Kashmir in February is still deep winter, but the hardest cold of Chillai Kalan has passed. Gulmarg usually has its deepest snow of the season, the days get longer and sunnier, and the valley is far quieter than over Christmas and New Year. Towards the end of the month, the first signs of spring appear in Srinagar. This guide covers the weather, snow, skiing, what is open and closed, and how to plan.
Quick answer: February is one of the best months for skiing and snow in Gulmarg, with fewer crowds and longer days than January. Expect snow in the mountains and a mix of snow, rain and sunshine in Srinagar. Keep a spare day for weather, and pack for the cold.
Weather in Kashmir in February
Still cold, but a little milder than January, especially in the second half of the month. These are typical ranges; a late cold spell or a fresh snowfall can bring them down again.
| Place | Daytime | Night | Snow |
|---|---|---|---|
| Srinagar | About 5–10°C | About −3 to 1°C | Possible early in the month; rain more likely later |
| Gulmarg | About 0–5°C | About −10 to −5°C | Very likely, often the deepest of the season |
| Pahalgam | About 3–8°C | About −6 to −2°C | Likely |
Days are longer: the sun sets around 6 pm in Srinagar by the end of the month.
Chillai Khurd and Chillai Bachha
After Chillai Kalan ends on 31 January, Kashmiris count two shorter spells: Chillai Khurd, the “small cold” of about 20 days, and then Chillai Bachha, the “baby cold” of about 10 days. The cold slowly eases through February, though snow can still fall at any time. Read our short Chillai Kalan guide for the background.
Snow and skiing in February
February is one of the best months for skiing in Gulmarg: the snow base built up over the winter is usually at its deepest, and there are more clear, sunny days than in January. The Gulmarg Gondola runs, with Phase 2 to Apharwat opening when the weather allows. For non-skiers, try a sledge ride or a snowmobile ride. Snow in Srinagar is less reliable than in January. Compare months in our guide to the best time to see snow in Kashmir.
Where to go in February
Gulmarg
The highlight of the month: deep snow, skiing and the Gondola, about 50 km from Srinagar. Stay at least one night to enjoy the slopes in the morning before the day-trippers arrive.
Pahalgam
Snowy and peaceful, with very few visitors. Access to Betaab and Aru valleys depends on snow clearance. See Pahalgam in winter.
Srinagar
Quiet shikara rides on Dal Lake, a night on a houseboat, and the old city. See Srinagar in winter.
Sonamarg
Snowy and dramatic, but check the road status after a snowfall. The Zojila Pass beyond Sonamarg stays closed. See Sonamarg in winter.
What is open and closed in February
- Open: Gulmarg ski slopes and the Gondola (Phase 2 weather permitting), Pahalgam, Srinagar sightseeing, Dal Lake shikaras and houseboats.
- Weather-dependent: the Jammu–Srinagar highway can close after heavy snow or rain, and flights can be delayed.
- Closed for winter: the Mughal Road, the Zojila Pass to Ladakh, the Gurez road over Razdan Pass, and summer treks. The Tulip Garden opens later, in spring.
Is February a good time to visit?
- Good for: skiers, snow lovers, couples on a winter honeymoon and anyone who wants Kashmir without the crowds.
- Think twice if: you want flowers and green meadows; those come from late March onwards.
- Honeymoon couples: see our winter honeymoon guide.
What to pack
- Thermals, a warm down jacket, a woollen cap and gloves
- Waterproof boots with a good grip, and an umbrella or rain jacket for Srinagar
- Sunglasses and sunscreen: the sun on fresh snow is strong
- Moisturiser and lip balm
Full checklist: what to wear in Kashmir in winter.
Getting around in February
Travel with a local driver who knows winter roads. After snowfall, cars need snow chains beyond Tangmarg on the way to Gulmarg. Our Kashmir taxi with driver costs from ₹2,000 a day with fuel, tolls and driver included, and airport pickup costs the same as from the city. For a short snow trip, see the 4-day winter snow package.
Coming earlier in the winter? Read Kashmir in January and Kashmir in December.
Frequently asked questions
Is there snow in Kashmir in February?
Yes, in the mountains. Gulmarg usually has its deepest snow of the season in February, and Pahalgam is usually snowy. Snow in Srinagar is possible early in the month but less likely later.
Is February good for skiing in Gulmarg?
Yes. February is one of the best ski months, with a deep snow base and more sunny days than January.
How cold is Kashmir in February?
Srinagar is usually around 5–10°C by day and around freezing at night. Gulmarg is around 0–5°C by day and well below zero at night.
What are Chillai Khurd and Chillai Bachha?
They are the two shorter cold spells that follow Chillai Kalan: Chillai Khurd lasts about 20 days and Chillai Bachha about 10 days, as winter slowly eases.
Is the Tulip Garden open in February?
No. The Tulip Garden in Srinagar opens in spring, usually from late March or April, depending on the bloom.
I'm Ahmad Suhail, born and raised in Srinagar. In 2022 I founded Kashmir Tour Packages Taxi — a licensed taxi and tour operator registered with the Jammu & Kashmir Tourism Department — because I saw too many visitors arrive in Kashmir with bad information, unreliable drivers, and no idea what was actually worth seeing.
Every article I write comes from personal experience on these routes: the correct season to visit Thajiwas Glacier, the checkpoints you'll cross on the way to Gulmarg, where the road to Betaab Valley gets narrow, what Amarnath Yatra pilgrims actually need to know before they book a taxi. I don't write from Wikipedia. I write from having driven these roads myself, with guests in the back seat.
Our fleet covers Srinagar, Gulmarg, Pahalgam, Sonamarg, Doodhpathri, Yusmarg, Amarnath, and long-haul routes to Leh and Jammu under All India Tourist Vehicle Permits. If something I've written about a route, price, or season seems off — call me directly on +91 9149531004. I answer that number myself.
- J&K Tourism Dept — Registered Tour Operator
