The short answer
When to go to Valley of Flowers
The Valley of Flowers is generally open from about June to October, with peak bloom from mid-July to mid-August. That is also the wettest period, with heavy rain and the risk of landslides on the highway, so travellers sensitive to cold or wet should consider late June or September. Hemkund Sahib runs a shorter season from late May to early October. Older travellers should plan acclimatisation days and avoid the first half of June, when snow can linger on the paths. Climate figures are from Badrinath, a nearby station at a similar altitude.
Month by month
Valley of Flowers weather by month
| Month | High | Low | Rain | Verdict | What to expect |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 4°C | -5°C | 145 mm | Park and Hemkund snowbound | |
| February | 6°C | -5°C | 139 mm | Snowbound; Ghangaria deserted | |
| March | 10°C | 0°C | 163 mm | Still snowbound; no access | |
| April | 15°C | 4°C | 77 mm | Snow lingers; park not yet open | |
| May | 19°C | 7°C | 54 mm | Park not open; Hemkund yatra begins late in the month | |
| June | 20°C | 10°C | 102 mm | Park opens; early, patchy bloom and leftover snow | |
| July | 19°C | 11°C | 325 mm | Peak bloom starts; heavy rain and landslides | |
| August | 19°C | 11°C | 312 mm | Fullest meadows; rain and slippery paths | |
| September | 17°C | 8°C | 188 mm | Rain easing; clearer skies and autumn colour | |
| October | 14°C | 3°C | 63 mm | Cold and clear; flowers fading; park closes 31 Oct | |
| November | 10°C | -1°C | 45 mm | Snowbound; park and Hemkund shut | |
| December | 7°C | -3°C | 67 mm | Snowbound; no access |
Temperatures and rainfall are long-term monthly averages. Check the forecast a few days before you travel.
Seasons at a glance
Valley of Flowers seasons for families and seniors
The easiest months: July and August
- July: Peak bloom starts; heavy rain and landslides
- August: Fullest meadows; rain and slippery paths
Good, with small trade-offs: June and September
- June: Park opens; early, patchy bloom and leftover snow
- September: Rain easing; clearer skies and autumn colour
Possible, with planning: October
- October: Cold and clear; flowers fading; park closes 31 Oct
Closed or largely inaccessible: January, February, March, April, May, November and December
- January: Park and Hemkund snowbound
- February: Snowbound; Ghangaria deserted
- March: Still snowbound; no access
- April: Snow lingers; park not yet open
- May: Park not open; Hemkund yatra begins late in the month
- November: Snowbound; park and Hemkund shut
- December: Snowbound; no access
Useful answers
Best time to visit Valley of Flowers: FAQs
What is the best month to visit Valley of Flowers?
July and August are the best months to visit Valley of Flowers, with June and September also good. The Valley of Flowers is generally open from about June to October, with peak bloom from mid-July to mid-August. That is also the wettest period, with heavy rain and the risk of landslides on the highway, so travellers sensitive to cold or wet should consider late June or September. Hemkund Sahib runs a shorter season from late May to early October. Older travellers should plan acclimatisation days and avoid the first half of June, when snow can linger on the paths. Climate figures are from Badrinath, a nearby station at a similar altitude.
Which months should I avoid in Valley of Flowers with elderly parents?
January, February, March, April, May, November and December are the months to avoid with older travellers. Park and Hemkund snowbound Snowbound; Ghangaria deserted
When does it rain most in Valley of Flowers?
July is the wettest month, with about 325 mm of rain on average. The hottest month is June, with average highs around 20°C.