Best Time to Visit Kedarnath: Yatra Season, Weather & Winter Closing

Kedarnath is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Shiva, at about 3,583 m in Rudraprayag district, reached by a 16 km trek from Gaurikund. The temple closes for winter around Bhai Dooj in November; through the winter Baba Kedar is worshipped at Omkareshwar Temple in Ukhimath.

Best monthsMay - Jun, Sep - Oct
RiskyJul - Aug (monsoon)
Temple closedAbout Nov to late Apr/May
Winter darshanUkhimath
Weather now in Kedarnath
-
Loading…
Wind-
Humidity-
Rain/snow chance-

Kedarnath at a glance, month by month

JanClosed · Ukhimath
FebClosed · Ukhimath
MarClosed · Ukhimath
AprOpens late month
MayPeak rush
JunBusy, pleasant
JulMonsoon risk
AugMonsoon risk
SepGreen, quieter
OctClear, cold
NovCloses ~Bhai Dooj
DecClosed · Ukhimath
BestOkayAvoid

Seasons at Kedarnath

Opening season

Best
Late Apr - Jun · roughly 0 to 15°C

Snow along the trail in the first weeks and the biggest crowds of the year. Book stays and helicopters early.

Suits: First-time pilgrims

Monsoon

Avoid
Jul - Aug

Landslides on the road to Sonprayag, slippery trail and grounded helicopters. The yatra can be paused on heavy-rain days.

Suits: Only if you must

Autumn

Best
Sep - Oct · roughly -3 to 12°C

Washed skies after the rains and sharp snow peaks. Nights are freezing by October.

Suits: Clear views, smaller crowds

Winter

Closed
Nov - Apr

The temple closes around Bhai Dooj and the area is under snow. Visit the Omkareshwar Temple in Ukhimath instead.

Suits: Ukhimath darshan

Best Time for Kedarnath: FAQs

Which is the best month for Kedarnath?

May-June and September-October. September and October are usually clearer and less crowded.

Can I visit Kedarnath in winter?

Not the temple, which is closed and snowbound. You can have darshan of Baba Kedar at the Omkareshwar Temple in Ukhimath.

How we check facts · Suggest a correction