SEASONS IN JAMMU KASHMIR

All the divisions of Jammu Kashmir witness different kind of seasons. The places differ in altitude and thus the climate, temperature and flavours also vary.

In Jammu division, there are three seasons

WINTER

Winter in Jammu begins around October and ends in March. January is the coldest month. However, the average temperature does not go below 10o C. In the plains mist and fog are common. The hilly regions receive mild to heavy snowfall. The region gets heavy rainfall during winters. The highway between Jammu and Kashmir gets frequently closed due to heavy snowfall.

SUMMER

The spring is very short and hence not considered a season in Jammu. The temperature increases abruptly from the month of March. The temperature reaches to the maximum in the month of May and June, when the mercury soars to around 40°C. Hot winds also blow during the spell.

RAINY SEASON

Monsoons bring heavy rains to the region, which begin around the middle of June. The rains bring down temperature, however the humidity remains high. The average rainfall of the season is about 65 cm.

Kashmir valley has the most compatible climate. The place has four clear-cut spells

SPRING

Spring begins in March. It is one of the two best in Kashmir valley. Temperature is moderate at just above 10oC. The days are warm and the mornings and evenings are cooler. The orchards sprout colourful blossoms that last in the same season. Almond, Cherry, Apricot and Apple blossoms are extremely delightful. Asia’s largest Tulip Garden, in SirajBagh near Srinagar is becomes vibrant with colourful tulips dancing in the breeze. All the meadows, pastures and orchards turn lush green. Majestic Chinar and Poplars make the gardens a perfect Paradise. The season ends towards the end of April or early May.

SUMMER

Summer arrives after Spring with a gradual rise in temperature. It starts in middle of May and lasts till the first week of September. The temperature rises to a maximum of 30o C in plains, where the days and nights are hot and humid. However the temperature remains comparatively low in the hilly areas, which makes them perfect tourist destinations. The climate and temperature of these places is moderated by the surrounding mountains and the water bodies. July is the hottest month of the summer. The days are long in summer, so one gets ample time to enjoy nature.

AUTUMN

This is the other best season of the Valley. The term starts in mid-September and ends in November with the onset of winter. In autumn the days gradually start getting shorter and the temperature begins to fall. Like spring, the days are warm and the nights are cooler. Two most attractive features of autumn in Kashmir that make it the best season are the flowering of Saffron and the reddening of the leaves of Chinar. The chinar trees wear a glowing look in the season and a walk on the fallen chinar leaves makes a musical sound. Chinar trees are mainly found in Srinagar. The saffron flowers in the Pampore region of Pulwama district. The saffron is cultivated on a huge area and the whole area turns pink in autumn. The saffron generally lasts till November 25.

WINTER

Winter sets in late November till the start of spring. Winter is harsh yet beautiful. It is said that God paints in different colours, but He paints the best when He paints in white. In winter, entire Kashmir valley is painted white with snow. Mountains, planes, trees, crevices, houses, vehicles and everything is covered with snow. The valley looks beautiful. The snow-covered mountains in the distance took out of this world. The low altitude mountains in Srinagar are covered with clouds giving you feeling of being in the heavens. The temperature however dips sub-zero and thus you need get warm clothes with you, if you wish to come in winter. Houseboats and hotel rooms are generally warm, with heating systems available. Despite the snow and the chill, life does not stop. Kashmir’s Ski resort Gulmarg opens for winter sports and adventures. The meadow, which gets some of the heaviest snowfall in the world, has been rated among the top5ski resorts in the world.

Know More about Gulmarg here.