Quick answer
The best time to visit Uttarakhand is March to June and September to November, when days are clear and roads are open. Visit in December to February for snow (Auli, Dhanaulti) and avoid July–August if you can, when monsoon landslides often close hill roads.
Uttarakhand through the year
Uttarakhand runs from the plains near Haridwar to Himalayan peaks above 7,000 m, so the right month depends on where you are going. The lower hill stations (Nainital, Mussoorie, Bhimtal, Rishikesh) are pleasant most of the year; the high Himalaya — the Char Dham temples, Auli, Munsiyari and the Valley of Flowers — has a shorter season.
| Months | What to expect | Go to |
|---|---|---|
| Mar – Apr | Spring & blossoms. Rhododendrons and orchard blossom, clear days, fewer crowds — great value before summer. | Mukteshwar, Binsar, Chopta |
| May – Jun | Summer escapes & Char Dham. Peak family season and the yatra opening. Book hotels and taxis 4–6 weeks ahead. | Nainital, Mussoorie, Sonprayag |
| Jul – Aug | Monsoon (travel with care). Lush valleys and the Valley of Flowers, but landslides can close roads. Keep buffer days. | Rishikesh, Dehradun, Jim Corbett |
| Sep – Nov | Clear Himalayan views. Crisp skies, Puja and Diwali holidays, the second yatra season — the best views of the year. | Kausani, Munsiyari, Badrinath |
| Dec – Feb | Snow & winter sun. Snow in Auli and Dhanaulti, sunny days in the lower hills, New Year getaways. | Auli / Joshimath, Dhanaulti, Rishikesh |
Spring and summer: March to June
Clear skies, rhododendrons in the forests and the opening of the Char Dham yatra make this the busiest season. School holidays in May and June bring the biggest crowds to Nainital and Mussoorie.
- Best for: family hill-station trips, Char Dham (from late April / May), Rishikesh rafting and Jim Corbett safaris
- Book hotels and taxis 4–6 weeks ahead for May–June and long weekends
- Days are warm in Rishikesh and Haridwar; evenings in the hills still need a light jacket
Monsoon: July and August
Heavy rain makes the valleys green, but landslides regularly block roads for hours or days — especially on the routes to Kedarnath, Badrinath and Kumaon's higher towns. Travel only with buffer days and a flexible plan.
- Good for: the Valley of Flowers (usually open from June, flowers peak in July–August), Dehradun, Rishikesh and lower hill stations
- Most Jim Corbett safari zones close in the monsoon; check the official Corbett booking site for the zones open on your dates
- Check road and weather advisories every morning and avoid driving in the hills after dark
Autumn: September to November
Once the rain stops the air is the clearest of the year, with the best views of the snow peaks from Kausani, Munsiyari, Binsar and Mukteshwar. The second Char Dham season runs until the temples close around Diwali, and Durga Puja and Diwali holidays make October busy.
Winter: December to February
Cold, sunny days in the lower hills and snow at higher places. Auli is the main snow destination; Dhanaulti and Nainital get occasional snowfall. The Char Dham temples are closed for winter.
- Best for: snow trips to Auli, quiet hill-station breaks, New Year getaways
- Carry heavy woollens; some high roads need chains or close briefly after snowfall
Frequently asked questions
Which month is best for Uttarakhand?
October is the best single month: clear Himalayan views, pleasant days and open roads. April–June is also excellent but busier.
When does it snow in Uttarakhand?
Snow usually falls from late December to February at higher places such as Auli, and occasionally at Dhanaulti and Nainital. Snowfall varies every year.
Is it safe to visit Uttarakhand in the monsoon?
It is possible but plan carefully: landslides can close roads for hours or days in July–August. Keep buffer days, avoid night driving and follow official advisories.
When is the Char Dham yatra open?
The temples usually open in late April or May and close around October–November. Exact dates are announced each year by the temple authorities.
Last updated 26 Oct 2026. Conditions, permits and dates change every season — check official advisories before you travel.