pahalgam.
Which is the cheapest month to visit Kashmir?
November is usually the cheapest month overall, and January to February is cheap outside Gulmarg. Travel sites estimate that off-season hotel rates run 30 to 50% below peak, but Gulmarg stays expensive in snow season, and the Christmas to New Year week costs the most. Ask for a written quote for your exact dates.
What is the Kashmir snowfall time in 2026?
Snow has already fallen on the high reaches this season, starting around 5 September 2026 and again on 13 to 14 October and 23 to 24 October. On 1 November, the Meteorological Centre Srinagar forecast mostly dry weather until 10 November, with light snow possible on higher reaches on 5 November. Heavier snow in Gulmarg usually comes from December.
What is the Kashmir snowfall time in 2027?
No one can forecast exact snowfall dates for 2027 this early. The usual window is late December to March, with January and February the best bets. Check the Meteorological Centre Srinagar forecast 7 to 10 days before you travel, and keep one spare day.
Is there any snowfall in Kashmir today?
Only on the high reaches, as far as reports show. As of 1 November 2026, the Meteorological Centre Srinagar forecasts mostly dry weather until 10 November, with light snow possible over higher reaches on 5 November and from 11 to 13 November. Check the Meteorological Centre Srinagar forecast and the official Gulmarg Gondola site on the day you travel.
Was there snowfall in Kashmir in January 2026?
Yes, but late. A long dry spell ended with heavy snow on 22 and 23 January 2026. On 27 January, snowfall led to all flights at Srinagar being cancelled and the Jammu-Srinagar highway being closed. Chillai Kalan ran from 21 December to 30 January.
Can you see snow in Kashmir in September?
Yes, on the highest peaks only. This year, the first snowfall of the season fell on the higher parts of Gulmarg, Sonamarg and Gumri on 5 September 2026. Gulmarg town and the valley stay snow-free in September.
What is the best time to visit Kashmir overall?
For sightseeing, the best time to visit Kashmir is April to June and September to October. For snow, choose mid-January to early March. Pick your month by goal, not by the calendar alone.
Is snowfall guaranteed in Kashmir?
No. Snowfall depends on western disturbances, which do not follow a calendar. Recent winters had dry Januaries, and the Gulmarg leg of the Khelo India Winter Games was postponed for lack of snow in February 2025. Plan for snow cover, keep your dates flexible, and treat fresh snowfall as a bonus.
Key Takeaways
•The best time to see snow in Kashmir is mid-January to early March, and February is the snowiest month on the data we checked.
•The last three winters brought their heaviest snow late, so plan a window, not a single date.
•Gulmarg is the surest place for snow, and Srinagar gets it only on some days.
•November and the weeks after the New Year are the cheapest times, but Gulmarg stays pricey in the snow season.
•Keep one spare day, because snow can cancel flights and close roads.
Plan Your Kashmir Snow Trip
Pick your window, then let us handle the details. Our 3-night, 4-day Gulmarg Snow Getaway starts at ₹18,499 per person, and we can shift your dates around the weather. Message us on WhatsApp at +91 6006422275 with your dates and group size, and we will send a written quote.
