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Best Time to Visit Kedarnath

Kedarnath, one of the twelve Jyotirlingas and a key stop on the Chota Char Dham yatra, sits at 3,583m in the Garhwal Himalayas. The temple is open only from late April/May (Akshaya

Overview

Kedarnath, one of the twelve Jyotirlingas and a key stop on the Chota Char Dham yatra, sits at 3,583m in the Garhwal Himalayas. The temple is open only from late April/May (Akshaya Tritiya) to October/November (Bhai Dooj), with the best visiting window being May–June and September–October when weather is stable and trails are clear. Monsoon (July–August) brings heavy rain and landslide risk, while winter sees the shrine closed under deep snow.

Monthly Breakdown

January

Temperature: -14°C to 0°C

Weather: Deep winter, heavy snow, temperatures far below freezing, trails buried.

Crowds: None (temple closed)

Rating: ⭐

Not accessible; temple is closed and the region is snowbound. Avoid any travel here.

February

Temperature: -12°C to 2°C

Weather: Still harsh winter, heavy snowfall (highest precipitation of year), avalanche risk.

Crowds: None

Rating: ⭐

Temple remains closed; no pilgrimage activity. Do not attempt.

March

Temperature: -7°C to 5°C

Weather: Late winter, snow starts to melt but trails remain icy and treacherous.

Crowds: None (temple closed)

Rating: ⭐

Still closed; only local movement. Not a pilgrimage time.

April

Temperature: -6°C to 7°C

Weather: Snowmelt begins, but temperatures remain cold; occasional snow showers.

Crowds: Very few; temple opens only at the end of April (Akshaya Tritiya).

Rating: ⭐⭐

Opening date varies; if open, come prepared for cold and wet conditions. Check official announcements.

May

Temperature: -3°C to 10°C

Weather: Spring, clear skies, snow melting, daytime pleasant but nights cold.

Crowds: Increasing, but manageable; early yatra season.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Ideal time. Trek is clear, views are stunning, and crowds are moderate. Carry warm layers.

June

Temperature: 1°C to 13°C

Weather: Pleasant daytime, cool nights, pre-monsoon clarity.

Crowds: High – peak yatra season begins.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Excellent time but expect crowds. Book accommodation and helicopter tickets well in advance.

July

Temperature: 7°C to 14°C

Weather: Monsoon; heavy rain, cloudy, slippery trails, risk of landslides.

Crowds: Moderate, but many avoid due to weather.

Rating: ⭐⭐

Not recommended. Landslides can block the trek; check weather alerts daily.

August

Temperature: 7°C to 14°C

Weather: Peak monsoon, continuous rain, high humidity, trail damage possible.

Crowds: Low

Rating: ⭐

Avoid. The 2013 floods were in August; the region is prone to such events. Temple may remain open but risk is high.

September

Temperature: 3°C to 13°C

Weather: Monsoon recedes, clearer skies, but trails may still be wet.

Crowds: Moderate – post-monsoon pilgrims return.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Good time, especially late September. Carry waterproof gear and be cautious of residual mud.

October

Temperature: -3°C to 9°C

Weather: Autumn, crisp air, clear skies, but nights are freezing; snow possible at month's end.

Crowds: High – last chance before closing (Bhai Dooj).

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Best month after May. Enjoy clear Himalayan views, but pack heavy woolens.

November

Temperature: -8°C to 5°C

Weather: Early winter, snow begins, temple closes by mid-November (Bhai Dooj).

Crowds: None after closing; a few early in month.

Rating: ⭐⭐

Only early November if open; otherwise closed. After closing, the murti moves to Ukhimath.

December

Temperature: -8°C to 5°C

Weather: Heavy snow, sub-zero temperatures, temple closed.

Crowds: None

Rating: ⭐

Inaccessible. Winter worship happens at Ukhimath, not Kedarnath.

Seasonal Guide

🌸

Spring (April–May)

The snow melts, the temple doors open on Akshaya Tritiya, and the valley bursts into life. Clear skies and moderate crowds make this a serene time to visit.

Temperature

-6°C to 10°C

Weather

Cool days, cold nights, occasional rain at higher elevations.

Pros

Temple opens for the season
Fresh snow on peaks, clear views
Fewer pilgrims than June
Trails are clean after winter

Cons

Early season may have icy patches
Accommodation options limited until mid-May
Weather can be unpredictable

Recommendations

•Check the official opening date and plan around it
•Carry thermal wear and a good raincoat
•Book ponies or palanquins in advance if needed

☀️

Summer (June)

The most popular time for yatra, with stable weather and the temple in full operation. The trek is at its most accessible, but crowds peak.

Temperature

1°C to 13°C

Weather

Pleasant days, cool nights, low rain before monsoon onset.

Pros

Best trekking conditions
Helicopter services operational
All facilities open
Ideal for first-timers

Cons

Very crowded, long queues
Accommodation and transport prices high
Need to book everything months ahead

Recommendations

•Start the trek early morning to avoid queues
•Pre-book helicopter or pony services
•Stay in Gaurikund or Sonprayag for better availability

🌧️

Monsoon (July–September)

Heavy rain and cloud cover dominate. The region is prone to landslides and the 2013 disaster is a stark reminder. Only experienced trekkers should consider this period.

Temperature

7°C to 14°C

Weather

Continuous rain, high humidity, slippery trails, low visibility.

Pros

Fewer pilgrims
Lush green landscapes
Cheaper rates (if open)

Cons

High risk of landslides and flash floods
Trek can be closed at short notice
Leaches and mud make walking difficult

Recommendations

•Avoid unless absolutely necessary
•If you go, carry a satellite phone and check IMD alerts daily
•Travel with a local guide

🍂

Autumn (October–November)

The post-monsoon skies clear, offering spectacular mountain views. This is the last chance to visit before the temple closes for winter on Bhai Dooj.

Temperature

-3°C to 9°C

Weather

Crisp, clear days; freezing nights; snow possible in November.

Pros

Crystal-clear Himalayan panorama
Moderate crowds (except closing week)
Comfortable trekking temperatures
Photography paradise

Cons

Nights are very cold
Facilities start shutting down after closing
Early snow can close the trek unexpectedly

Recommendations

•Visit in early October for best weather
•Carry heavy down jackets and sleeping bags
•Confirm the closing date to avoid disappointment

Recommendations by Traveler Type

For the Devout Beginner

If you've never done the Kedarnath yatra, you want a safe, well-supported experience with clear weather and enough people around for help.

Best Time: May–June or early October

•Book your stay in Gaurikund or Sonprayag well in advance
•Take the pony or palanquin if you're not used to high-altitude trekking
•Start the trek at dawn to reach the temple by noon
•Carry a first-aid kit with Diamox for altitude sickness
•Visit the Bhairav Nath Temple and Adi Shankaracharya's samadhi behind the main shrine

For the Hiker and Nature Lover

You want to combine the pilgrimage with side treks to glacial lakes and enjoy the raw Himalayan beauty.

Best Time: Late May–June or September–October

•Include a side trip to Gandhi Sarovar (Chorabari Tal) – a 2km climb above the temple
•For Vasuki Tal, allow an extra day and hire a local guide
•Trek from Gaurikund – the 16-18km route is challenging but rewarding
•Carry trekking poles and sturdy waterproof boots
•Be prepared for sudden weather changes even in good seasons

For the Shutterbug

You want dramatic shots of the temple against snow peaks and clear skies.

Best Time: October (especially early October)

•The morning light on Kedarnath Peak is best from the temple courtyard
•Capture the temple with the Bhairav Temple in the foreground
•Use a wide-angle lens for the massive stone architecture
•Stay overnight in Kedarnath (if permitted) for sunset and sunrise shots
•Carry extra batteries – cold drains them fast

For Those Needing Assistance

The trek is tough, but you can still have a fulfilling darshan with the right support.

Best Time: June (peak season with maximum services)

•Use a palanquin or pony – book in advance through the GMVN
•Helicopter service from Phata, Sersi, or Guptkashi is the easiest option
•Travel with a companion and carry your medical prescriptions
•Avoid monsoon and late autumn – slippery trails are dangerous
•Stay in a lodge with heating (rare but available) or carry warm clothes

Frequently Asked Questions

1. When does the Kedarnath temple open and close?

The temple opens on Akshaya Tritiya (usually late April or early May) and closes on Bhai Dooj (usually October or November). The exact dates are announced by the temple committee each year. During winter, the murti is moved to Ukhimath for worship.

2. What is the best month to visit Kedarnath?

May, June, and October are the best months. May and June offer clear trails and pleasant weather, while October provides crystal-clear views and moderate crowds. Avoid July–September due to monsoon risks.

3. Is it safe to visit during the monsoon?

No. The region is prone to landslides and flash floods; the 2013 disaster occurred in June. The trail can be closed, and helicopter services are often suspended. It's strongly advised to avoid monsoon travel.

4. Can I visit Kedarnath in winter?

No, the temple is closed and the area is buried under snow. The deity is worshipped at Ukhimath during winter, but you cannot reach the temple itself. Some trekkers may attempt snow trekking, but it's extremely dangerous and not recommended.

5. How long is the trek and how difficult is it?

The trek from Gaurikund is about 16-18 km, taking 6-8 hours on foot. It's steep and at high altitude, so it's moderately difficult. Ponies, palanquins, and helicopter services are available for those who need them.