Pahalgam Weather by Month: Temperature, Snow & Best Time (2026)
Updated: November 2026
Short answer: Pahalgam in November and December is cold, quiet and mostly dry: IMD normals give about 13°C by day and −1.4°C at night in November, and 7.9°C and −4.2°C in December. Snow spells usually start in December and the valley is snowbound in January–February. The town, the Lidder riverfront, Betaab Valley and Aru Valley are open to visitors; Baisaran meadow remained closed in 2026. A live 5-day forecast is coming soon to this page; until then, check the latest IMD forecast before you travel.
Quick answer: Pahalgam weather at a glance
- Altitude: about 2,200 m on the Lidder river, roughly 90–95 km from Srinagar.
- Coldest month: January, average 4.9°C by day and −6.1°C at night (IMD 1991–2020); record low −18.6°C.
- Wettest months: March (about 171 mm) and February–April generally; October and November are driest.
- Snow: December to February in most years; on 31 December 2025 Pahalgam had snow while Srinagar had rain.
- Open (2026): town and riverfront, Betaab Valley, Aru Valley, Chandanwari (vehicle access limited in mid-2026). Closed: Baisaran meadow, long treks.
- Check: J&K Tourism and Anantnag district / police advisories before you go.
Planning Pahalgam in winter?
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What is the weather like in Pahalgam month by month?
Temperatures and precipitation are IMD climate normals for Pahalgam for 1991–2020. Pahalgam is about 600 m higher than Srinagar and runs roughly 3–5°C colder.
| Month | Avg max / min (°C) | Rain / snow | What it feels like | Best for | Roads & access |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 4.9 / −6.1 | 136 mm, ~8 wet days; snow | Deep cold, snowbound valley | Snow, quiet riverside stays | Aru/Chandanwari roads often blocked by snow |
| February | 7.2 / −3.9 | 145 mm, ~9 days; snow | Cold, late-winter snow | Snow | As January |
| March | 12.5 / −0.3 | 171 mm, ~10 days; wettest | Cold and wet; snow melting | Off-season | Slush and clearance work |
| April | 17.6 / 3.3 | 144 mm, ~10 days | Cool; meadows thawing | Quiet trips | Valleys reopen as snow clears |
| May | 21.3 / 5.8 | 120 mm, ~10 days | Fresh and green | Families, honeymoon | Open |
| June | 24.2 / 8.9 | 91 mm, ~8 days | Pleasant, warm days | Peak season | Busy |
| July | 25.5 / 12.9 | 107 mm, ~9 days | Warmest month | Summer holidays | Amarnath Yatra traffic and security checks |
| August | 25.4 / 13 | 115 mm, ~9 days | Mild, showers | Summer holidays | Yatra early in month |
| September | 23.7 / 8.7 | 95 mm, ~7 days | Clear, crisp | Couples, photography | Open |
| October | 19.9 / 2.6 | 38 mm, ~3 days | Cold nights, golden autumn | Autumn colour | Open |
| November | 13.1 / −1.4 | 51 mm, ~3 days; first snow some years | Freezing nights, sunny days | Quiet, low-cost trips | Open; first snow possible up high |
| December | 7.9 / −4.2 | 60 mm, ~4 days; snow spells start | Below-freezing nights | Snow, New Year | Side-valley roads can close after snow |
Record lows (IMD): −18.6°C in January, −15.7°C in December. On 21 December 2024 Pahalgam fell to −8.6°C.
When does it snow in Pahalgam?
Pahalgam gets steady winter snow from December to February. The surrounding valleys — Aru, Betaab, Chandanwari — get more, and their roads are the first to close.
| Date | What happened | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 21 December 2024 | Pahalgam −8.6°C on the first night of Chillai Kalan. | Kashmir Reader / PTI, 21 December 2024 |
| 31 December 2025 | Snow in Pahalgam, Gulmarg and Sonamarg on New Year’s Eve; rain in Srinagar. | IANS via Lokmat, 1 January 2026 |
| 13–14 October 2026 | First snow of the season on the upper reaches around Pahalgam, Gulmarg and Sonamarg. | OneIndia / Hans India, October 2026 |
Which Pahalgam spots can you reach in winter, and what is open?
After the attack at Baisaran on 22 April 2025, the administration closed many tourist spots across the Valley and reopened them in phases. This is the status we could confirm from reports; it can change at short notice.
| Place | Status (2026 reports) | Winter access |
|---|---|---|
| Pahalgam town and Lidder riverfront | Open | Open all winter via Anantnag |
| Betaab Valley | Reopened 17 June 2025 | Usually reachable after snow clearance |
| Aru Valley | Reopened 29 September 2025 | Road can be blocked by snow |
| Chandanwari | Reopened by June 2026; vehicles stopped at Lower Chandanwari | Often snowbound in mid-winter |
| Baisaran meadow | Closed since April 2025; still closed in 2026 reports, no reopening date found | Not available |
| Long treks (Kolahoi, Tarsar-Marsar) | Closed through mid-2026 | Not winter routes anyway |
Do not book a “Baisaran pony ride” as part of a package. More detail is in our Pahalgam travel guide. Check the J&K Traffic Police advisory and J&K Tourism / district police updates on the morning you travel.
What should you pack for Pahalgam?
Pahalgam is colder than Srinagar and many hotels rely on heaters, so pack for sub-zero nights from late November.
| Season | What to pack |
|---|---|
| Dec–Feb | Thermals, down jacket, waterproof boots, gloves, cap, warm socks; confirm room heating. |
| Mar–Apr | Warm jacket, rain shell, waterproof shoes for slush. |
| May–Sep | Light layers, a jacket for evenings, sunscreen, walking shoes. |
| Oct–Nov | Warm jacket and fleece; nights at or below freezing. |
When is the best time to visit Pahalgam?
| Trip type | Best months | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Snow | Late December to February | Snow in town and the side valleys. |
| Honeymoon | May–June, September–October | Mild weather and riverside walks. |
| Family | May–June, September | Most day trips open and pleasant. |
| Budget | November, March | Low season; check what is open. |
What this means for your trip
Pahalgam is worth a night or two for the river, Betaab and Aru, but plan around what is open rather than around Baisaran. In winter, schedule it after Gulmarg, drive in daylight, and confirm the day’s access with your driver and hotel. See the Kashmir itinerary and distance guide, and our Kashmir tour packages.
More mountain weather: Srinagar · Gulmarg · Sonamarg · All Kashmir
Pahalgam weather: frequently asked questions
Does it snow in Pahalgam in December?
Often, especially in the second half. On 31 December 2025 Pahalgam had snow while Srinagar had rain. January and February are the most reliable snow months.
How cold is Pahalgam in winter?
IMD normals give January days of about 4.9°C and nights of −6.1°C. Cold snaps go much lower: −8.6°C on 21 December 2024 and a record of −18.6°C.
Is Pahalgam open for tourists in 2026?
Yes. The town, riverfront, Betaab and Aru valleys are open, and Chandanwari reopened by June 2026. Baisaran meadow remained closed in 2026 reports. Check J&K Tourism and police advisories before you go.
Is Baisaran open?
Not as of the latest 2026 reports we could find; it has been closed since April 2025 and no reopening date has been announced. Do not pay for a Baisaran ride in advance.
How far is Pahalgam from Srinagar?
About 90–95 km, roughly 2.5–3 hours by road in normal conditions; allow more after snow.
What is the best time to visit Pahalgam?
May–June and September–October for pleasant weather; late December to February for snow.
Plan Pahalgam with up-to-date access
Send your dates and group size. We check what is open that week, plan the drive in daylight and quote the whole Kashmir trip as one price.
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