Uttarakhand is one of India’s leading tourist destinations, with alluring landscapes, beautiful cities and numerous pilgrimage sites. Uttarakhand has tourists coming all through the year from across India and all corners of the globe. March to April and September to October are considered as the best time to visit Uttarakhand. The state has wonderful weather all through the year. Trekking, Paragliding and The Char Dham Yatra are the most popular activities during Summer, which is also the Peak Season in Uttarakhand. Winters from November through February are perfect for rafting in Rishikesh and wildlife spotting in Jim Corbett National Park. Valley of Flowers is picture perfect during monsoon.

Uttarakhand is the land of the awe-inspiring Himalayas. Who can say no to this land of majestic snow-capped peaks, exotic hill stations and unending green jungles? Together, these offer you pleasant weather throughout the year, with slight variation in temperature from day to night, or even between seasons. Most of the state’s income comes from tourism and thus Uttarakhand keeps its gates open to all visitors all months of the year.

Summers in Uttarakhand are cold and pleasant, making daytimes perfect for sightseeing and walking about. Plan your summer vacation to Uttarakhand between March and June. The months of winter are icy cold with some regions even receiving moderate to heavy snowfall. This doesn’t cut them off from the rest of the country; on the contrary, this blanket of white turns them into picturesque locales that you just wouldn’t want to leave. October to February is the right time to take a winter break to Uttarakhand. The only time that Uttarakhand is uninviting is during the monsoon. The state receives heavy rainfall in the months of July and August and that can make traveling within the land a little difficult. 

Uttarakhand has a lot to offer the eager traveller. You could be travelling alone or with your family, or it could even be a group of friends; you can be sure that your vacation in Uttarakhand will be possibly one of the best holidays of your life.

Peak Season (March-June):

Summer is the best climate to visit Uttarakhand. The weather is pleasant and comfortable, with temperatures not going beyond 35 degree Celsius during the day and never dipping below 20 degree Celsius. Summer brings out the beauty in Uttarakhand and you will find most tourists heading here.

Shoulder Season (October-February):

If you like the cold, then head to Uttarakhand in winter. In fact, we suggest that you head there even if you are not particularly crazy about the cold weather – the beauty of the place will definitely convert you. Bundle up in your woollens to keep yourself well-protected from the low temperatures. Daytime will reach a maximum of 15 degree Celsius and in some places the lowest could go to up to 3 degrees Celsius. If you are lucky, you could experience snowfall too.

Low Season (July-September):

While the rain might seem unwelcoming, it does transform Uttarakhand into a lush-green panorama. The air is fresh and there is a clean look about the place. Be warned; the months of July and August will see Uttarakhand inundated with rain and it can upset your travel plans.

Uttarakhand in Summer (March to June)

Temperature: Avg. of 35 degrees high to 20 degrees low

Weather: Summer brings with it a potpourri of breathtaking natural beauty and there is an unmistakable freshness in Uttarakhand in the summer season. The weather is pleasant and it is always just the right temperature to make a trip here. The chill of winter is gone, the flowers are peeking through and it is time for celebration. The sun feels comforting on your back as you walk through the hills and valleys. Stop to gaze upon the untouched beauty that is brought to you on a platter. Whether you are a trekker or you are visiting Uttarakhand to spend some time with someone special, this is a time for life, beauty and romance.

Significant events: Summer is a time for festivals and celebrations. This is when new seeds are planted and the entire region hopes for a good harvest. The celebration, Bhaitauli, is celebrated between March and April. The women in the house are entrusted the job of planting seeds and by the end of the festival period, called Harela, they harvest the crop. This is also a time for celebrating the bond between a brother and a sister, where the former honours his sister with gifts.
Once the month of May hits, the region gears up for the famous Char Dham Yatra. This continues until September. As the name suggests, this trek takes travellers to each of the four spiritual sites of Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath. You can join this trek whether or not you are spiritually inclined, since the trek itself is a beautiful experience.

Why you should visit now: Summer is when the weather is perfect and the landscape simply gorgeous. You can cross-off several must-see places off your bucket list.

Know before you visit: Summer is peak season in Uttarakhand, so there will be many tourists. Book your tickets and reserve accommodation in advance to avoid getting disappointed.

Tips: The weather is pleasant but the sun is still quite harsh. Use a sunblock when you step out.

Uttarakhand in Monsoon (July to September)

Temperature: Avg. of 25 degrees high to 15 degrees low

Weather: When it rains in Uttarakhand, the skies really open up. While this turns the land into a beautiful kaleidoscope of colours, it can get a little inconvenient to move about. More so if you are not particularly fond of the rains. The rain begins in late-June but really picks up speed by July. The next three months drench the Himalayan region with heavy rains that increase the likelihood of landslides and roadblocks.

Significant events: The end of the summer festival of Bhaitauli is called Harela. This is a festival that indicates the beginning of the monsoon and it is celebrated around July-August. On the mythological side, this event commemorates the wedding of Lord Shiva to Parvati.

Why you should visit now: Weather in monsoon of Uttarakhand is perfect for a budget trip. This is a great time since hotels and other tour packages will offer you discounts and lower prices.

Know before you visit: Don’t forget to pack your rain gear – raincoat, umbrella and sturdy walking shoes.

Tips: The heavy downpour can lead to landslides and roadblocks. Be prepared to have your vacation plan thrown out of gear.

Uttarakhand in Winter (October to February)

Temperature: Avg. of 15 degrees high to 3 degrees low

Weather: Weather of Uttarakhand in winter season is the best time to cosy up with someone special. Starting November and going right up to February, is when Uttarakhand sees an influx of honeymooners and young couples. The fine mist hanging about like a delicate veil adds to the romantic mood of the land. Families too can enjoy their winter vacation in Uttarakhand as the weather gives a surreal tranquillity to the land. Whether you want a wonderful hill-station holiday, or whether spirituality beckons or you want to feel one with nature, this is a good place for your winter vacation.

Significant events: If you are in Uttarakhand in the second week of January, you will get to enjoy Makar Sankranti, a festival that celebrates the change of season. People worship the sun at sunrise and prepare a meal of khichdi (rice and pulses cooked with spices) and also til ke laddoo. This is also when the Uttarayani Fair is held at Bageshwar, Ranibagh, and Hanseswari, among other places in Kumaon area. Festivities, large gatherings of devotees and taking a dip in the water of the River Saruya are highlights of the festival.

Basant Panchami heralds the coming of the spring season. Winter is over and it is time to welcome the bright sun. Locals dress up in in yellow clothing, sing and dance, and fill the skies with colourful kites.

Why you should visit now: Wintertime in Uttarakhand layers the already beautiful landscape with a sheer veil of gossamer mist. This season has to be experienced to be truly understood.

Know before you visit: Winter is also peak season for tourists in Uttarakhand. Book tickets in advance and make sure you confirm your reservation before heading over.

Tips: Carry plenty of woollens. When it gets cold it gets biting cold here. If it snows, you will also need the right walking gear to enjoy the land.

A trip to Uttarakhand in the making? At Thomas Cook, we have all the experience that you could ride on to plan the perfect vacation to this Himalayan region. Do go through our special Uttarakhand Tour Packages and choose one depending on your exact preferences. You can rely on us to book your tickets and hotel accommodation too. Our experts are standing by to offer you all the support that you could need.