When Does It Snow in Kashmir? First Snowfall Month by Month
When the first snow usually falls in Gulmarg, Sonamarg, Pahalgam and Srinagar, which months are most reliable, and how to plan a trip around snow.
Quick answerThe first snow usually reaches Gulmarg and Sonamarg in November or December, Pahalgam around December, and Srinagar in December or January, though some years are earlier or much later. The most reliable months for snow are January and February. Dry spells happen, so if snow matters, plan for those months and stay flexible.
Every winter, Kashmir waits for the first snow like a city waits for a monsoon. Social media fills with videos the moment Gulmarg turns white. Here is how the timing usually works, and how to avoid booking a "snow trip" to a brown hillside.
Usual snow timing
| Place | First snow usually | Most reliable |
|---|---|---|
| Gulmarg | November to December | January to early March |
| Sonamarg | November to December | December to February |
| Pahalgam | December | January to February |
| Srinagar | December to January | Occasional falls, rarely lasting long |
Dry winters happen
Snow in Kashmir comes in spells, brought by weather systems from the west. Some winters start late; in January 2024, for example, Gulmarg was widely reported to be almost without snow for weeks. That is why we recommend January and February, and why flexible bookings are worth it.
How to plan around snow
- Pick dates in January or February for the best odds.
- Stay a night in Gulmarg rather than doing a day trip; you get more snow time.
- Check the Meteorological Centre Srinagar forecast a week before travel.
- Keep a buffer day: heavy snowfall can delay flights and roads. See winter roads and flights.
- Compare places in our best places to see snow guide.
Month-by-month guides
Book a snow-friendly trip
We watch the snow so you do not have to, and can shift your Gulmarg night if snow arrives late. Ask through Get My Travel Plan, or see the winter 4 nights 5 days package.
Plan the rest of your Kashmir trip
- Gulmarg in Winter: Gulmarg is India's best-known ski resort and Kashmir's snow capital. What it is like from December to March, what to do, how to get there and how to plan your days.
- Kashmir Tour Packages from Every State of India: Travelling from any of India's 28 states? Find the fastest route to Srinagar, how many nights to plan, the best season for your region and a link to your state's full…
- Best Time to Visit Kashmir: Spring tulips, summer meadows, golden autumn chinars or deep winter snow: here is what each month in Kashmir is really like, and who it suits best.
Frequently asked questions
When does it start snowing in Kashmir?
Gulmarg and Sonamarg usually get their first snow in November or December; Srinagar in December or January.
Which month has the most snow in Kashmir?
January and February are usually the most reliable months for snow.
Does Srinagar get snow?
Yes, usually a few times each winter, mostly from December to February, though it rarely stays long.