The Char Dham Yatra — Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath — is one of India’s most sacred high-altitude pilgrimages. Weather here changes fast: snow, heavy monsoon rains, and bright alpine summers all arrive within a few months. Planning your trip with month-by-month weather in mind will keep you safe, comfortable, and able to make the most of the spiritual experience. Below is a practical, detailed guide to what you can expect each month, plus safety and packing tips.
Quick overview — when to plan
- Best window: Late April / May through June (pre-monsoon summer) and a short post-monsoon window in September (variable). This is when snow has mostly melted, roads are open, and daytime temperatures are pleasant.
- Monsoon months: July–August bring heavy rain, landslides and road blockages in the Garhwal Himalaya — not ideal for the Yatra. Recent seasons have shown erratic, intense monsoon events that increase landslide risk.
- Winter closure: From late October / November through March the higher dhamas are generally closed (deep snow, subzero temperatures, and roads blocked). Plan outside these months unless you’re prepared for winter mountaineering.
January — Full winter, extreme cold
Expect the coldest conditions of the year. Temperatures at high dhams (Kedarnath, Gangotri, Badrinath) are well below freezing and heavy snow covers the paths and roads. Access beyond lower towns is usually impossible; many shrines are closed and the priestly institutions move lower. Travelling in January is not recommended unless you have mountaineering experience and local support.
Practical: Roads from Rishikesh/Haridwar to Gangotri/Badrinath may be blocked by snow. Carry insulated layers and avoid last-minute plans that depend on high-altitude access.
February — Cold, slowly shifting toward spring (but still harsh)
Snow continues; day temperatures remain low. In the lower approaches (e.g., Rishikesh, Devprayag) you’ll feel milder weather, but mountain passes and dhams are still inaccessible. The risk of avalanches and unstable snowpack remains high in February.
Practical: Not a pilgrimage month. Use February for planning, permit paperwork, and travel to lower pilgrimage towns for preparatory pujas.
March — Transition month; lower routes open up, but higher dhams still snowbound
March brings longer daylight and gradual melting at lower elevations. Roads toward the foothills clear earlier in the month, but high passes and temples remain under snow. Pilgrims beginning in late March should expect cold nights, muddy roads, and variable conditions.
Practical: If you must travel, keep flexible plans and check local weather/road updates.
April — Start of the season in lower reaches; preparations for dhams
April is the beginning of the official pilgrimage season in many years. Lower approaches become easier; occasional snow still lingers above ~3,000 m. Temples typically begin preparations and some opening ceremonies happen toward the end of April or in May (exact dates vary annually). Day temperatures can be pleasant; nights remain chilly.
Practical: A good month for early birds who prefer fewer crowds — carry warm layers and waterproofs for unpredictable showers.
May — One of the best months (temples open; comfortable daytime weather)
May is often ideal: clear skies, comfortable daytime temperatures at pilgrimage altitudes, and most of the snow has melted from important routes. This month sees temples fully functioning and infrastructure (guest houses, pony/porter services) running at full strength. Expect crisp mornings and cool nights.
Practical: Book travel and accommodation early because pilgrimage traffic picks up. Sun protection during daytime is important at high altitudes.
June — Peak season continues but monsoon edges closer
June remains favorable for the Yatra — long daylight, green valleys, and open roads. The monsoon front approaches late June, and humidity rises toward the month’s end. High-altitude weather can still be stable, but afternoon cloud build-up becomes more likely.
Practical: Plan temple darshan and high-altitude treks in the morning when weather tends to be clearest.
July — Monsoon arrives; heavy rains, landslides and disruptions
July usually marks the onset of the Indian monsoon in Uttarakhand. Rainfall increases significantly; roads in the Garhwal Himalaya become vulnerable to landslides and washouts. Travel becomes riskier and many tour operators avoid scheduling the Char Dham route during heavy monsoon periods. If you travel in July expect delays, slippery trails, and sometimes temporary route closures.
Practical: Avoid July unless you have flexible plans and experienced local logistics. Carry good waterproof gear and be prepared for cancellations.
August — Peak monsoon; unstable and often unsafe
August is among the least favorable months for the Yatra. Persistent rain increases slope instability and the possibility of severe local flooding or landslides. Access to remote dhams may be compromised and rescue or medical support could be delayed by blocked roads.
Practical: Strongly discourage travel. If pilgrimage is unavoidable, coordinate closely with local authorities and stay updated on IMD/government advisories.
September — Post-monsoon window but variable
September often brings a short, pleasant post-monsoon window: the clouds clear, valleys turn lush, and roads are generally repairable after monsoon damage. This can be an excellent time for the Yatra, though localized landslides or road repairs may still cause delays — conditions vary year to year.
Practical: A strong secondary choice for visiting. Expect fewer crowds than May–June, and vivid landscapes after the rains.
October — Cooling trend; temples start closing late in month
October brings crisp alpine weather and the first snowfalls at higher elevations toward the month’s end. Many dhams begin to close for winter (exact closure dates change annually). If you travel in October, plan early in the month and confirm temple opening/closing schedules.
Practical: Bring warm layers and check pilgrimage calendars. Road crews sometimes rush to clear passes before winter — expect short windows of access.
November — Winter sets in; most dhams close
By November heavy snow begins to block high roads, and temples typically close for winter maintenance and rituals. Access to Kedarnath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri is generally stopped; only the lower region remains reachable. Only experienced mountaineers or locals with special permits attempt travel beyond this point.
Practical: Not recommended for standard pilgrimage travel. If you’re in the region, focus on low-altitude temples or attend winter-closing ceremonies in nearby towns.
December — Deep winter, road closures and heavy snow
December is full winter. Snowfall, subzero temperatures and unsafe travel conditions dominate. Even the lower approach roads can be impacted by snowstorms and icy patches. Tourism infrastructure in higher dhams is shut down.
Practical: Travel only if you are prepared for extreme cold and have trustworthy local support.
Practical tips for each month
- Check official updates: Always verify temple opening/closing dates, road conditions and IMD advisories before travel. IMD issues pilgrimage sector forecasts that are valuable for planning.
- Permits & logistics: Book permits, ponies/porters, and accommodations early if traveling in May–June or September. Services are limited during monsoon and closed in winter.
- Health & altitude: Sudden altitude changes can cause discomfort. Acclimatize slowly, stay hydrated, and avoid alcohol. Know signs of AMS and carry basic medication.
- Road/flight backups: Mountain weather can ground flights (e.g., Dehradun/nearby airstrips) and block roads; allow buffer days in your itinerary.
- Local hazards: Monsoon-induced landslides are a real risk — avoid traveling during heavy rain spells and follow local authority directions.
Packing checklist (month-sensitive)
- January–March / October–December: Heavy down jacket, insulated boots, thermal layers, gloves, balaclava, crampons (if trekking in snow), and high-calorie snacks.
- April–June / September: Layering system (base-layer to fleece), light down jacket for nights, rain jacket, sturdy trekking shoes, sun protection (sunglasses, SPF), and a small first-aid kit.
- July–August: Waterproof jacket and pants, quick-dry clothing, waterproof covers for luggage, and anti-slip footwear; but ideally avoid travel these months.
Final thoughts
The Char Dham Yatra is a moving spiritual journey — but it’s also a high-altitude, mountain trip where weather dictates safety and experience. If you want smooth travel, plan for late April through June or aim for the clearer post-monsoon September window. Avoid the heavy monsoon months of July–August and the deep winter months unless you’re fully equipped and traveling with specialist operators. Always check IMD forecasts, local temple calendars and road updates, and build flexibility into your schedule.
