Planning to go on the Char Dham Yatra? That’s wonderful! But before you pack your bags and start your journey to the beautiful hills of Uttarakhand, you need to know when is the best time to go. Because in the mountains, weather is not just a topic—it’s a big deal!
Let’s understand the seasons and the right time to visit these holy places—Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath.
🌼 Summer (Best Time to Visit!)
📅 Months: April to June
This is the best time for the yatra. The snow starts melting, the temples open, and the weather becomes pleasant.
- Temperature: 10°C to 20°C (days are warm, nights are cool)
- Why it’s good: Roads are open, flowers are blooming, rivers are flowing, and the sky is clear.
- Tip: Carry light woollens. Even summer nights in the hills can be chilly.
🌟 This is the most popular season for pilgrims.
🌧️ Monsoon (Be Careful!)
Monsoon in the mountains can be tricky. Heavy rainfall can cause landslides, roadblocks, and floods.
- Temperature: 8°C to 16°C
- Why it’s risky: Slippery roads, sudden weather changes, and poor visibility.
- Tip: If you still want to go, keep checking the Uttarakhand weather updates and advisories.
⚠️ Monsoon is not the safest time for Char Dham travel.
🍂 Autumn (Also a Good Time)
📅 Months: Mid-September to early November
After the rains, the sky clears up and the view is beautiful. It’s peaceful and less crowded than summer.
- Temperature: 5°C to 15°C
- Why it’s nice: Fresh air, golden leaves, and clean paths.
- Tip: Carry woollens and jackets. Mornings and evenings can get cold.
🌼 Good for those who like calm and quiet yatra.
❄️ Winter (Temples are Closed)
📅 Months: November to March
The Himalayas turn into a snow world! It’s beautiful, but the temples close during this time because of heavy snowfall.
- Temperature: -5°C to 10°C
- What happens: The deities are shifted to winter temples at lower altitudes.
- Tip: You can visit the winter Char Dham temples like Ukhimath (for Kedarnath) or Joshimath (for Badrinath).
🚫 Char Dham temples are not open in winter.
✅ Quick Weather Summary for Each Dham
| Dham | Best Time to Visit | Avg. Temp (°C) | Closed in Winter? |
| Yamunotri | May to June, Sept | 10 – 18 | Yes |
| Gangotri | May to June, Sept | 8 – 16 | Yes |
| Kedarnath | May to June, Sept | 5 – 15 | Yes |
| Badrinath | May to June, Sept | 7 – 17 | Yes |
🧳 What Should You Pack?
✔️ Woollen clothes (even in summer)
✔️ Raincoat and umbrella (monsoon or early yatra)
✔️ Good walking shoes
✔️ Sunscreen and sunglasses (yes, sun is strong in hills)
✔️ Torch and personal medicines
When you go for Char Dham, it’s not just a journey of kilometers—it’s a journey of the soul. But to enjoy it fully, go when the weather is friendly and the roads are safe. That’s why summer and early autumn are your best options.
So plan well, pray well, and enjoy every step with nature and divinity by your side!
