Unlike most Kashmir destinations, Gulmarg has two completely different identities depending on when you go, and the "best" time genuinely depends on what you're after - not a single universal answer.
Short answer
For skiing and snow: December to March, most reliable January to March. For meadows, golf and the full Gondola experience without snow gear: May to August. Shoulder months (April, November) are transitional and less predictable.
Winter in Gulmarg (December - March)
This is Gulmarg's signature season. Snow is reliable from December, and the ski season proper runs January through March, when Asia's highest gondola carries skiers and sightseers up to Kongdoori and Apharwat Peak. December and early January can see the heaviest snowfall and the coldest temperatures; February often has the most stable skiing conditions.
- Book ski/snowboard gear rental and instructors ahead - January-February weekends sell out.
- The Gondola's upper phase (Kongdoori to Apharwat) is occasionally suspended in high wind or heavy snow - build a flexible day into your plan.
- Roads can close briefly after heavy snowfall; a winter-experienced driver is worth it.
Summer in Gulmarg (May - August)
Once the snow melts, Gulmarg becomes a green, open meadow ringed by pine forest - a completely different, quieter kind of beauty. This is when the golf course (one of the highest in the world) is playable, and the Gondola ride is a scenic mountain trip rather than a ski lift. Days are pleasantly cool compared to the plains; evenings need a light jacket.
Gulmarg temperature by month
Gulmarg sits at 2,650m, so it runs noticeably colder than Srinagar year-round - carry warm layers even for a summer day trip. Typical daily ranges below; a single unusual weather day can fall outside them.
Approximate temperature range by month, Gulmarg
Frequently Asked Questions
When does it snow in Gulmarg?
Reliable snowfall typically begins in December and the ski season runs through March, with January and February usually offering the most consistent conditions.
Can I visit Gulmarg without skiing?
Yes - many visitors go purely for the Gondola ride and snow views without skiing. Summer (May-August) is the alternative for a snow-free, green-meadow visit.
Is April a good time for Gulmarg?
April is transitional - melting snow can make the upper slopes slushy and some ski infrastructure winds down, while the meadow hasn't fully greened yet. Most visitors prefer either peak winter or May onward.
What is the temperature in Gulmarg in June?
Typically a low of around 10°C and a high of around 20°C - pleasant during the day, with a light jacket needed in the evening. This is peak meadow season, well before the ski months.
Where is Gulmarg located?
Gulmarg is a hill station in Baramulla district, Jammu and Kashmir, about 50km (a 2-hour drive) from Srinagar, at an elevation of roughly 2,650 metres.
Time your Gulmarg trip right
Whether it's ski season or summer meadows, we'll build the itinerary around the right month.
Written by Via Kashmir Editorial Team
Last checked 2026
Via Kashmir is a Srinagar-based travel company built around one goal: giving travellers the best possible Kashmir experience. Our team puts together the best-priced hotels, cabs, Kashmir tour packages, and adventure packages with real sports activities, drawing on daily, on-the-ground knowledge of Kashmir's roads, weather, and seasons. Every guide on this site is written and checked by our local Srinagar team.