Updated: November 2026
Short answer: Kashmir’s snow season runs from about December to February, with January the most reliable month. Gulmarg is the surest place to see snow, often from December; Sonmarg and Pahalgam get regular spells; Srinagar city gets snow only in some years and often late. The 2026-27 season has already started in the high areas: Gulmarg, Sonmarg, the Zojila axis and Razdan Pass got their first snow on 13–14 October 2026 (OneIndia, Hans India). For a snow trip, aim for late December to February, base yourself in Gulmarg, and keep a spare day for weather.
Quick answer: Kashmir snowfall at a glance
- Peak snow months: late December to February; Chillai Kalan, the coldest 40 days, starts on 21 December.
- Most reliable spot: Gulmarg (about 2,650 m) and the gondola top near 4,000 m.
- First snow 2026-27: 13–14 October 2026 in Gulmarg, Sonmarg, Pahalgam’s upper reaches, Zojila and Razdan Pass.
- Srinagar city: unpredictable; in 2025-26 the plains got their first snow only on 23 January 2026.
- Disruption: heavy spells can shut the Jammu–Srinagar highway and cancel flights for a day or two (as on 23 January 2026).
- Snow in summer? Yes, high up: Apharwat by gondola, Thajiwas Glacier and Zero Point near Sonmarg.
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When does it snow in Kashmir? Month by month
| Month | Gulmarg | Srinagar city | What to expect |
|---|---|---|---|
| October | Possible light spells | No | First dusting on peaks and passes (13–14 Oct in 2026); melts quickly lower down. |
| November | Low–medium | Rare | Cold and clear; snow on the gondola top more likely than in town. |
| December | Medium–high, especially after mid-month | Low | Chillai Kalan starts 21 Dec; ski courses start 20 Dec. On 31 Dec 2025 Gulmarg, Sonmarg and Pahalgam got snow while Srinagar had rain. |
| January | High | Medium | Coldest month (Gulmarg averages about 0.7°C by day, -7.7°C at night). Biggest spells and most disruption. |
| February | High | Low–medium | Often the deepest base in Gulmarg; longer days. Khelo India Winter Games were held in Gulmarg on 23–26 Feb 2026. |
| March | Medium early, low late | Rare | Snow softening; IISM’s last ski batch ends 13 March 2027. |
| April–June | Snow only at the top (Apharwat) | No | See snow by gondola, at Thajiwas Glacier and at Zero Point (union taxi from Sonmarg). |
| July–September | No | No | Only old snow patches very high up. |
These are patterns, not promises; snow dates move a lot from year to year. Month guides: November, December, January.
Where can you see snow in Kashmir?
| Place | From Srinagar | Snow reliability | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gulmarg and Apharwat | ~50 km | Highest | Gondola Phase 1 ₹750, Phase 2 ₹950 (JKTDC); Phase 2 shuts often in storms. |
| Sonmarg | ~80 km | High in winter; year-round high up | Reachable in winter via the Z-Morh tunnel (opened 13 Jan 2025); glacier trail and Zero Point usually off in deep snow. |
| Pahalgam | ~95 km | Medium–high | Betaab usually reachable after clearance; Aru and Chandanwari roads can be blocked. Baisaran remains closed. |
| Doodhpathri and Yusmarg | Day trips | Medium | Both reopened to tourists on 16 Feb 2026 (Business Today); snow access depends on road clearance. |
| Gurez (Razdan Pass) | Far north | Very high | Heavy snow; was still awaiting reopening after snow clearance in Feb 2026. Not a winter tourist trip. |
| Srinagar | — | Lowest | Snow on Dal Lake and the houseboats is beautiful, but some winters it barely snows. |
What happened in the 2025-26 winter?
- Late December 2025: Chillai Kalan began on 21 December with snow in higher reaches and rain in the plains (Kashmir Reader, Statesman).
- 31 December 2025: New Year’s Eve snow in Gulmarg, Sonmarg and Pahalgam; Srinagar got rain. Minimums: Srinagar 2.2°C, Gulmarg -5.5°C (IANS via Lokmat, 1 January 2026).
- 9 January 2026: Srinagar’s coldest night of the season at -6°C, still without snow in the plains (Greater Kashmir).
- 23 January 2026: the plains, including Srinagar, finally got the season’s first snow; the Jammu–Srinagar NH-44 was closed and flights were suspended (Republic, 23 January 2026).
- February 2026: Gulmarg had enough snow to host the Khelo India Winter Games on 23–26 February.
The lesson: Gulmarg delivered snow all winter, while Srinagar waited until late January. If seeing snow is the point, don’t build your trip around Srinagar.
Does snowfall disrupt travel in Kashmir?
Yes, for short periods. What usually happens during a heavy spell:
- Flights: Srinagar airport can suspend operations for a day (it did on 23 January 2026). Fly in and out mid-day and keep a buffer day.
- Jammu–Srinagar highway (NH-44): closes after heavy snow near Banihal; the Vande Bharat train is an alternative, though weather can affect it too. See our Katra to Srinagar train guide.
- Gulmarg road: after snowfall, only 4×4 vehicles or cars with anti-skid chains may use Tangmarg–Gulmarg (SDM Gulmarg advisory; chains ₹600 a pair in December 2024).
- Gondola: Phase 2 often stops in wind or heavy snow; Phase 1 runs more often.
- Zoji La: BRO kept it open through winter 2025-26 for the first time, with brief closures after spells (The Tribune, 6 March 2026).
How to plan a Kashmir snow trip
| Day | Sample 5-day winter plan |
|---|---|
| 1 | Arrive Srinagar (mid-day flight), heated houseboat or hotel, short shikara if the weather allows. |
| 2 | To Gulmarg by a 4×4 or chained car; snow play, sledge or a first ski lesson. |
| 3 | Gulmarg: gondola Phase 1, Phase 2 if open; spare afternoon for weather. |
| 4 | Back to Srinagar, or Sonmarg day trip through the tunnel for snow in town. |
| 5 | Old city and Shankaracharya in the morning; fly out mid-day. |
This is the shape of our Snowclad Kashmir winter tour, quoted to your dates. For a budget option, the Magical Kashmir Economy tour starts from ₹16,999 per person (twin sharing) on its live page. Want to ski? Read skiing in Gulmarg.
- Book heated rooms and confirm heating in writing, especially on houseboats.
- Pack thermals, a waterproof jacket, waterproof boots with grip, gloves, cap and sunglasses.
- Avoid 24 December–1 January if you want lower prices and fewer queues.
- Watch the MeT Srinagar forecast and official advisories a few days out.
Kashmir or Himachal for snow?
Kashmir, specifically Gulmarg, is generally more dependable for snow than Shimla or Manali town, and the gondola gets you onto deep snow even early in the season. Himachal is closer to Delhi by road. Compare in our Manali vs Kashmir guide.
What this means for your trip
For snow, book late December to February, sleep at least one night (better two) in Gulmarg, and keep a spare day for flights and roads. Don’t count on snow in Srinagar city. Outside winter, you can still touch snow by gondola to Apharwat or at Thajiwas and Zero Point near Sonmarg from about April to June.
Kashmir snowfall: frequently asked questions
Which month has the most snowfall in Kashmir?
January, followed by February and late December. Chillai Kalan, the coldest 40 days, starts on 21 December. Gulmarg is the most reliable place; Srinagar city gets snow only in some years and sometimes late, as on 23 January 2026.
Has it snowed in Kashmir yet this season (2026-27)?
Yes, in the high areas. Gulmarg, Sonmarg, Pahalgam’s upper reaches, the Zojila axis, Razdan Pass and Sinthan Top got the season’s first snow on 13–14 October 2026, while Srinagar had rain.
Is there snow in Kashmir in November?
Sometimes in Gulmarg and on the gondola top, rarely in Srinagar. November is usually cold and clear. For reliable snow, travel from late December.
Where is snow most reliable in Kashmir?
Snow is never certain, but Gulmarg and the Apharwat gondola top are the most dependable from late December to February. From April to June you can usually find snow at the gondola top, Thajiwas Glacier and Zero Point.
Does Srinagar get snowfall?
In some winters, usually between late December and February. In 2025-26 the city’s first snow came only on 23 January 2026, after a dry spell. Plan a Gulmarg night if snow matters to you.
Do flights get cancelled because of snow in Srinagar?
Occasionally, during heavy spells. On 23 January 2026 flights were suspended and the Jammu–Srinagar highway closed. Fly mid-day and keep a buffer day at the end of a winter trip.
Can I see snow in Kashmir in summer?
Yes, high up. Take the Gulmarg gondola to Apharwat, or go to Thajiwas Glacier or Zero Point near Sonmarg, usually from April to June.
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