The short answer
When to go to Kedarnath
The temple opens only from around Akshaya Tritiya in late April or May through Diwali and Bhai Dooj in October or November, with exact dates varying each year by the Hindu calendar; outside this window the shrine is closed and the deity moved to Ukhimath. Within the season, June is the mildest month for the trek, while July and August bring monsoon rain and landslide risk on the path. Given the altitude and the trek itself, anyone with heart, lung or joint concerns should consult a doctor and consider a horse or porter rather than walking the full distance.
Month by month
Kedarnath weather by month
| Month | High | Low | Rain | Verdict | What to expect |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 1°C | -8°C | 118 mm | Temple portals shut for winter; deity moved to Ukhimath | |
| February | 2°C | -7°C | 101 mm | Winter closure continues | |
| March | 6°C | -3°C | 116 mm | Winter closure continues | |
| April | 11°C | 1°C | 63 mm | Portals typically reopen around Akshaya Tritiya (dates vary) | |
| May | 15°C | 4°C | 50 mm | Temple reopens; trek season begins, still cold | |
| June | 17°C | 7°C | 75 mm | Mildest month for the trek, monsoon not yet heavy | |
| July | 17°C | 8°C | 240 mm | Monsoon rain; landslide risk on the trek | |
| August | 16°C | 8°C | 234 mm | Monsoon continues; landslide risk | |
| September | 14°C | 5°C | 149 mm | Monsoon easing, clearer trekking conditions | |
| October | 11°C | 0°C | 57 mm | Cool, generally clear before winter closure | |
| November | 7°C | -4°C | 24 mm | Portals close around Diwali/Bhai Dooj (dates vary) | |
| December | 4°C | -6°C | 51 mm | Winter closure; heavy snow |
Temperatures and rainfall are long-term monthly averages. Check the forecast a few days before you travel.
Seasons at a glance
Kedarnath seasons for families and seniors
The easiest months: June
- June: Mildest month for the trek, monsoon not yet heavy
Good, with small trade-offs: May, September and October
- May: Temple reopens; trek season begins, still cold
- September: Monsoon easing, clearer trekking conditions
- October: Cool, generally clear before winter closure
Possible, with planning: July and August
- July: Monsoon rain; landslide risk on the trek
- August: Monsoon continues; landslide risk
Closed or largely inaccessible: January, February, March, April, November and December
- January: Temple portals shut for winter; deity moved to Ukhimath
- February: Winter closure continues
- March: Winter closure continues
- April: Portals typically reopen around Akshaya Tritiya (dates vary)
- November: Portals close around Diwali/Bhai Dooj (dates vary)
- December: Winter closure; heavy snow
Useful answers
Best time to visit Kedarnath: FAQs
What is the best month to visit Kedarnath?
June is the best month to visit Kedarnath, with May, September and October also good. The temple opens only from around Akshaya Tritiya in late April or May through Diwali and Bhai Dooj in October or November, with exact dates varying each year by the Hindu calendar; outside this window the shrine is closed and the deity moved to Ukhimath. Within the season, June is the mildest month for the trek, while July and August bring monsoon rain and landslide risk on the path. Given the altitude and the trek itself, anyone with heart, lung or joint concerns should consult a doctor and consider a horse or porter rather than walking the full distance.
Which months should I avoid in Kedarnath with elderly parents?
January, February, March, April, November and December are the months to avoid with older travellers. Temple portals shut for winter; deity moved to Ukhimath Winter closure continues
When does it rain most in Kedarnath?
July is the wettest month, with about 240 mm of rain on average. The hottest month is June, with average highs around 17°C.