Weather in Srinagar

To ensure your trip to Srinagar goes perfectly, it is important to know about the weather conditions in advance. In this section, we have collected the most up-to-date forecasts and detailed climate charts for you.

Srinagar's climate can be characterized as humid subtropical, however, due to its high-altitude location, it possesses many traits of a temperate zone. The weather here differs significantly from the sweltering plains to the south: it is much milder, fresher, and more comfortable for travellers who struggle with extreme heat. All four seasons are clearly defined in the city, giving each period of the year its own unique character.

Summer in Srinagar is warm and pleasant, with average temperatures around 20°C and daytime highs rarely exceeding 25°C. However, it is worth noting that July is the rainiest month, when the number of days with precipitation increases sharply. Winter here is truly cold: from December to February, the thermometer regularly drops below zero, and night frosts are commonplace. Spring and autumn are distinguished by cool weather, with spring months often being quite rainy.

The climate in Srinagar is distinguished by clearly defined seasonality, making it a unique travel destination at any time of the year. The coldest period falls in January and December, when the city is plunged into a real winter. During these months, the average temperature often drops below zero, and night frosts can reach -6°C. During the day, the air warms up only slightly, staying in the range of 0°C to 5°C, so high-quality warm clothing is necessary for a winter trip.

Summer here, on the contrary, offers pleasant and mild warmth, providing relief from the exhausting heat characteristic of the plain areas of the region. The warmest month is traditionally July with an average temperature of about 20°C. At the height of the season, from June to August, daytime highs comfortably stay at the level of 22–25°C. This is the ideal time for long walks and enjoying nature without the risk of overheating.

An important feature of the local climate is the noticeable temperature fluctuations between day and night. Even in the summer months, after sunset, the air cools down quickly, and the difference can be more than 10 degrees. For example, in May or October, after pleasant daytime warmth (about 18–19°C), the night temperature can fall to 5–8°C. Travellers are recommended to take this factor into account and always have items with them that can be thrown on in the evening.

The nature of precipitation in Srinagar changes substantially depending on the time of year, offering tourists both snowy winters and rainy summer periods. In the winter months, especially in January and February, when night temperatures drop to -6.1°C, precipitation often falls as snow. During this period, about 12–13 days with precipitation per month are recorded, creating picturesque winter landscapes characteristic of this region of India.

The summer season, on the contrary, is distinguished by a high frequency of rain. The "wettest" month is July, when precipitation is observed on average for 24 days, and in August, the number of rainy days is about 20. Despite such frequency, the total volume of precipitation in millimetres remains comparatively low (a maximum of 8 mm in July), which often manifests as regular drizzle or short-term rains that refresh the air at a temperature of about 20°C.

The driest and most stable period falls in autumn. October is considered the driest month of the year: the average precipitation level drops to 1 mm, and the number of inclement days decreases to a minimum — only about 6 days per month. The spring months (March, April, May) occupy an intermediate position, demonstrating moderate humidity with 13–15 days of precipitation, which gradually transition from mixed winter forms to summer rains.

Srinagar is distinguished by clearly defined seasonality, so the contents of your suitcase will depend directly on your travel dates. If you are planning a trip in winter (from December to February), be sure to stock up on warm clothes: thermal underwear, woollen sweaters, a thick down jacket, a hat, and gloves are vital, as the temperature often drops below zero. In early spring and late autumn, the weather can also be cool, especially in the evenings, so an insulated jacket and a fleece sweater will not be amiss.

Summer in Srinagar is generally mild and comfortable, without the exhausting heat characteristic of the plains of India. For daytime walks from May to September, light items and a windbreaker are suitable, however, it is worth considering the high probability of precipitation, especially in July and August, when the number of rainy days reaches its maximum. During this period, an umbrella or a high-quality raincoat should be at hand. It is best to stick to the principle of layering in clothing to easily adapt to the changeable weather during the day.

Pay special attention to footwear: for long walks through the picturesque gardens and along the embankments of Dal Lake, choose comfortable sneakers or boots with non-slip soles, preferably with a water-repellent coating. Furthermore, despite the coolness, the mountain sun can be quite active, so do not forget to take sunglasses and cream with SPF to protect your skin and eyes during excursions.