Kashmir in December is cold, quiet in the first half of the month and busy from Christmas to New Year. Gulmarg usually has snow by mid to late December, Srinagar may get a light fall, and the 40-day deep winter called Chillai Kalan begins on 21 December. This guide covers the weather, where to find snow, what is open and closed, and how to plan the trip.
Quick answer: Go in the first half of December for lower prices and fewer crowds, or from 20 December onwards for the best chance of snow. Base yourself in Srinagar, spend at least one night in Gulmarg, and keep a spare day in case snow delays flights or roads.
Weather in Kashmir in December
Days are cold but often sunny; nights drop below freezing across the valley. These are typical ranges, and a cold spell can push them lower.
| Place | Daytime | Night | Snow |
|---|---|---|---|
| Srinagar | About 5–10°C | About −3 to 0°C | Possible, usually light |
| Gulmarg | About 0–5°C | About −10 to −5°C | Likely, especially later in the month |
| Pahalgam | About 3–8°C | About −6 to −2°C | Likely on higher ground |
Daylight is short: the sun sets around 5:15 pm in Srinagar, so plan sightseeing for the morning and early afternoon.
Will there be snow in December?
Snow is likely in Gulmarg and on the higher ground around Pahalgam, but it is never guaranteed. Some Decembers start dry and the heavy snow only arrives in January. If seeing snow is the main reason for your trip, travel after 20 December or in January. Our guide to the best time to see snow in Kashmir compares every winter month, and the Kashmir snow forecast page helps you check before you book.
Where to go in December
Gulmarg
The best place for snow. Ride the Gulmarg Gondola, try a sledge ride or a snowmobile ride, and book lessons if you want to ski. The ski season usually starts in mid to late December once there is enough snow. Gulmarg is about 50 km from Srinagar, roughly 1.5–2 hours by road.
Srinagar
Take a morning shikara ride on Dal Lake, spend a night on a houseboat, and walk the old city. The Mughal gardens stay open but have no flowers in winter. See our full Srinagar in winter guide.
Pahalgam
Quieter than Gulmarg, with snowy pine forests along the Lidder river. Access to Betaab and Aru valleys depends on snow clearance after heavy falls. Read Pahalgam in winter before you go.
Sonamarg
Snowy and beautiful, but check the road status after snowfall. The Zojila Pass beyond Sonamarg towards Ladakh is closed for the winter. See Sonamarg in winter.
What is open and closed in December
- Open: Gulmarg and the Gondola (Phase 2 to Apharwat can shut in bad weather), Pahalgam, Srinagar sightseeing, Dal Lake shikaras and houseboats.
- Weather-dependent: the Jammu–Srinagar highway can close for a day or two after heavy snow; flights can be delayed.
- Closed for winter: the Mughal Road, the Zojila Pass to Ladakh, the summer treks, and the Tulip Garden (it opens in spring).
Chillai Kalan starts on 21 December
Chillai Kalan is the 40 coldest days of the Kashmir winter, from 21 December to 31 January. Expect the hardest frosts, the best chance of heavy snow, and winter traditions such as the pheran and harissa breakfasts. Read our short Chillai Kalan guide.
Christmas and New Year in Kashmir
The days from about 22 December to 2 January are the busiest of the winter. Gulmarg hotels fill first, so book early, and buy Gondola tickets online as soon as your dates are fixed. Our Christmas and New Year package covers Srinagar, two nights in Gulmarg, Pahalgam and a Dal Lake houseboat night.
What to pack
- Thermal inner wear, a warm down jacket, a woollen cap and gloves
- Waterproof shoes or boots with a good grip on ice
- Sunglasses and sunscreen for the glare off the snow
- Moisturiser and lip balm for the dry, cold air
Full checklist: what to wear in Kashmir in winter.
Getting around in December
Book a taxi with an experienced 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.
Travelling a little later? Read Kashmir in January, the best month for deep snow and skiing.
Frequently asked questions
Is December a good time to visit Kashmir?
Yes, if you want snow and winter scenery and are ready for the cold. Early December is quieter and cheaper; late December has the best chance of snow but the highest prices.
Does it snow in Srinagar in December?
Sometimes, but usually lightly. For reliable snow, go to Gulmarg.
How cold is Kashmir in December?
Srinagar is usually around 5–10°C by day and below freezing at night. Gulmarg is colder, around 0–5°C by day and well below zero at night.
Can I go to Sonamarg in December?
Often yes, but check the road status after snowfall. The Zojila Pass beyond Sonamarg to Ladakh is closed in winter.
Is the Gulmarg Gondola open in December?
Yes. Phase 1 usually runs, and Phase 2 to Apharwat opens when the weather allows. Buy tickets online in advance.
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
