Weather by Month
Badrinath, nestled in the Indian Himalayas, experiences extreme seasonal shifts: bitterly cold, snowy winters with temperatures plunging well below freezing, and a short, mild summer with monsoon rains. The temple town is typically open to pilgrims only from late April to early November, with the most comfortable weather in May and June before the heavy monsoon arrives.
January
60%
144 mm
Moderate, gusty during storms
January is the coldest month, with average highs of 3°C and lows of -10°C, and 144 mm of precipitation, mostly as heavy snow. The town is closed to visitors, and the temple is inaccessible due to deep snow.
February
60%
192 mm
Moderate, gusty during storms
February remains intensely cold with average highs of 5°C and lows of -9°C, and precipitation increases to 192 mm, bringing more snowfall. The region remains closed for pilgrimage, and avalanches are a risk.
March
70%
267 mm
Moderate, gusty during storms
March sees average highs of 8°C and lows of -3°C, with the highest precipitation of the year at 267 mm, mostly as snow. The weather is still harsh, and the temple remains closed, though the snow begins to melt slowly.
April
70%
248 mm
Moderate, gusty during storms
April brings average highs of 9°C and lows of -1°C, with 248 mm of precipitation, a mix of snow and rain. The temple reopens on Akshaya Tritiya (usually late April), but conditions are still cold and snowy.
May
60%
106 mm
Moderate, gusty during storms
May is a pleasant pre-monsoon month with average highs of 11°C and lows of 0°C, and precipitation drops to 106 mm. This is one of the best times to visit, with clear skies and moderate daytime temperatures, though nights remain cold.
June
60%
115 mm
Moderate, gusty during storms
June continues to be favorable with average highs of 13°C and lows of 4°C, and 115 mm of rain, marking the start of the monsoon. Expect occasional showers but still comfortable for pilgrimage before the heaviest rains.
July
70%
416 mm
Moderate, gusty during storms
July is the wettest month with average highs of 19°C and lows of 9°C, and a massive 416 mm of rainfall. Heavy monsoon rains can cause landslides and road closures, making travel risky and unpleasant.
August
70%
375 mm
Moderate, gusty during storms
August remains very rainy with average highs of 18°C and lows of 10°C, and 375 mm of precipitation. The monsoon continues, with frequent downpours and high humidity, though temperatures are milder.
September
70%
270 mm
Moderate, gusty during storms
September sees average highs of 17°C and lows of 7°C, with 270 mm of rain as the monsoon starts to recede. The weather gradually improves, but the ground remains wet and landslides are still possible.
October
60%
148 mm
Moderate, gusty during storms
October offers crisp, clear weather with average highs of 12°C and lows of -1°C, and 148 mm of precipitation, mostly early in the month. This is an excellent time to visit before the temple closes for winter, but nights are freezing.
November
60%
86 mm
Light to moderate
November is cold and dry with average highs of 9°C and lows of -5°C, and only 86 mm of precipitation, often as snow. The temple closes for winter by mid-November, and the town becomes largely deserted.
December
50%
38 mm
Light to moderate
December is very cold with average highs of 8°C and lows of -7°C, and the lowest precipitation of the year at 38 mm. The town is closed, and heavy snow blankets the region, making it inaccessible.
Best Months to Visit
Weather Travel Tips
- Visit between May and June or September and October for the most stable weather and clear roads.
- Carry heavy woolens, thermal layers, and a down jacket; temperatures can drop below freezing even in summer nights.
- Book accommodation well in advance during the peak pilgrimage season (May-June and September-October).
- Be prepared for sudden weather changes and possible roadblocks due to landslides or snow; keep flexible travel plans.
- Acclimatize for a day in Joshimath or another lower-altitude town before heading to Badrinath to avoid altitude sickness.
- Carry cash, as ATMs are scarce and card payments may not work in the remote town.
- Respect local customs and dress modestly, especially inside the temple; photography is often prohibited inside.
- Carry your own water bottle and purification tablets, as drinking water may not be safe; avoid plastic waste.
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