The short answer
When to go to Badrinath
The Badrinath temple is shut from around November to April each year for winter snow, with the exact opening and closing dates set annually by the temple committee, so always confirm before travelling. June to September is the most reliable window, though July and August bring monsoon rain and landslide risk on the mountain roads. Altitude (about 3,300 m) means older travellers should plan acclimatisation days at Rishikesh or Joshimath first.
Month by month
Badrinath weather by month
| Month | High | Low | Rain | Verdict | What to expect |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 4°C | -5°C | 145 mm | Temple shut for winter; heavy snow at altitude | |
| February | 6°C | -5°C | 139 mm | Still closed; deep snow blocks the shrine and roads | |
| March | 10°C | 0°C | 163 mm | Typically still closed; reopening dates vary each year | |
| April | 15°C | 4°C | 77 mm | Usually closed into April; check the year's reopening date | |
| May | 19°C | 7°C | 54 mm | Temple reopens (date varies); cool, clearing weather | |
| June | 20°C | 10°C | 102 mm | Warmest, most reliable weather before the monsoon | |
| July | 19°C | 11°C | 325 mm | Monsoon rain and landslide risk on the approach roads | |
| August | 19°C | 11°C | 312 mm | Still wet; roads can be slow after heavy rain | |
| September | 17°C | 8°C | 188 mm | Monsoon eases; clear skies and green valleys | |
| October | 14°C | 3°C | 63 mm | Crisp, clear and quieter before winter sets in | |
| November | 10°C | -1°C | 45 mm | Temple typically closes for winter; exact date varies | |
| December | 7°C | -3°C | 67 mm | Closed for winter; heavy snow expected |
Temperatures and rainfall are long-term monthly averages. Check the forecast a few days before you travel.
Seasons at a glance
Badrinath seasons for families and seniors
The easiest months: June, September and October
- June: Warmest, most reliable weather before the monsoon
- September: Monsoon eases; clear skies and green valleys
- October: Crisp, clear and quieter before winter sets in
Good, with small trade-offs: May
- May: Temple reopens (date varies); cool, clearing weather
Possible, with planning: July and August
- July: Monsoon rain and landslide risk on the approach roads
- August: Still wet; roads can be slow after heavy rain
Closed or largely inaccessible: January, February, March, April, November and December
- January: Temple shut for winter; heavy snow at altitude
- February: Still closed; deep snow blocks the shrine and roads
- March: Typically still closed; reopening dates vary each year
- April: Usually closed into April; check the year's reopening date
- November: Temple typically closes for winter; exact date varies
- December: Closed for winter; heavy snow expected
Useful answers
Best time to visit Badrinath: FAQs
What is the best month to visit Badrinath?
June, September and October are the best months to visit Badrinath, with May also good. The Badrinath temple is shut from around November to April each year for winter snow, with the exact opening and closing dates set annually by the temple committee, so always confirm before travelling. June to September is the most reliable window, though July and August bring monsoon rain and landslide risk on the mountain roads. Altitude (about 3,300 m) means older travellers should plan acclimatisation days at Rishikesh or Joshimath first.
Which months should I avoid in Badrinath with elderly parents?
January, February, March, April, November and December are the months to avoid with older travellers. Temple shut for winter; heavy snow at altitude Still closed; deep snow blocks the shrine and roads
When does it rain most in Badrinath?
July is the wettest month, with about 325 mm of rain on average. The hottest month is June, with average highs around 20°C.