What to wear in Kashmir in winter, from people who live through it: real temperatures for Srinagar and Gulmarg, a simple layering system, the right shoes, and what to rent locally.
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In This Article
Quick Answer: What to wear in Kashmir in winter comes down to three layers: a thermal base, a wool or fleece middle, and a windproof, water-resistant jacket. Add waterproof boots with grip, wool socks, gloves and a cap. Srinagar averages around minus 2 C at night in January, and Gulmarg nearer minus 8 C.
Last updated: 9 November 2026. By Kashmir Pulse Editorial. Kashmir Pulse is Via Kashmir's editorial channel, written by locals.
What to wear in Kashmir in winter is the question we answer most from November onwards. Most visitors overpack thick sweaters and underpack the two things that matter: dry feet and a jacket that stops the wind. We grew up in pherans by the kangri, and here is how we would dress you.
At a Glance
Coldest weeks: Chillai Kalan, 21 December to 31 January
Getting there: flights to Srinagar, or the Vande Bharat train from Katra
Budget range: buy thermals and socks at home; rent snow boots and jackets in Gulmarg
Plan with locals: ViaKashmir.in winter trip planning
How cold is Kashmir in winter?
These are the India Meteorological Department's 1991 to 2020 averages. Nights are the hard part, and days in the sun can feel mild.
| Month | Srinagar day / night | Gulmarg day / night |
|---|---|---|
| November | 15.9 C / 1.2 C | 9.0 C / -0.6 C |
| December | 9.9 C / -1.6 C | 4.6 C / -4.8 C |
| January | 7.1 C / -1.9 C | 0.7 C / -7.7 C |
| February | 10.5 C / 0.7 C | 1.8 C / -6.4 C |
Averages hide the cold snaps. Srinagar's record low is minus 20 C, set in February. This week, MeT Srinagar's outlook shows rain in the plains and snow on the higher reaches from the evening of 12 November, so pack for both.
What to wear in Kashmir in winter: the three-layer system
- Base layer: thermal top and leggings, merino or synthetic, never cotton. Bring two sets so one can dry.
- Middle layer: a fleece or wool sweater. In Srinagar this plus a jacket is enough for most days.
- Outer layer: a windproof, water-resistant jacket with a hood, roomy enough to fit the other two layers underneath.
- Legs: thermal leggings under jeans or trekking trousers in town; waterproof snow pants for Gulmarg and Sonamarg.
- Head and hands: a wool cap that covers the ears, a neck warmer, and waterproof gloves for snow play.
A pheran, the long Kashmiri woollen cloak, is the local answer to all of this and makes a lovely souvenir. Our kangri and pheran guide explains how we wear it.
Related reading: Srinagar Flights in Winter: Snow, Fog and How to Plan Around Delays
What shoes should you wear in Kashmir in winter?
Feet decide whether your trip is fun. Snow melts on Srinagar's roads by afternoon and refreezes overnight, so mornings are slippery and slushy. Wear ankle-high waterproof boots with a deep rubber sole. Sports shoes soak through within an hour in Gulmarg. Pack thick wool socks, one pair per day, and a spare pair in your day bag.
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Srinagar vs Gulmarg: how should you dress for each?
| Srinagar | Gulmarg | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical day | Cold, often sunny, slush on roads | Snow underfoot, wind on the slopes |
| Must have | Thermals, sweater, warm jacket | All three layers plus snow pants |
| Shoes | Waterproof boots with grip | Snow boots, rented or your own |
| Easy to forget | Lip balm and moisturiser | Sunglasses, the snow glare is strong |
In Gulmarg, rental shops near the market and the Gondola rent snow boots, long coats and gloves by the day, which saves luggage space. See our Gulmarg in November guide for what is open now.
Related reading: Srinagar in November: Chinar Gold, Quiet Lakes and the First Chill
How do you stay warm indoors in Kashmir?
Indoor heating varies a lot. Some rooms have central heating, others rely on electric heaters or a bukhari stove. When we book verified hotels and houseboats on Dal and Nigeen in winter, we confirm heating and hot water first. Our heated hotels guide lists what to ask. Via Kashmir also sends local cabs with drivers used to snow roads, and our winter Kashmir packages are planned around short daylight. Tell us your dates.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need snow boots for Kashmir in winter?
For Gulmarg, Sonamarg and Pahalgam, yes. Waterproof boots with a deep sole keep you dry and steady. In Gulmarg you can rent snow boots by the day if you do not own a pair.
Is a normal winter jacket enough for Kashmir?
A normal winter jacket is enough for Srinagar if you wear thermals and a sweater under it. For the snow resorts, a windproof, water-resistant jacket works far better, because wet wool gets cold quickly.
What should women wear in Kashmir in winter?
Women can wear what they would wear on any cold trip: thermals, a warm sweater, jacket, trousers or jeans, and waterproof boots. A scarf or stole is useful for shrines and for warmth. A pheran over your layers looks lovely and is very practical.
Can I buy winter clothes in Srinagar?
Yes. Srinagar's markets sell jackets, gloves, caps and pherans, and Gulmarg shops rent snow gear. Thermals and good socks are best bought before you travel, because sizes and quality vary locally.
What to wear in Kashmir in November?
November days in Srinagar average about 16 C and nights about 1 C. A sweater, light down or fleece jacket and thermals for the evening are enough. Carry full snow gear only if you are heading to Gulmarg or Sonamarg after a snowfall.
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