From the month of May, the climate gets pleasant and Ladakh begins to receive visitors from all parts of the world. So, the best time to visit Ladakh is in summer, from mid-May to late September to get the best possible weather and the most spectacular scenery. During these months the pristine natural beauty of Ladakh would be at its best with scenic landscapes, lovely lakes, snow-capped mountains, and magnificent plateaus.

  • Peak Season – May to September
  • Shoulder Season – April, October, and November
  • Low Season – December to March

Ladakh is famous for its scenic conditions, which make Ladakh a popular summer vacation destination. And May to September is a great time to visit Ladakh to get the most from your trip. But there are many tourists who prefer to visit Ladakh in spring or winter. And if you are one of those then don’t worry, we have got you covered. You will find all the information you need about all the seasons of Ladakh and why should you visit Ladakh during that season. So, that you can get most of that season and enjoy your time best in Ladakh. After reading this article you can take an informed decision that which season is best for you to visit Ladakh.

Climate and weather of Ladakh

Ladakh has unique seasons, especially if you are new to the area or India as a whole. The area experiences extreme weather conditions. You need to be familiar with this fact before planning your tour. Even the most experienced tourist in the area will agree that the exact dates for opening up roads leading to this fantastic area are not static. It changes depending on the prevailing weather. And the monsoons in this region are far fewer as compared to the rest of India and hence you can see more variety in the climate and weather. The winter is mostly very cold and the monsoons do not make much impact on the climate of Ladakh. You can visit Ladakh in winter too but be ready to encounter extremely low temperatures during this time. The months of May to September are ideal for most of the tourist planning to visit Ladakh. During this time the climatic conditions are much milder than during the cold winter seasons.

Tourist preferred months to visit Ladakh

We have gathered information after doing some surveys to know the tourists’ preferred time to visit Ladakh and found some interesting facts. And we will answer you exactly which season would be best for you to visit Ladakh. We have grouped different months of the year as per the visiting preference of travelers.

  1. Pleasant climate (May, June, July, August, and September). Best time to visit Ladakh.
  2. Mild Cold weather (October, November, and April). Good time to visit Ladakh.
  3. Extreme cold weather (December, January, February, and March). Chadar Trek Visit time.
Pleasant Climate (May, June, July, August, September)Best time to visit Ladakh
Why you should visit now?

These months are well-known for their pleasant climate with a mildly cool breeze at night. Adventure seekers from across the country throng to Ladakh to enjoy the charm of this pleasant climate. Also, the most popular tourist destinations with unique geographical features are easily accessible by road during these months. All these provide amazing opportunities for tourists to view the lovely valleys, spectacular peaks, and stunning landscapes of Ladakh. The beautiful, sunny weather also allows you to try and experience Lakhadi cuisine taking in the outside environment as many times as you want without worrying about the cold or the rain. You can also get luscious teas and local Tibetan and Lakhadi beverages and food like delicious Momos or Thukpa. During the summer season is when the markets are at their peak all the businesses including bakeries, restaurants have got their best products out at very affordable prices.

Starting from the month of May, all the businesses and tourist spots would be opened. Markets have started to function in full swing allowing you to cosset in almost everything that this amazing place has to offer. The bright sunny sky and pleasurably warm weather with a mildly cool breeze is a treat to the soul.
Beautiful camping sites like the Pangong Tso Lake, watching nature do its wonders and all the birds, insects, and trees dancing to the rhythm of nature takes the human delight and glee to another level. Watching an abundance of tourists all coming from different areas of the country during this peak season makes you appreciate diversity and you can’t help but be happy around people that are likely engulfed by the beauty of this small little town. Beautiful lakes can be enjoyed best in day time of summer, reflecting the vast blue sky, all-encompassing the beautiful Himalayan Mountains, whereas at night the beauty of lakes is enhanced by the starry night skies.

These five months are also the best time to visit Ladakh for bike riders. Biking in Ladakh is a luxury to the senses as you steer the dreamlike sceneries and landscapes. Traveling through the incredible Khardung la that is possibly the world’s highest motorable road at an overwhelming height of 17,500 feet is nothing less than a heavenly experience. If you are an adventure seeker, the summer season is the best to plan a trip, when the ecosystem is refreshed and wildlife and nature unlock its gate to helm their way through Ladakh’s elegant valleys, culturally rich villages, centuries-old Gompas (monasteries), veiled valleys, arduous passes, and snug accommodations during journeys that can take days to complete that you will be able to treasure for the rest of your life.

Activities during this period

Among so many other activities you are offered in this place, you can also enjoy rafting in this season in Ladakh that will cover the Kharu-Spituk route for first-time travelers to the stimulating Phey-Nimmo on the Indus River for people who are pro at rafting. The summer season in Leh Ladakh offers your senses with many miracles of nature, you can take safari across dunes of Huner in Nubra Valley and hop on Bactrian camels or indulge in aero-sports offered by the region in this season for the adrenaline junkies. Also, the high treks in Ladakh can be best enjoyed in the summer months. In fact, the summer season is the best time for trekking in Ladakh. The moderate temperature makes Ladakh a wonderful place for summer trekking. The cool climate and the challenging landscape of Ladakh make Ladakh one of the most popular destinations for summer trekking. And the Ladakh tour packages available during summer help you make the most of this and other adventurous activities available in Ladakh.

Festivals during this period

Depending on the Tibetan calendar you can also experience the Hemis Festival that falls around summer as well in the Hemis Monastery enabling you to experience one of the oldest and richest cultures of the world. The display of Cham-the masked dance by the Monks in cultural attires that are colorful and hypnotic with the beautiful tunes of their indigenous music is a sight that you will get to see only if you are lucky and plan your trip in this season. Locals are dressed in their traditional apparel with their inimitable headgear and jewels to celebrate this festival.

festival in ladakh

However, if you were to take all these elements into consideration, you might realize that May to September is the best time to visit Ladakh to make the most of your vacation. Not only does Ladakh offer some of the best scenery to be found anywhere, but it also offers a great vacation or getaway atmosphere for many people who want to get away from the larger cities and the hustle and bustle of life. And that is why it is among the finest places on the planet where a lot of tourists come to experience its unmatched beauty during this time. So, these five-months are the best time for travelers to visit Ladakh. During our survey, we found most of the tourists who were visiting during these five months were completely satisfied with the moderate and pleasing weather.

Travel tips
  • Book your flight tickets early, as, it’s a peak season the prices would go higher.
  • Rest on the first day of arrival and stay hydrated for acclimatization
  • Carry an oxygen cylinder in your vehicle before visiting higher altitude places
  • Wear sunscreen to protect your skin from harmful rays.
  • Wear goggle during sunny days
  • Check the weather prediction report a day before your visit
  • Carry a BSNL, Airtel, or Jio postpaid SIM card with you
Mild cold weather (October, November, and April)

Now that you know that May till September is the best time to visit Ladakh, you should also know what’s in the months of April, October, and November that might interest you to visit this enchanting place.

Challenges

The weather would not be balmy during these months, as a spell of winter should be in effect. April is the end of the winter season and November is the beginning of the winter season. You might also experience snowfall during these months. As much as snowfall is a beautiful blessing of Nature and all the living things, plants we consume, the water we drink, wildlife would not be able to survive without this blessing. However, it can get messy and cause many problems as well especially for tourists who travel around Leh Ladakh instigating sporadic roadblocks and landslides, you can be prone to a bit of danger. Many people don’t tend to travel to Leh Ladakh in this season because it limits their sightseeing and other activities, the markets also slow down so you can have difficulty finding things that you need. To enjoy the full and true spirit of Leh Ladakh you should opt to plan your trip between May and October. Sometimes the temperature drops below the freezing point during these months. The nights are very cold and uncomfortable as complained by a lot of tourists.

Also, it is not a suitable time to ride a bike in Ladakh. The cold weather makes it very hard for bike riders to keep themselves warm and enjoy the beautiful sights of Leh Ladakh. As beautiful and magical as the scenery can be October is not the best time for a bike trip to Leh Ladakh to be able to enjoy the place abundantly and whole-heartedly, you will be feeling cold more than anything else.

Why you should visit now?

It may not be the best time to visit Ladakh, but don’t get disheartened, streets are less crowded during this time. And these months are the ideal time for travelers on a budget to Ladakh because the peak tourist season is just starting in May or ended in September and good hotel rooms are available at affordable rates. And It would be easy to find a hotel in Ladakh that suits your needs and budget. There are many luxury hotels that offer great prices during these non-tourist seasons.  When it comes to the great sceneries during these months, nothing beats the scenic view of snow-capped mountains. The vibrant and fresh atmosphere that gives the crisp feeling and the spectacular scenery of majestic mountains make it an unforgettable experience for many travelers. The cool breeze of the Himalayas will blow the chill winds of winter. You can still visit some of the most beautiful attractions of Ladakh. In fact, most of the tourists are captivated by the splendor and grandeur of these rejuvenating landscapes. Tourists who visit Ladakh during these months should dress up properly in warm clothes because this is the time to beat the cold!

As per the travelers, the weather is good but a little chilly during these three months of October, November, and April. However, some tourists found nights to be very cold during November and April. So, visiting Ladakh during these months of the year is a good idea but you should carry enough warm clothes to wear.

Travel tips
  • On the day of arrival, rest for few hours for acclimatization and stay hydrated
  • Carry an oxygen cylinder in your vehicle before visiting higher altitude places
  • Carry warm clothes like thermals and sweaters
  • Carry mask and sanitizers
  • Check weather prediction report at least a day before your visit
  • Carry a lip balm
  • Carry a power bank with you, as there are multiple power cuts in Ladakh
  • Carry a BSNL, Airtel, or Jio postpaid SIM card with you
Extreme cold weather (December, January, February, and March)
Challenges

These are the coldest months of the year, that’s why it’s often difficult to bear for the people who visit Ladakh during this time of the year. Most of the recreation options are closed during this period because of the freezing cold air and heavy snowfall. Most of the attractions and other significant places remain shut during this period and the only popular activity is the Chadar trek on the frozen river of Zanskar. Moreover, only a few shops remain open for shopping during the winter months. The weather is so varied that you never know what kind of weather you’re going to get – you could be lucky enough to get a sunny day, or you could be subjected to what is sometimes referred to as ‘the winter of your life. There are many reasons for this, not least the fact that Ladakh is so isolated during this period that there is little chance of experiencing the rest of the world while you’re there. Since there is snow all over the place, it is advisable not to go outside during the time of the heavy snowfalls. Moreover, ensure to have an appropriate pair of winter footwear as they are more difficult to deal with in the snow.

Why you should visit now?

This is definitely the coldest time of year, but it certainly has its share of spectacular scenery. You can enjoy the amazing view of snow-covered landscapes and the majestic mountains. But it’s not just the landscapes and the mountains that are popular in winter – the amazing Ladakhi culture has a huge part to play. There are many interesting festivals, and you can take part in the process, or simply enjoy and admire it. If you would prefer to take part in winter activities, there are several options. You can go ice climbing, and ice skate in the many places that are open during these months. Or if you’re feeling brave, you can try the Chadar trek to enjoy the walk on the frozen river Zanskar. Chadar trek starts in the month of January and ends in February. You can enjoy the wonderful view of unique waterfalls during the Chadar trek.

Besides, the cold climate makes for some of the best winter sports such as ice skating and snowboarding. However, due to the low infrastructure in Ladakh and the shortage of essential winter supplies, these sports remain difficult to enjoy to the fullest. The winter in Ladakh also offers the visitors a chance to explore the beautiful landscape, frozen lakes, rivers, cliffs, alpine terrains, and more. Also, you can enjoy the festival such as Spituk Gostor festival, Ladakh Losar (New year of Ladakh), Stok Festival, Dosmoche, Thiksay Gostor, etc. And there is something absolutely amazing about seeing a Ladakh glacier up close. You can explore them during this time and there are guided tours available where you can follow the path of the glaciers and see them in their glory. And, there are also numerous places where you can enjoy the wonders of the enchanting icy surfaces. There are several winter resorts in Ladakh that provide the required comfort and facilities for the winter in Ladakh tour.

Travel tips

It’s important to be aware of the weather conditions before embarking on your Ladakh getaway. Even if you don’t have to deal with snow, the temperature can drop to below the freezing point at -20°C. So you want to make sure that you can bring warm clothes and a few layers of clothing. You also need to think about bringing an extra pair of boots to protect your feet. After all, you won’t want to be out in the middle of nowhere in the dead of winter – why get yourself in trouble?

  • On the day of arrival, it is very important to rest to acclimatize the body and stay hydrated
  • Carry an oxygen cylinder in your vehicle before visiting higher altitude places
  • Carry warm clothes like thermals and sweaters
  • Carry a winter jacket
  • Don’t leave the plane on arrival until you wear the winter jacket and woolen cap
  • Carry heavy woolen socks, woolen monkey cap, and woolen hand gloves
  • Carry mask and sanitizers
  • Carry a lip balm and cold cream
  • Carry a power bank with you, as the cold temperature drains out the battery quickly. And there are multiple power cuts in Ladakh
  • Carry a BSNL, Airtel, or Jio postpaid SIM card with you
Ladakh

Month-wise weather data of Ladakh to choose the best suitable month for you to visit

MonthAvg
Temp.
Min
Temp.
Max
Temp.
Humi
dity
Rainy
Days

Jan
-20.6 °C
(-5) °F
-26.2 °C
(-15.1) °F
-15.3 °C
(4.4) °F
62%8
-17.6 °C
(0.3) °F
-22.8 °C
(-9) °F
-13.1 °C
(8.5) °F
64%9

Mar
-14.7 °C
(5.5) °F
-20.8 °C
(-5.4) °F
-9.4 °C
(15) °F
66%9
-9.7 °C
(14.5) °F
-16.6 °C
(2) °F
-4.3 °C
(24.3) °F
67%8

May
-3.9 °C
(24.9) °F
-11.1 °C
(12) °F
1.5 °C
(34.7) °F
67%8
2.9 °C
(37.2) °F
-4.6 °C
(23.7) °F
8.6 °C
(47.5) °F
59%8
9.3 °C
(48.7) °F
2.5 °C
(36.4) °F
14.8 °C
(58.7) °F
51%10
10 °C
(50.1) °F
4.1 °C
(39.4) °F
15.3 °C
(59.5) °F
48%11
5 °C
(41) °F
-1.6 °C
(29.1) °F
10.5 °C
(50.8) °F
44%7
-3.8 °C
(25.2) °F
-11.2 °C
(11.9) °F
2.3 °C
(36.2) °F
42%4
-12.4 °C
(9.7) °F
-19.8 °C
(-3.6) °F
-5.9 °C
(21.4) °F
50%4
-18.8 °C
(-1.9) °F
-25.4 °C
(-13.8) °F
-12.6 °C
(9.3) °F
61%5
Data source

As, weather plays a very important role to time your visit to Ladakh, use the month-wise weather data of Ladakh given in the table above before planning a visit to Ladakh.

Read the month-wise summarised data of the weather of Ladakh and temperature below which would be very helpful to plan your visit to Ladakh. The data given on this page is pulled from the climate-data website, and timeanddate website, as the data of these websites, are more accurate than any other weather data of Ladakh. The data shows the average weather of the whole Ladakh. So, the actual weather may vary from place to place in Ladakh.

Weather in Ladakh during the month of January

January is the coldest month of Ladakh. HIghway to Ladakh from Srinagar and Manali would be closed during this month. Taking a flight to Leh would be the only way to reach Ladakh in January. This extremely cold weather affects the water supply. If you visit Ladakh in January you will notice water scarcity. A lot of shops and tourist spots would be closed during this month. There would be heavy snowfall during this month. You can ice skate on the surface of frozen lakes, as the surface of lakes and rivers freezes. Also, Chadar Trek on the frozen Zanskar River starts in January until mid-February. If you are an adventure seeker, you can visit Ladakh in January for the Chadar trek.

  • The average maximum temperature in January 2021: -15.3 °C (4.4 °F)
  • The lowest temperature: -26.2 °C (-15.1 °F)
  • The average snowfall in January 2021 was of 8 days with a total of 35 mm.
  • The longest day of the month was the 31st of January 2021.
  • The shortest day of the month was the 1st of January 2021.
  • The number of daylight hours on the longest day in February 2021 amounts to 10 hours, 31 minutes, and 04 seconds.
  • The number of daylight hours on the shortest day in February 2021 amounts to 9 hours, 55 minutes, and 32 seconds.
Weather in Ladakh in the month of February

The month of February is more or less the same as the month of January. February is the second coldest month of Ladakh. The highway would be closed making flight the only viable option to arrive Leh. Chadar trek continues during this month too and a lot of tourists participate in the Chadar Trek. You can visit Ladakh during this month for snow leopard trekking in Hemis National park. Don’t worry it would be very less crowded and you would really enjoy it.

  • The average maximum temperature in February 2021: -13.1 °C (8.5 °F)
  • The lowest temperature in February 2021: -22.8 °C (-9 °F)
  • The average snowfall in February 2021 was of 9 days with a total of 43 mm.
  • The longest day of the month was the 28th of February 2021
  • The shortest day of the month was the 1st of February 2021
  • The number of daylight hours on the longest day in February 2021 amounts to 10 hours, 32 minutes, and 46 seconds
  • The number of daylight hours on the shortest day in February 2021 amounts to 11 hours, 25 minutes, and 05 seconds.
Weather in Ladakh in the month of March

The month of March is considered the last month of winter. And finally, the spell of harsh freezing winter ends with the end of this month. However, the weather would still be very cold but lesser cold than the month of February. You can visit Ladakh in March to see the snow on roads and mountains.

  • The average maximum temperature in March 2020: -9.4 °C (15 °F)
  • The lowest temperature in March 2020: -20.8 °C (-5.4 °F)
  • The average snowfall in March 2020 was of 9 days with a total of 45 mm.
  • The longest day of the month is the 31st of March 2021.
  • The shortest day of the month was the 1st of March 2021.
  • The number of daylight hours on the longest day in March 2021 amounts to 12 hours, 31 minutes, and 12 seconds.
  • The number of daylight hours on the shortest day in March 2021 amounts to 11 hours, 27 minutes, and 11 seconds.
Weather in Ladakh in the month of April

The month of April is the end of the winter season and the start of the spring season. This is the month when tourists start visiting Ladakh. But don’t expect the usual Indian spring season which is mild and pleasant. It would be ice cold at some places during nights with the temperature dropping below -2°C at some point.

Although there won’t be any heavy snowfall, there might be some light snowfall during this month. The Zojila road which is the gateway to Ladakh usually opens in the month of April. But don’t rely on it. And the traffic movement starts with a lot of tourists visiting Ladakh. If you visit Ladakh by road during this month, you might experience some roadblocks and you have to wait for a long time to get the road cleared.

The early weeks of April might be very cold but you will notice green leaves bursting out of trees in the last week of April. The green leaves start growing from the month of March but can be seen clearly in the month of May. The glaciers starting to melt during the mid-spring season and during the end of the spring season, the water level of rivers slowly rises.

  • The average maximum temperature in April 2020: -4.3 °C (24.3 °F)
  • The lowest temperature in April 2020: -16.6 °C (2 °F)
  • The average snowfall in April 2020 was of 8 days with a total of 45 mm.
  • The longest day of the month 30th of April 2021.
  • The shortest day of the month 1st of April 2021.
  • The number of daylight hours on the longest day in April 2021 amounts to 13 hours, 31 minutes, and 21 seconds.
  • The number of daylight hours on the shortest day in April 2021 amounts to 12 hours, 33 minutes, and 12 seconds.
Weather in Ladakh in the month of May

The weather would be pleasant with bright sunny days in May but the nights would be chilly. The snow begins to melt during this month and a lot of tourists who visit Ladakh by road get to see snow for the first time. This month is considered to be a good time for travelers to visit Ladakh by road.

  • The average maximum temperature in May 2020: 1.5 °C (34.7 °F)
  • The lowest temperature in May 2020:-11.1 °C (12 °F)
  • The average snowfall in May 2020 was of 8 days with a total of 45 mm.
  • The longest day of the month 31st of May.
  • The shortest day of the month 1st of May
  • The number of daylight hours on the longest day in May 2021 amounts to 14 hours, 16 minutes, and 05 seconds.
  • The number of daylight hours on the shortest day in May 2021 amounts to 13 hours, 33 minutes, and 10 seconds.
Weather in Ladakh in the month of June

The month of June brings the end of the spring season. The weather would be very pleasant during day time but some nights would be chilly at higher altitude areas like Pangong. The month of June is one of the best months to visit Ladakh.

  • The average maximum temperature in June 2020: 8.6 °C (47.5 °F)
  • The lowest temperature in June 2020: -4.6 °C (23.7 °F)
  • The average snowfall in June 2020 was of 8 days with a total of 43 mm.
  • The longest day of the year is the 21st of June 2021.
  • The shortest day of the month 1st of June 2021.
  • The number of daylight hours on the longest day in June 2021 amounts to 14 hours, 26 minutes, and 09 seconds
  • The number of daylight hours on the shortest day in June 2021 amounts to 14 hours, 17 minutes, and 00 seconds
Weather in Ladakh in the month of July

May, June, July, and August are the best four months of Ladakh weather with a pleasant climate and moderate temperature. The natural beauty of Kargil can be seen in its best during this month. Tourists love the weather of Ladakh during this time of the year.

  • The average maximum temperature in July 2020: 14.8 °C (58.7 °F)
  • The lowest temperature in July 2020: 2.5 °C (36.4 °F)
  • The average snowfall in July 2020 was of 10 days with a total of 53 mm.
  • The longest day of the month 1st of July 2021.
  • The shortest day of the month 31st of July 2021.
  • The number of daylight hours on the longest day in July 2021 amounts to 14 hours, 23 minutes, and 43 seconds.
  • The number of daylight hours on the shortest day in July 2021 amounts to 13 hours, 51 minutes, and 41 seconds.
Weather in Ladakh in the month of August

The climate would be pleasant with bright sunny days. The weather at night might be very pleasing during this month. Visiting Ladakh during this month would be a great idea considering the pleasing weather. However, the sunshine would be of very high intensity, so, you should wear sunscreen and sunglasses during this month in Ladakh.

  • The average maximum temperature in August 2020: 15.3 °C (59.5 °F)
  • The lowest temperature in August 2020: 4.1 °C (39.4 °F)
  • The average snowfall in August 2020 was of 11 days with a total of 64 mm.
  • The longest day of the month is the 1st of August 2021.
  • The shortest day of the month is the 31st of August 2021.
  • The number of daylight hours on the longest day in August 2021 amounts to 13 hours, 50 minutes, and 07 seconds.
  • The number of daylight hours on the shortest day in August 2021 amounts to 12 hours, 54 minutes, and 44 seconds.
Weather in Ladakh in the month of September

Although the month of September is a time of Summer in Ladakh, the last week of September brings chilly air of winter and the temperature might begin to decrease. For the local inhabitants of Ladakh, this month is the best month of the year. As harvesting starts in September. A lot of festivals can be seen during this month of pleasant weather.

  • The average maximum temperature in September 2020: 10.5 °C (50.8 °F)
  • The lowest temperature in September 2020: -1.6 °C (29.1 °F)
  • The average snowfall in September 2020 was of 7 days with a total of 37 mm.
  • The longest day of the September month in the year 2021 is the 1st of September.
  • The shortest day of the September month in the year 2021 is the 30th of September.
  • The number of daylight hours on the longest day in September 2021 amounts to 12 hours, 52 minutes, and 42 seconds.
  • The number of daylight hours on the shortest day in September 2021 amounts to 11 hours, 52 minutes, and 04 seconds.
Weather in Ladakh in the month of October.

The month of October is the Autumn season of Ladakh. The Last week of October may bring the cold weather of early winter. On sunny days it might be mild temperature during day time. But the nights of October month might be very cold. Also, there is a chance that you might experience snowfall during this month. Visiting Ladakh during this time of the year would be very affordable, as hotels and Taxis offer great discounts.

  • The average maximum temperature in October 2020: 2.3 °C (36.2 °F)
  • The lowest temperature in October 2020: -11.2 °C (11.9 °F)
  • The average snowfall in October 2020 was of 4 days with a total of 19 mm.
  • The longest day of the month is the 31st of October 2021.
  • The shortest day of the month is 1st of October 2021.
  • The number of daylight hours on the longest day in October 2021 amounts to 11 hours, 49 minutes, and 58 seconds.
  • The number of daylight hours on the shortest day in October 2021 amounts to 10 hours, 49 minutes, and 20 seconds.
Weather in Ladakh in the month of November.

This is the month of late autumn or early winter. If there would be snowfall during this month, it would bring the cold breeze of winter. Also, the Zojila road gets blocked. If it doesn’t snow then the temperature might stay above freezing point and the Zojila road remains open. So, if you are visiting Ladakh during this month, you should consider booking the return ticket to not take the risk of the Zojila roadblock.

  • The average maximum temperature in November 2020: -5.9 °C (21.4 °F)
  • The lowest temperature in November 2020: -19.8 °C (-3.6 °F)
  • The average snowfall in November 2020 was of 4 days with a total of 20 mm.
  • The longest day of the month is the 1st of November 2021.
  • The shortest day of the month is the 30th of November 2021.
  • The number of daylight hours on the longest day in November 2021 amounts to 10 hours, 47 minutes, and 28 seconds.
  • The number of daylight hours on the shortest day in November 2021 amounts to 10 hours, 03 minutes, and 53.
Weather in Ladakh in the month of December.

December is the month of extreme cold with a freezing temperature. All the water bodies get frozen during this month. During this month the temperature barely rises above 0°C. Heavy snowfall during this month causes the temperature to fall below the freezing degree.

  • The average maximum temperature in December 2020: -12.6 °C (9.3 °F)
  • The lowest temperature in December 2020: -25.4 °C (-13.8 °F)
  • The average snowfall in December 2020 was of 5 days with a total of 25 mm.
  • The longest day of the month is the 1st of December 2021.
  • The shortest day of the year is the 21st of December 2021.
  • The number of daylight hours on the longest day in December 2021 amounts to 10 hours, 02 minutes, and 53 seconds.
  • The number of daylight hours on the shortest day in December 2021 amounts to 09 hours, 52 minutes, and 29 seconds.

Best time to visit the top tourist attractions in Ladakh.

Best time to visit Nubra Valley in Ladakh

Nubra Valley is famous for its wonderful natural landscapes and unique sand dunes that offer a spectacular view of natural beauty. The road to the beautiful valley of Nubra is accessible throughout the year. But during the months of November to March, the weather would be extremely cold and there would be snowfall. The month of April is a good time to visit Nubra, but the chill of winter would be still there and you might feel very cold during the nights. However, May and June is the best time to visit Nubra. when the weather would be pleasant. The months of July and August are also not a very good time to visit the Nubra valley. As you might experience very blazing hot weather during the day time. September is a great time to visit Nubra with its pleasing climate. And October is also a good time to visit Nubra valley, but the nights might be very cold.

So, the best time to visit Nubra Valley is April, May, June, September, and October. During these months, a walk through this valley will rejuvenate your mind and spirit. Trekking in and around the Yarab Tso is the perfect way to explore and enjoy the natural beauty of Nubra valley. And camel Safari would be best enjoyed during these months of the year. And the night camping would be amazing, in the evening, people sit around a fire to sing, talk and share poetry. The distance from Leh to Nubra Valley is around 160km and it would take 4 to 5 hours drive to reach.

Best time to visit Pangong Lake and Tsomoriri Lake in Ladakh

The Pangong and Tso Moriri Lake are the two most famous lakes of Ladakh. May to September is the best time to visit these enchanting Lakes. You can also visit the lakes during winter, as the lake gets frozen, you can walk or ice skate on it. But to enjoy the wonderful view of these lakes to their fullest, May to September is the best time to visit.

Best time for Leh Sight seeing in Ladakh.

You can visit Leh any time of the year for sightseeing. Famous tourist attractions in Leh are Shanti Stupa, Leh Palace, Hall of fame, Magnetic Hill, Spituk Monastery, Gurudwara Pather Sahib, Sangam: Indus-Zanskar river Confluence, Rancho’s School, Shey Palace, Thiksey Monastery, and more. The best tourist preferred time to visit these places is April to October.

Best time for Kargil Sight seeing in Ladakh.

The natural beauty of Kargil can be enjoyed any time of the year. But the peak tourist season of Kargil sightseeing is May to October. During these months the Zojila road stays open, so a lot of tourists visit Kargil via Srinagar. Famous tourist attractions of Kargil to enjoy during these months are Kargil Warfare Memorial, Suruh Valley, Hunderman Village, Pensila valley.

Best time for Zanskar Valley in Ladakh.

Zanskar valley is very popular among tourists as it provides magnificent sightseeing panoramas. The best time to visit Zanskar valley is from Late June to September. During these months you can enjoy the picturesque and attractive locations in this valley, which adds all the more to its popularity. The picturesque surrounding and the peaceful environment of Zanskar are very soothing and help one to reflect on their happiness and sorrows. You can arrive at Zanskar valley from Srinagar to Kargil and then from Kargil to Zanskar. Or you can travel Zanskar valley directly from Leh.

Best time for Chadar trek in Ladakh.

January and February are the months when the thick ice sheets of frozen Zanskar river are good enough to trek.

Final words

You can visit Ladakh any time of the year if you are free only at a particular time of the year. However, if you have the flexibility in scheduling your vacation to visit Ladakh any time of the year, then May to late September is the best time to schedule your visit to Ladakh.

If you are planning your visit right now. Visit the Ladakh tour Packages page and go through the packages that we offer. If you have any more questions, you can send us a mail or call us between 9:00 am to 7:00 pm.

Related Questions

Leh Ladakh opening time 2021?

The NH1 road from Srinagar opens earlier than the Manali road. And the NH1 road usually opens in April. In the year 2021, the road was opened on the 28th of February, but heavy snowfall on the Zojila pass caused the road to block again. As per the officials, the road would open again in the first week of April.

How many seasons are there in Ladakh?

For the local residents of Ladakh, the seasons are like any other place. i.e,
1. Spring. (April, May, and June)
2. Summer (July, August, and September)
3. Autumn (October, November, and December)
4. Winter (January, February, and March)

Which is the hottest month of Year in Ladakh?

July and August are the hotest months of the year in Ladakh.

Which is the coldest month of Year in Ladakh?

January is the coldest month of the year in Ladakh.

Which month does it snow in Ladakh?

Snowfall can be seen anytime during the months of October, November, December, January, February, March and April. But January and February are the months of Heavy snowfall.

When can I see snow in Ladakh?

There can be snowfall anytime up to the month of April in Ladakh, but the snow at the roadside melts completely only in the last week of June. So, you can visit anytime up to June to see snow in Ladakh. However, you need to visit Ladakh via NH1 road from Srinagar to play with snow at the roadside. Snow at mountains and glaciers can be seen around the year, and you can visit any time of the year to watch this snow from a distance.

When does the Zojila road gets open?

The status of Zojila completely relies on the weather. Heavy snowfall causes the road to gets blocked. The snowfall has to be cleared out of the way to open the highway for traffic. The roads usually gets blocked in the month of November and open in the month of April. However, changes in weather may change the pattern.

Is the weather of Ladakh suitable for vacation?

The weather of Ladakh in summer is deemed suitable and pleasant for tourists to spend their vacation. Check the table given above to see which month is best for you to visit Ladakh. However, you will notice a difference in Ladakh weather because of the high altitude nature of this area.

Is the humidity very low in Ladakh?

The amount of precipitation in Ladakh is very variable. Ladakh is one of the driest parts of the country. In this dry village, sweet and rich apricots grow.

How to prepare for Ladakh weather?

If you have already planned for a Ladakh trip. It would be best to check the weather forecast in the evening before you start your trip. The weather keeps changing, so, don’t rely on one forecast. Keep checking the forecast. The forecast of weather is most accurate a day earlier. Double-check the morning of the Ladakh trip.

Regardless of the predictions, the weather may change really quickly and dramatic differences between one place and the another are no exception. Therefore it is best to be prepared for weather variations. Pack some warm clothes, no matter what season you are traveling to Ladakh or whatever the forecast is predicting.

Book your Ladakh Trip with us for the best deals. Find our Leh Ladakh bike trip packages here.

About the author

Sam K. Pandepa is a travel enthusiast and right from the early years, he had a thirst for adventure. he likes to explore and document new places, trek in the mountains, and share his travel experiences with other travel enthusiasts. His vision is to explore and document new trails, hike in the mountains and implement sustainable ways of trekking. He loves sharing his Himalayan experiences and motivating people with his travel stories. When not traveling, he likes to spend time with like-minded travel enthusiasts and read books on travel and mountaineering.