You Won’t Believe the Real Weather at Chardham’s High-Altitude Temples!

Chardham’s four Himalayan shrines—Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath—tower over 3,000 m and each has its own climate quirks. Knowing exact temperatures in the peak windows (May–June and September–October) can make or break your pilgrimage plans. Below is a precise, temple-by-temple breakdown based on verified data, so you can choose the best days, pack smart, and stay safe. Leisure India Holidays uses these insights to craft seamless char dham yatra by helicopter itineraries, ensuring you hit each dham in ideal weather.
Seasonal Snapshot in Uttarakhand’s Garhwal Himalayas
Pre-Monsoon (May–June):
Days are mild, nights near freezing. Sun is strong at high altitudes, but afternoon showers pick up by late June.
Monsoon Peak (July–August):
Heavy rains, frequent landslides, limited visibility—travel is risky and temples close to the public.
Post-Monsoon (September–October):
Clear skies, crisp days, cold nights. Autumn foliage and snow-touched peaks make sightseeing spectacular.
Winter Onset (November onward):
Heavy snowfall forces temple closures by mid-November; roads block up to April.
All four temples open between late April and early November, strictly guided by safety protocols.
Temple-Level Weather Details
Yamunotri (3,235 m)
Yamunotri is the highest dham, so temperatures dip fastest once the sun sets.
May: High 16 °C / Low 3 °C
June: High 18 °C / Low 7 °C; ~60 % chance of rain or snow daily
September: High 15 °C / Low 6 °C; ~51 % chance of showers
October: High 13 °C / Low 3 °C; clear mornings, crisp nights
The temple’s hot springs (Surya Kund) stay above 45 °C even in October, offering a warm spot before darshan.
Gangotri (3,415 m)
Gangotri sits on the Bhagirathi’s banks. Expect cool days and sub-zero nights outside peak windows.
May: High 8 °C / Low −3 °C
June: High 12 °C / Low 0 °C
September: High 10 °C / Low 0 °C
October: High 13 °C / Low 4 °C
Monsoon retreats by early September, leaving clear skies but heavy morning dew on the glacier trek.
Kedarnath (3,583 m)
Home to one of Shiva’s twelve jyotirlingas, Kedarnath’s weather is even cooler.
May: High 16 °C / Low 5 °C
June: High 18 °C / Low 9 °C
September: High 17 °C / Low 10 °C
October: High 13 °C / Low 4 °C
Even in June, winds can gust over 20 km/h after dusk, so expect sharp chill once the sun dips.
Badrinath (3,100 m)
Badrinath enjoys slightly warmer days but still frigid nights.
May: High 10 °C / Low −2 °C
June: High 13 °C / Low 2 °C
September: High 12 °C / Low 2 °C
October: High 13 °C / Low 4 °C
Tapta Kund’s hot spring near the temple stays an inviting 45 °C even in October—perfect for a quick thermal bath.
Best Windows to Visit
May–June: Roads clear, temples open, post-spring greenery, minimal crowds.
September–October: Post-monsoon clarity, festive Aarti, snow-tipped peaks.
Avoid July–August (monsoon) and November–April (heavy snow, closures).
Plan Smart with Leisure India Holidays
Leisure India Holidays times every helicopter leg to midday when winds are calmest, and schedules buffer for sudden weather shifts. Their expert pilots monitor live forecasts to reroute flights, ensuring you land safely at each dham. With verified weather data guiding each step, LIH crafts a worry-free, fully escorted pilgrimage—so you focus on your prayers, not the forecast.
By following these precise temperature windows, you’ll dodge the worst of rain and cold, catch clear Himalayan panoramas, and make the most of every moment on your Chardham Yatra.
Extra Tips for First-Time Pilgrims
Always carry warm clothes—even in May and June—because temperatures drop sharply after sunset.
A good pair of trekking shoes is a must, as temple access may include short walks or stairs.
Keep raincoats or umbrellas handy, especially in late June or early September.
Carry basic medicines for altitude sickness or motion sickness.
Book your chardham helicopter yatra in advance, as seats fill fast during peak windows.
For many, visiting these ancient shrines is a dream of a lifetime. Knowing the weather in advance and planning smartly ensures you come back home with blessings, peace—and beautiful mountain memories!
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