What Is The Best Time To Visit Kedarnath? (Brief Travel And Weather Guide For You)
What do Leonardo DiCaprio, Selena Gomez, Richard Gere, Steve Jobs, and Paul MacCartney have in common?
If you have guessed that they have turned to the spiritual and mythological beauty of the Himalayas to help themselves in their personal and professional lives, chances are you are right.
Kedarnath, a spiritual and religious site in Uttarakhand, is a favorite detour for Indian and foreign tourists. It is a part of the much revered “Char Dhams,” or four pilgrimages that a believer of the Sanatan Hindu faith aims to complete in their lifetime.
Do you know the best time to visit Kedarnath?
See, there are debates about the best time to Kedarnath as later in the guide you will know how the weather changes dramatically across seasons. Also, sudden landslides and downpours have caused major human casualties and landscape damage in the past. Who can forget the cloudburst of 2013 and the landslides of 2023?
Also, the most suitable time for you will depend on the activities you want to pursue. Associated with many Hindu mythological tales, Kedarnath in Rudraprayag is also a go-to destination for adventure lovers. Moreover, as a trekker, you can soak in the mesmerizing beauty of the Western Garhwal Himalaya.
So, when do the doors of the Kedarnath Temple remain open? What is the best trekking season in Kedarnath? This brief guide answers all your questions.
What Is The Best Time To Visit Kedarnath?
Summer season, or April to June, is the best time to visit Kedarnath. However, many trekkers and pilgrims visit Kedarnath in September and October. In 2023, the doors of the Kedarnath Temple opened on 25th April and by June, the number of visitors reached 10 lakhs.
| “Since the opening of the doors of Kedarnath Dham, ten lakh pilgrims have visited till now. This time an increase of 18 to 20 per cent has been recorded in the number of passengers as compared to the previous yatra. Every day 15 to 16 thousand pilgrims are visiting Kedarnath.” —-Mayur Dixit, District Magistrate, Rudraprayag, on 2023 Kedarnath Visits |
In 2024, 75,139 people visited the Kedarnath Temple after the doors opened on 10th May.
Winter and monsoon are two seasons when Kedarnath has extreme snowfall and downpours. So, roads remain blocked, and most of the places to visit close their doors during winter months. So, have a look at our brief discussions about what Kedarnath looks like and what to do at Kedarnath every season.
Summer Or April To June (The Best Time To Visit Kedarnath)
Highest Temperature: 11/12 Degree Celsius
Lowest Temperature: -3 Degree Celsius
The Temperature is moderate between April and June in Kedarnath. It is also the favorite season for trekkers and religious visitors to the temple. Further, the Badri Kedar Festival in June is the main attraction in Kedarnath in summer.
You will see many craftsmen and artists flocking in great numbers to this location. Further, it’s a great time to familiarize yourself with the culture and beauty of Uttarakhand. Thanks to pleasant weather conditions, you will also be able to explore places like Vasuki Tal, Chorabar Tal, Gaurikund, and Sonprayag.
| On 16th June 2013, the Kedarnath Valley was struck by landslides and floods caused by cloudbursts. Further, this glacial lake outburst flood or GLOF in the Chorabari glacial lake caused a surge in the Mandakini River. Moreover, the river water flooded and destroyed the 14 Km route to the Kedarnath Temple. More than 6000 people died in this disaster. |
In addition, summer is the peak and the best time to visit Kedarnath. So, the temple will be more crowded than usual, and offering pujas can take you longer than you thought. Also, to conquer the steep terrains in summer, you must carry some protein bars with you.
Monsoon Or July To September
Highest Temperature: 11/12 Degree Celsius
Lowest Temperature: 4 Degree Celsius
Despite not-so-favorable conditions, many people visit Kedarnath during monsoon season. Trekkers and pilgrims flock to the temple in great numbers. There is especially great fervor around the Shravani Annakoot Mela, which takes place the day before the Raksha Bandhan Utsav.
Also, this festival celebrates the new paddy harvest, and rice paste is smeared on the deity for puja. In addition, Vinayak Chaturthi is observed with great love in Kedarnath.
| On 4th August 2023, a disastrous landslide occurred on the Kedarnath Yatra route. The landslide near Gaurikund in Uttarakhand devastated many local shops, and many went missing after the calamity. Police suspected that around 10-12 people were washed away or buried in this landslide caused by torrential rain. |
However, if you visit Kedarnath during the monsoon season, you must bring spare food, a poncho, dry fruits, and batteries. Rainfalls are almost incessant and can get very heavy. The months of July, August, and September record an average of 85-88 days of rainfall in Kedarnath.
Winter Or October To March
Highest Temperature: Around 7-8 Degree Celsius
Lowest Temperature: Around -10 Degree Celsius
Winter is harsh and almost inhospitable in Kedarnath. The temples also remain closed in winter. However, many celebrities and adventurous souls brave Kedarnath in winter to experience the ethereal beauty of a site clad with white snow.
Diwali And Adi Shankaracharya Samadhi Puja In Kedarnath In Winter
Also, the festival of Diwali in October is special at Kedarnath. The temple is decorated with lights and flowers, and almost every news channel covers the image of Kedarnath on this auspicious day. However, the temple is closed two days after the Diwali celebration.
Adi Shankaracharya, the great pioneer of the Advaita Vedanta school of philosophy in Hinduism and the great leader in building the “Char Dhams,” is said to breathe his last in Kedarnath. The Adi Shankaracharya Samadhi, or a shrine dedicated to this great soul, is located just behind the Kedarnath Temple.
Every year, on the closing day of the Kedarnath Temple, a “Samadhi Puja” is observed with great fervor in the Adi Shankaracharya Samadhi. This puja has many visitors from local areas and many tourists.
Then, the Kedarnath Temple is closed, and the deity resides in Ukhimath for the rest of the winter. However, winter is the best time to visit Kedarnath for snowfall. November to February is especially the high time to witness snowfall.
Things To Remember To Visit Kedarnath In Winter
If you are brave enough to visit Kedarnath in winter, you must carry some spare food that can accommodate you for at least one day. Due to heavy snowfall, road blockages are common in Kedarnath during winter.
Further, trekking shoes with good grip are a must if you want to trek on icy terrain.
Monthwise Kedarnath Temperature And Rainfall Guide
The table below gives a clear picture of Kedarnath weather every month. The table below shows the tentative highest and lowest temperatures and the amount of rainfall.
| Month | Highest Temperature (Average in Degree Celsius) | Lowest Temperature (Average in Degree Celsius) | Number of Days It Rains |
| January | -2 | -10 to -12 | 15-17 |
| February | 1 to 2 | -10 | 9-11 |
| March | 2 | -6 to -7 | 22 |
| April | 5 | -3 | 22-23 |
| May | 8 to 9 | -1 to -2 | 14 |
| June | 10 to 11 | 2 to 3 | 15 |
| July | 12 | 5 to 6 | 27-28 |
| August | 12 to 14 | 7 | 28-31 |
| September | 12 to 14 | 4 to 5 | 24 |
| October | 8 | -1 to -2 | 2 |
| November | 5-7 | -4 | 8-12 |
| December | 1 | -8 to -10 | 5-6 |
Irrespective of the season you are trekking to or visiting Kedarnath, you must always carry some extra dry fruits, protein bars, a raincoat, and clothes for you. Also, carry some extra batteries.
At a 3,583 m elevation, the turn of weather conditions can occur anytime.
Did You Know?
- Rudra Meditation Cave in Kedarnath has recently become a favorite summer destination for tourists. It became more popular after Narendra Modi, the prime minister of India, meditated in this cave before the 2019 general election.
Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam (GMVN) maintains this single accommodation with modern amenities.
- Bhairavnath Temple in Kedarnath is a popular pilgrimage, and it is the shrine of Lord Bhairav, the main “Gana of Lord Shiva.” It is also a popular place for dog lovers, as Lord Bhairav has a dog as his companion.
Summing Up
The best time to visit Kedarnath is in summer. You can attend the Badri Kedar Festival in this season and explore various trekking trails in the valley. Further, monsoon and winter are other seasons when you can travel to Kedarnath to celebrate festivals like Shravani Annakoot Mela and Diwali.
So, get ready to explore Kedarnath in all its glory and complete your Kedarnath registration at the Uttarakhand Portal. Also, as you come back, share your experience of visiting one of the holiest sites in India.
