The short answer
When to go to Amarnath
The Yatra window, July and August, is the only time the cave is open to pilgrims, and even then the dates are set each year by the Shrine Board. Weather can swing from sun to snow in an hour at altitude, so go with layers and a flexible plan. Outside the window the routes are snowbound and shut. Older pilgrims do best taking the early slots, resting properly at base camp and and checking the Board's schedule for the quieter days.
Month by month
Amarnath weather by month
| Month | High | Low | Rain | Verdict | What to expect |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 5°C | -6°C | 136 mm | Snowbound; the cave is shut to pilgrims. Pahalgam climate shown | |
| February | 7°C | -4°C | 144 mm | Snowbound and shut; no Yatra | |
| March | 13°C | 0°C | 171 mm | Still snowbound at altitude; no Yatra | |
| April | 18°C | 3°C | 144 mm | Registration may open, but the routes are still closed | |
| May | 21°C | 6°C | 120 mm | Snow on the higher stages; the Yatra has not begun | |
| June | 24°C | 9°C | 91 mm | Route preparation; the Yatra usually starts later | |
| July | 26°C | 13°C | 107 mm | Yatra season; the cave is far colder than Pahalgam | |
| August | 25°C | 13°C | 115 mm | Yatra season; the Yatra traditionally closes near Shravan Purnima | |
| September | 24°C | 9°C | 95 mm | Yatra over; the cave closes for the year | |
| October | 20°C | 3°C | 38 mm | Cold returns; the cave is not open to pilgrims | |
| November | 13°C | -1°C | 51 mm | Snow arrives; no Yatra | |
| December | 8°C | -4°C | 60 mm | Deep winter; the cave is snowbound |
Temperatures and rainfall are long-term monthly averages. Check the forecast a few days before you travel.
Seasons at a glance
Amarnath seasons for families and seniors
The easiest months: July and August
- July: Yatra season; the cave is far colder than Pahalgam
- August: Yatra season; the Yatra traditionally closes near Shravan Purnima
Closed or largely inaccessible: January, February, March, April, May, June, September, October, November and December
- January: Snowbound; the cave is shut to pilgrims. Pahalgam climate shown
- February: Snowbound and shut; no Yatra
- March: Still snowbound at altitude; no Yatra
- April: Registration may open, but the routes are still closed
- May: Snow on the higher stages; the Yatra has not begun
- June: Route preparation; the Yatra usually starts later
- September: Yatra over; the cave closes for the year
- October: Cold returns; the cave is not open to pilgrims
- November: Snow arrives; no Yatra
- December: Deep winter; the cave is snowbound
Useful answers
Best time to visit Amarnath: FAQs
What is the best month to visit Amarnath?
July and August are the best months to visit Amarnath. The Yatra window, July and August, is the only time the cave is open to pilgrims, and even then the dates are set each year by the Shrine Board. Weather can swing from sun to snow in an hour at altitude, so go with layers and a flexible plan. Outside the window the routes are snowbound and shut. Older pilgrims do best taking the early slots, resting properly at base camp and and checking the Board's schedule for the quieter days.
Which months should I avoid in Amarnath with elderly parents?
January, February, March, April, May, June, September, October, November and December are the months to avoid with older travellers. Snowbound; the cave is shut to pilgrims. Pahalgam climate shown Snowbound and shut; no Yatra
When does it rain most in Amarnath?
March is the wettest month, with about 171 mm of rain on average. The hottest month is July, with average highs around 26°C.