Harsil weather: today, this week and through the year
Live temperature and a five-day forecast for Harsil, Gangotri and Uttarkashi, approximate month-by-month temperatures, when the valley gets snow, and the best time to go.
- ~2,620 m Harsil
- Dec–Feb snow months
- ~25 km below Gangotri
- Live 3 places
Photo: Harshit SR, CC BY-SA 4.0
Updated November 2026 · HP Tourism registered travel agent · Reg. No. DTO-MND-11-243/2022 · certificates
Harsil is a small village and army post at about 2,620 m on the Bhagirathi, in Uttarkashi district — about 25 km below Gangotri and roughly 75 km beyond Uttarkashi. It is cold for much of the year: winter days are only about 5–8 °C and nights well below freezing, and the valley usually gets snow between December and February, often heavy in January. Summer days are mild, around 18–20 °C. July and August bring monsoon rain, cloudbursts and landslides. Come in April–June or September–November for clear, pleasant days and the apple harvest in autumn; come in January for snow. Through the winter, Gangotri’s goddess is worshipped at Mukhba, just across the river.
- SnowUsually December–February; heaviest in January.
- ColdestJanuary — days about 6 °C, nights about −3 °C (estimate).
- MonsoonJuly–August; cloudbursts and landslides.
- Apple harvestRoughly August–October.
- Best monthsApril–June, September–November; January for snow.
Harsil, Gangotri and Uttarkashi weather today
Harsil (about 2,620 m), Gangotri (about 3,100 m) 25 km up the valley, and Uttarkashi (about 1,160 m) below — current temperature and the next days’ high, low, rain and snow.
Forecast data: MET Norway (CC BY 4.0), refreshed about once a day — last update —.
Harsil weather by month
There are no published IMD averages for Harsil. The temperatures below are rough estimates: the India Meteorological Department’s 1971–2000 normals for Joshimath (about 1,875 m), a similar Himalayan valley town, lowered by about 5 °C for Harsil’s extra 750 m of height and rounded. For your dates, check the live forecast above.
| Month | Approx. high / low* | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| January | 6° / −3 °C | Coldest; snow most likely |
| February | 7° / −2 °C | Snow spells; icy roads |
| March | 12° / 2 °C | Snow melting; cold nights |
| April | 16° / 6 °C | Clear; blossom in the orchards |
| May | 19° / 9 °C | Pleasant; Gangotri yatra season |
| June | 20° / 11 °C | Warmest; monsoon arrives late June |
| July | 19° / 12 °C | Heavy rain; landslides |
| August | 18° / 12 °C | Rain; apples ripening |
| September | 18° / 10 °C | Rain easing; harvest |
| October | 17° / 6 °C | Clear, crisp; autumn colours |
| November | 12° / 2 °C | Cold, dry; first snow possible |
| December | 9° / −1 °C | Very cold; snow begins |
*Estimated from Joshimath’s IMD normals (1971–2000) adjusted for height — not official Harsil records. Up the valley: Gangotri weather.
When does it snow in Harsil, and is the road open?
Harsil usually sees its first snow in December, and January is the most reliable month for a white valley; snow can fall into February and, on the slopes above, into March. On clear winter days the deodar forests, the river and the peaks behind make it one of the prettiest snow destinations in Uttarakhand.
The road up from Uttarkashi through Bhatwari and Gangnani is usually kept open as far as Harsil in winter, but heavy snow can close it for a day or more, and the stretch beyond Harsil to Gangotri is snowbound. In the monsoon, cloudbursts and landslides are a real risk in this narrow valley — the flash flood at nearby Dharali in August 2025 was a reminder. Always check the forecast and road status before you set out.
Nearby: Gangotri weather · Uttarkashi weather · Yamunotri weather · Kedarkantha weather.
Harsil in pictures
The Harsil valley, the Bhagirathi, its deodar forests and the peaks above — real photographs, each credited to its photographer.
Best time to visit Harsil
Depending on what you are going for.
Snow
Most reliable snow; very cold.
Spring
Clear days; orchard blossom.
Gangotri yatra
Harsil is a quiet place to stay.
Apple harvest
Orchards around the village.
Autumn colours
Crisp, clear and quiet.
Take care
Cloudbursts and landslides.
Harsil trip: what the weather means for you
Clothing: a warm jacket and thermals from October to March — winter nights drop well below freezing; a fleece for summer evenings; rain gear in the monsoon.
Getting there: drive from Rishikesh to Uttarkashi (about 145 km) and on to Harsil (about 75 km more); most people break the journey at Uttarkashi. Harsil is close to the border, so carry ID. Cab: Char Dham yatra taxi.
Our Uttarakhand trips
Hotels, meals and a private car in one quote.
Planning Harsil?
Tell us your dates, where you are starting from and how many of you are travelling. We check the weather and the road and send a written quote with stays and a private car. Suzu Travels is a travel agent registered with HP Tourism, based in Bilaspur, Himachal Pradesh, and plans trips across north India.
Harsil weather: frequently asked questions
What is the weather in Harsil today?
The top of this page shows the current temperature and the next days’ forecast for Harsil, Gangotri and Uttarkashi (MET Norway data).
When does it snow in Harsil?
Usually from December to February, most reliably in January.
How cold is Harsil in winter?
January days are about 6 °C and nights about −3 °C (an estimate); cold snaps go much lower.
Is the road to Harsil open in winter?
Usually up to Harsil, though heavy snow can close it for a day or more; beyond Harsil to Gangotri the road is snowbound.
What is the best time to visit Harsil?
April–June and September–November for pleasant weather; January for snow.
How far is Harsil from Gangotri?
About 25 km by road.
Sources
- MET Norway Locationforecast (CC BY 4.0) — live forecast data
- India Meteorological Department — Joshimath normals 1971–2000 (height-adjusted estimate)
- Wikipedia: Harsil
Photo credits
The Harsil valley — Photo: Harshit SR, CC BY-SA 4.0 · A monastery near Harsil — Photo: Nilimadey, CC BY-SA 4.0 · Meadow at Harsil — Photo: Jaisingh rathore at en.wikipedia, CC BY 2.5 · The Bhagirathi at Harsil — Photo: Rathoredigvijay, CC BY-SA 4.0 · A mountain stream — Photo: Manis73, CC BY-SA 4.0 · Morning on the peaks — Photo: Dpcinh, CC BY-SA 4.0 · Harsil view — Photo: Amit.pratap1988, CC BY-SA 3.0 · Harsil village and the bridge — Photo: Sanjeev travelgrapher, CC BY-SA 4.0 · The Bhagirathi at Gangotri — Photo: DipankarSen68, CC BY-SA 4.0
