Make the frozen lakes of Leh your own ice-skating paradise in winter. Marvel at the myriad hues of this hamlet as autumn falls. Catch a glimpse of the summer as the spring season turns the wonderful white into the glorious green. Each season layers Leh with different colours and shades. Hence, deciding which colour to see this little hamlet don is your decision.

We, at Thomas Cook, will help you reach that decision by listing out what each season has to offer. Here we have detailed for you all the information that you may require to choose the most ideal time to travel. Listed for you are also the precautions that you must take before and while you are on your trip. Take a look!

Peak Season: Temperatures range from 15°C and 30°C in the peak season. This is between the months of June to August. Comfortably warm, the weather allows for you to head outdoors and bring out the explorer in you. With a little sprinkle of snow here and there, summer in Leh is bustling with tourists and activities. 

Shoulder Season: September to October 

Low Season: Mid-November to March

Leh in Summer (May – July) 

Temperature: The air temperature during summer fluctuates between 15°C and 30°C.

Weather: As the weather clears up, the whites of the winter season give way to the green of summer. Summer starts on a cooler note in Leh before the temperature gradually starts to rise. The sun warms your skin as the cold wind caresses your face. A good share of ice and snow can be spotted as remnants of the winter season in the Khardung La and Chang La passes. The agreeable weather and bracing surroundings make it the best time to visit Leh. 

Significant events: The appearance of the sun in this season gives one relief from the otherwise cold climate of this quaint hamlet. Summer breathes life into the frozen lakes of Leh. The cold no longer bites at your skin and makes it the most suitable time for you to venture outdoors and explore the region. The highlight of summer is the Hemis Festival. The monks get ready in vibrant robes and don colourful masks to commemorate and portray the life of their late Guru Padmasambhava, the founder of Tantric Buddhism in Tibet. This usually takes place in June. 

Why you should visit now:This time of the year is buzzing with activity, is the peak tourist season. Several festivals and events are held in summer, inviting celebrations and setting the mood for some fun. If you want to engage in some sightseeing and adventure activities, you could head to the Pangong Tso Lake for some camping with your family. Moreover, if you do not know already, this picturesque lake is where a major part of the film Three Idiots was shot. 

Things to know before the visit: Be mindful of the roads while travelling as the snowy season gradually bids goodbye and leaves the hilly terrain wet and slippery. Hence, stay alert while on the road, especially on highways. As May approaches its end, the sun’s rays are likely to get quite strong and may harm your skin if you aren’t covered up properly. Make sure that you do not expose your skin to direct sunlight for a long time. 

Tips: Make sure that you book your tickets well in advance since many tourists visit Leh at this time of the year. Plan your activities and itinerary according to the weather. While you pack, make sure you include both warm and cool clothes as well as sunscreen and some glasses. 

Leh in Monsoon (July – September) 

Temperature: The air temperature during the season of monsoon ranges between 10°C and 20°C.

Weather: A sight to behold, once the hamlet is drenched in the rain, temperatures drop down considerably; sending shivers down your spine. The risk of dangerous landslides is synonymous to that of hilly terrains visited by the Rain Gods. The month of August brings with it a chill in the air and is the best time to spend some quality moments snuggled under a blanket with your family or loved ones.

Significant events: The little gloom if we dare say, that the monsoon brings with it, does not dampen the spirit of Leh and its people. Rain or shine, festivals are celebrated with great enthusiasm. One such festival in September is the Ladakh festival. You will witness the locals dancing, singing as they don vibrant traditional Ladakhi dresses. Cultural troupes from various regions gather together for this celebration. This is a weeklong annual celebration with activities such as polo, archery and masked dances by the villagers. 

As the Rain Gods shower their love down on the hamlet, there are quite a few activities to engage in and sights to marvel at that one can only do in this weather. If you are feeling adventurous, you could indulge in some white-water rafting along the Indus and Zanskar rivers. With the water levels high throughout July and August, this activity is best experienced in the monsoons. 

Why you should visit now: Being a rain shadow region, the rains are not likely to wreak any havoc in Leh. With only sporadically heavy downpours, the skies are left clear, pristine and blue, the view is magnificent and the cold wind playfully teases your hair. Moreover, the steaming, hot local Tibetan/Ladakhi delicacies are best enjoyed during this time of the year. Relish a piping, hot plate of momos or a bowl of thukpa as you sit inside a German bakery, listening to the pitter-patter of the raindrops. 

Things to know before the visit: Make sure you check the weather reports before booking your tickets and accommodation. Book a hotel that is centrally located, accessible and also has a central heating system since the nights could get chilly.

Tips: Do not forget to carry lightweight and waterproof clothes to protect yourself from the monsoons. Always carry an umbrella when you venture out.

Leh in Autumn (October – November) 

Temperature:The air temperature during autumn fluctuates between 9°C and 14°C.

Weather: The weather of Leh in autumn is cold and still wet as a result of the aftermath of the monsoons. However, Leh looks brand new post the showers in the monsoon. This is when the winters knock sharply at the door, indicating that they are just around the corner. Tourist bookings slow down at this time of the year.

Significant events: Festivals take place regardless of the weather in this hamlet. The highlight of this weather is the annual two-day Diskit Gustor festival that is held in October. Similar to the festival of Diwali, this festival too marks the victory of good over evil. You will also witness a rather exciting performance by the Lamas- Chaam dance. This is an act performed by wearing sacred masks accompanied by traditional music. A paradise for music lovers, the fusion of musical instruments such as cymbals, drums and long horns sound like heaven to the ears.

Why you should visit now: If you do not want to join the bandwagon, but prefer to visit Leh when it is less crowded, autumn is the best time to visit Leh. You and your family will remain undisturbed by the rush of the tourists at this time of the year. Autumn is also an excellent time to enjoy the hues of this hamlet. 

Things to know before the visit: Do check for discounts that may be available at this time of the year. The lack of public transport could prove to be a hindrance to your travel plans, hence be mindful.

Tips: Carry light woollens at all times to keep yourself warm as cold winds prevail in this region. 

Leh in Winter (December – February) 

Temperature: The air temperature during winter ranges between -23°C and -8°C.

Weather: The weather of winter in Leh is mercilessly cold as the snow starts to cover the hamlet gradually. As the days go by, temperatures dip further. Acclimatization gets quite difficult at this time of the year because of the snowfall.

Significant events: The winters only add to the pristine beauty of Leh. The month of December, as always, translates to celebrations and festivities. You will feel the cold hamlet radiating warmth with its monasteries, residential and public buildings brightly lit in December. The Galdan Namchot festival could very well be known as the festival of lights. This festival marks the beginning of the celebrations of the New Year. Enjoy Tibetan/Ladakhi local delicacies that are prepared as a part of this festival and you will forget about the cold!

Why you should visit now: If you are an adventure enthusiast, this is the right time for you to engage in some trekking at the famous Chadar Trek from January to March. Moreover, this is the only time when you can witness the transforming colours of Pangong Tso and Tso Moriri from November to December. You could also walk on the frozen lakes of Ladakh!

Things to know before the visit: The climate gets extremely cold at this time of the year and it is mandatory to take necessary precautions as you plan your trip. Look at accommodation that has heaters and electrical warmers. The high altitude and snowfall might make acclimatisation difficult for you. Hence, be aware of your tolerance levels. Be mindful of the fact that there will be no running water in taps.

Tips: Wear at least four to five layers of clothing before you take that flight to prepare yourself for the numbing cold in Leh.  In case you are in a homestay, try to spend more time in the kitchen since it is the warmest part of any house. Carry several woollen clothes, heavy jackets, mufflers and gloves to keep yourself warm. Stay hydrated by sipping on some tea or water in short intervals of time.

If you are intrigued and tempted to pack your bags right away, visit our website and go through the Leh packages that we offer. If you have any more questions, you will get the answers that you are looking for on our page. Contact us immediately to book your tickets and accommodation!