Best Time to Visit Uttarakhand: Month-by-Month Travel Guide 2026

Overview: Uttarakhand Seasons

Uttarakhand experiences four distinct seasons, each offering unique experiences:

• Spring (March-April): Pleasant weather, blooming flowers

• Summer (May-June): Peak tourist season, escape from heat

• Monsoon (July-September): Lush greenery, pilgrimage season

• Autumn (October-November): Clear skies, festival time

• Winter (December-February): Snow, skiing, fewer crowds

Month-by-Month Guide

January

Weather: Cold, snow at higher altitudes Temperature: -5°C to 15°C (varies by altitude)

Best For:

• Skiing in Auli

• Snow experiences in Munsiyari

• Peaceful hill station visits

• Lower crowd destinations

Activities:

• Skiing and snowboarding

• Snow trekking

• Hot springs in Tapovan

• Wildlife watching (Corbett)

Festivals:

• Makar Sankranti (14th Jan)

• Uttarayani Fair

Avoid: Char Dham (temples closed), high altitude treks

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February

Weather: Cold with occasional snow Temperature: 0°C to 18°C

Best For:

• Budget travel (off-season rates)

• Skiing (season continues)

• Bird watching

• Couples' getaways

Activities:

• Auli skiing (best snow)

• Pangot bird watching

• Rajaji National Park safari

• Hot spring baths

Festivals:

• Basant Panchami

• Valentine's week tourism

Note: Some mountain roads may be snow-blocked

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March

Weather: Spring begins, pleasant Temperature: 8°C to 25°C

Best For:

• Flower blooms beginning

• Comfortable trekking

• Photography

• All destinations accessible

Activities:

• Early season treks (Chopta, Deoria Tal)

• Cherry blossoms in Shoghi

• River rafting season begins

• Mountain biking

Festivals:

• Holi (colorful celebrations)

• Kumaoni Holi (musical celebrations)

Pro Tip: Great time for photography with clear skies and blooming rhododendrons

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April

Weather: Warm and pleasant Temperature: 12°C to 30°C

Best For:

• Trekking season peak

• Valley of Flowers preparation

• Hill stations

• Adventure sports

Activities:

• Roopkund trek (season starts)

• Rafting in Rishikesh (best water levels)

• Char Dham Yatra begins (late April)

• Camping in Chopta

Festivals:

• Ram Navami

• Baisakhi

Note: Book accommodations early for May rush

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May

Weather: Warm in plains, pleasant in hills Temperature: 15°C to 35°C

Best For:

• Escaping summer heat

• Char Dham Yatra

• Family vacations

• All treks accessible

Activities:

• Char Dham pilgrimage

• High altitude treks

• Paragliding in Nainital

• Camping and bonfires

Festivals:

• Buddha Purnima

• Summer festivals in hill stations

Caution: Peak tourist season - expect crowds and higher prices

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June

Weather: Pre-monsoon, occasional showers Temperature: 18°C to 35°C

Best For:

• Last window for summer treks

• Char Dham continuation

• Valley of Flowers opens (late June)

• School vacation trips

Activities:

• Valley of Flowers trek (opens mid-June)

• Hemkund Sahib pilgrimage

• River rafting

• High altitude camping

Festivals:

• Ganga Dussehra

Warning: Monsoon arrives late June - check weather forecasts

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July

Weather: Heavy monsoon rains Temperature: 15°C to 28°C

Best For:

• Valley of Flowers (peak bloom)

• Lush green landscapes

• Monsoon lovers

• Budget travel (off-season)

Activities:

• Valley of Flowers (best bloom)

• Photography of waterfalls

• Ayurvedic retreats

• Yoga courses in Rishikesh

Avoid:

• Mountain road travel (landslides)

• River rafting (dangerous water levels)

• Char Dham (risky conditions)

Caution: Landslides common; check road conditions

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August

Weather: Monsoon continues Temperature: 15°C to 26°C

Best For:

• Valley of Flowers (peak bloom continues)

• Green photography

• Spiritual retreats

• Monsoon treks for experienced

Activities:

• Valley of Flowers trek

• Independence Day celebrations

• Ashram stays

• Local cultural experiences

Festivals:

• Independence Day (15th Aug)

• Janmashtami

• Nanda Devi Raj Jat (once in 12 years)

Note: Roads may be closed; always have backup plans

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September

Weather: Monsoon retreating, pleasant Temperature: 12°C to 25°C

Best For:

• Post-monsoon trekking

• Clear skies returning

• Photography

• Budget travel

Activities:

• Trekking season resumes

• Rafting resumes

• Mountain photography

• Bird watching

Festivals:

• Ganesh Chaturthi

• Nanda Devi Fair

Pro Tip: Best time for photography - fresh landscapes, clear air

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October

Weather: Clear skies, crisp air Temperature: 8°C to 22°C

Best For:

• Dussehra celebrations

• Trekking (excellent visibility)

• Photography

• All activities

Activities:

• All treks accessible

• Mountain views at best

• Cultural festivals

• Wildlife safaris open

Festivals:

• Navratri

• Dussehra (grand celebrations)

• Kumaoni Dussehra (Almora)

Highlight: Clearest mountain views of the year

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November

Weather: Cold beginning, clear skies Temperature: 4°C to 18°C

Best For:

• Last trekking window

• Diwali celebrations

• Peaceful travel

• Photography

Activities:

• High altitude treks (closing soon)

• Diwali in the hills

• Wildlife safaris

• Star gazing

Festivals:

• Diwali

• Chhath Puja

• Kartik Purnima

Note: Char Dham temples close mid-November

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December

Weather: Cold, snow at higher altitudes Temperature: -2°C to 15°C

Best For:

• Christmas and New Year celebrations

• Snow experiences

• Skiing begins

• Winter photography

Activities:

• Skiing in Auli (season starts)

• Snow treks

• Christmas celebrations in hill stations

• New Year parties

Festivals:

• Christmas

• New Year celebrations

Avoid: High altitude treks (snow-covered), Char Dham (closed)

Regional Best Times

Haridwar & Rishikesh

• Best: February-April, September-November

• Avoid: Peak summer (May-June) - very hot

Nainital & Kumaon

• Best: March-June, September-November

• Avoid: Monsoon (July-August)

Mussoorie & Dehradun

• Best: March-June, September-November

• Avoid: Monsoon for mountain activities

Char Dham Region

• Best: May-June, September-October

• Temples Open: April/May to October/November

Auli & Skiing Areas

• Best: December-March (skiing)

• Summer: June-August (meadows)

Quick Reference Chart

Conclusion

Uttarakhand offers something special year-round. Choose your travel time based on your interests - trekking, pilgrimage, skiing, or simply relaxing in the hills. With this guide, you can plan the perfect Uttarakhand trip any time of year. Contact Travel My Bharat to customize your journey based on the season!