Changing seasons of Ladakh

Tourists from all over the world plan a Leh Ladakh trip at different times throughout the year. Here’s a quick reference guide to familiarize you with the weather in Ladakh during different seasons.

Tourists from all over the world plan a Leh Ladakh road trip at different times throughout the year to see its breathtakingly beautiful landscapes across the seasons. Ladakh climate is extreme – both in winters and summers. There is no rainy season in Ladakh except for some light showers and drizzles during July and August months. Here’s a quick reference guide to familiarize you with the climate in Ladakh during the summer and winter seasons;

Winters – mid-September to mid-April

There is a considerable reduction in the number of tourists visiting Ladakh in the month of September. This month marks the onset of winter in Ladakh and you will start feeling the initial chill of the extreme cold that the region is to experience in the next few winter months. The temperature drops further to a minimum of 0°C and goes up to a maximum of 12°C from October onwards as the winter sets in. Now the temperature drops sharply to -6°C below the freezing point and maximum temperature does not cross 6-8°C. Now the water in the lakes start to freeze. December, January and February are the coldest in Ladakh with almost unbearably low temperatures of -15°C to -20°C and maximum at 1°C. 

Here is a list of some interesting events and adventurous activities that you can look forward to during your trip;

1. Chadar Trek – trek on the frozen Zanskar river
2. Frozen Pangong Tso and Tso Moriri lakes
3. Snow Leopard Trekking in the Hemis National Park
4. Festivals held at different monasteries 

The chilling cold of the winter starts to wither in the month of March with the weather getting a bit warmer. But it is still not the preferred weather conditions for tourists. The day temperatures rise up to 6°C with the days getting sunnier, but the nights continue to stay below freezing point. 

The weather in Ladakh may be harsh and uncomfortable during the winters, but it carries a completely different look during this season.

Summers – April to June

With further rise in temperature, Ladakh welcomes the summer and a rising inflow of tourists starting April. It’s the best time to see the winter effect on Ladakh with the lakes and rivers still frozen and chance to encounter the occasional snowfall. The snow begins to melt half-way through the month of May. It’s still quite cold though the sun is bright taking the day temperatures up to almost 15°C during the day. June brings the roads back to life and the entire Ladakh region is geared up to welcome the upcoming tourist season. 

All roads to Ladakh are now open and good to travel on. Road trips to Ladakh covering the Srinagar-Leh or the Manali-Leh route can be planned during this time. Climate now is much more comfortable with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 5°C to maximum of 20°C. Ladakh hosts many festivals depicting the cultural richness of the region and lots of different treks are organized to explore the beautiful and mesmerizing landscape. 

Ladakh is best for tourists during the days of June, July and August. Travel is easier with all roads cleared and opened up. The splendour of Ladakh with its majestic mountains and lakes under the clear blue sky gets imprinted in your memory forever. 

July can be termed as the hottest month in Ladakh with maximum temperature rising upto 25°C and minimum is pleasantly around 10°C. 

Some recommended precautions for your trip to Ladakh in the summers;

• When out in the sun wear a cap (preferably a hat), apply sunscreen and wear full sleeves
• Cotton clothing serves best in the dry and humid summers of Ladakh
• Keep yourself hydrated, drink a lot of water/fluids to avoid dehydration due to the dry air
• Apply moisturizer to protect the skin from the dryness

Ladakh is one of the most amazing places in the world, Its beauty cannot be expressed in words – you gotta see it to believe it and immerse yourself into the peace and serenity it offers.