The Char Dham Yatra of Devbhoomi Uttarakhand which takes place annually on the Garhwal hills is one of the most pious Hindu pilgrimage undertaken by devout pilgrims from all over the world. The ancient temples of Kedarnath, Badrinath, Gangotri and Yamunotri which compose the whole divine experience, enables pilgrims to go the extra mile and offer their Darshan in order to attain their salvation or moksha. While planning on a visit here one must bear in mind the weather conditions which are unpredictable and prone to change everyday.
Mentioned below is the complete weather conditions and detailed month wise climatic situations of all the 4 Dham temples.
The two temples of Kedarnath and Badrinath are tamed together for a reason since they are located in very close proximity to each other. This is the reason as to why the weather conditions experienced here are the same.
January to March – The weather during the said months remain the same throughout i.e. cold, chilly weather conditions. The entire region remains covered in snow with regular snowfall everyday and the temples remain shut down for the pilgrims. The temperature can also go to subzero levels. By March end this situation changes as the temperature rises till 12 degree Celsius and melts all the snow blocking the routes to these Do Dham.
April – This month is relatively more favourable since the snow all melts away (most of it at least) and the weather conditions get a lot bearable. The temperature conditions vary between 7 to 17 degrees Celsius.
May – The climate remains moderately cold but this also marks the beginning of the Char Dham Yatra pilgrimage. The temperature goes up to 18 degree Celsius making it perfectly suitable for the holy journey.
June – This is considered as the peak time for the sacred pilgrimage on the hills. The temperature varies in between 10 to 20 degree Celsius and the atmosphere is extremely pleasant and comfortable for travel along with sightseeing of the nearby tourist locations as well.
July – The first half of this month is when the weather conditions start changing gradually. But for some time the temperature remains pleasant and very comfortable with the temperature ranging in between 7 to 18 degree Celsius.
August – The rainfall and regular showers brings down the temperature of these places. The temperature ranges between 7 to 15 degree Celsius although a tough time for the pilgrims to travel it is the perfect time for the plants to flower and greenery to flourish. In case of Kedarnath travelling should be totally avoided since the landscape remains prone to landslides and flooding situations as well.
September – This month marks the post monsoon season of Kedarnath and Badrinath which is marked by lowered temperature conditions and random drizzles. The temperature remains in between 7 to 15 degree Celsius and the air carries some amount of humidity. Darshan at Kedarnath and Badrinath is possible during this time.
October – Temperature around this time continues to drop but pilgrims who can cover this journey despite the cold weather condition. Temperature varies in between 6 to 10 degree Celsius with the nights being very chilly.
November to December – This is the main time for winter in Kedarnath and Badrinath where the temperature ranges in between 3to 7 degree Celsius. Light snowfall takes place in these 2 places and the tourism also shuts down during this time after the idols are transferred into their respective winter homes.
Just like Do Dham temples mentioned above Gangotri and Yamunotri temples are also located in very close proximity of one another and hence they also experience almost the same weather conditions and changes mentioned below:
January to March – Being situated on a very high elevation these months mark the winter season when both the temples are covered in snow with regular and frequent snowfalls. Overall the weather condition remains very harsh and uncomfortable along with being extremely unpredictable with the temperature dipping below 0 and the maximum hitting 20.
April – During this time the moderate weather conditions commence but the temple Darshan remains shut down. The temperature remains in between 7 to 17 degree Celsius and the trek to Gaumukh glacier also commences from this time.
May – This is the best time to go for Char Dham or Do Dham Yatra of Gangotri and Yamunotri. The temperature drops substantially making it very pleasant and favourable for travel. This is also the peak season for pilgrimage with the temperature touching as high as 25 degree Celsius.
June – This is considered to be the warmest month of the year in Gangotri and Yamunotri with the temperature ranging in between 15 to 30 degree Celsius. This is also the peak tourist season in Char Dham Yatra.
July – The first few weeks of this month in these Do Dham temples are marked by light or no shower in some cases. As the year goes on, the entire region gets covered with frequent rainfall and thunder showers so travelling or pilgrimage on the hills during this time is not favourable and infact is very unsafe.
August – This month welcomes a cool change in the weather conditions of Gangotri and Yamunotri where the temperature ranges in between 10 to 22 degree Celsius. However travelling during this time is not favourable due to the above mentioned reasons.
September – As the weather clears and the temperature ranges in between 10 to18 degree Celsius the pilgrimage resumes after a brief monsoon halt. The weather remains humid and very challenging for the pilgrims to cover.
October – The temperature continues to gradually drop and become colder over a period of time which ranges from 10 to 15 degree Celsius or even lower. The weather is not comfortable but it is also not very uncomfortable.
November to December – This is the time when the temples shuts down for Darshan and the Char Dham Yatra is halted for the season. The temperature varies between 5 to 7 degree Celsius followed by snow fall.
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