Kedarnath temple is open from late April/early May to Diwali (October/November). The best months are May (pre-monsoon) and September (post-monsoon) when skies are clear, trails are open, and crowds are manageable. Avoid June 15–August 15 due to heavy monsoon rains and landslide risk.
September
Complete Calendar
Month-by-Month Guide
| Month | Status | Weather | Crowds | Price | Score | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Closed | Temple closed · Sub-zero temperatures · Heavy snowfall | No pilgrims | N/A | — | Temple closed for winter. Roads and trek route buried under snow. |
| February | Closed | Temple closed · Deep snow · Extreme cold | No pilgrims | N/A | — | Temple remains closed. Do not attempt to visit. |
| March | Closed | Temple closed · Snow melting begins · Cold winds | No pilgrims | N/A | — | Temple still closed. Snow starts clearing on lower trails. |
| April | Limited | 5°C–14°C · Opening preparations · Some snow on trail | Very low — pre-opening | Low pricing | ⭐⭐ | Temple opens late April (Akshaya Tritiya). Auspicious but trail may have snow patches. |
| May | Open | 10°C–18°C · Cool and clear · Some early rain possible | High — opening month rush | Peak pricing | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Temple just opened · Very auspicious · Great weather · Book 3 months in advance. |
| June | Limited | 12°C–20°C · Monsoon begins mid-June · Landslide risk | High early, then drops after rains | Standard pricing | ⭐⭐ | First two weeks of June are ok. Avoid after June 15 — monsoon rains cause dangerous trail conditions. |
| July | Limited | 10°C–16°C · Heavy rain · Frequent landslides | Low — dangerous conditions | Low pricing | ⭐ | Avoid. Monsoon peak — trail closures and landslides are common. High safety risk. |
| August | Limited | 10°C–16°C · Heavy rain continues · Slippery trails | Low | Low pricing | ⭐ | Still monsoon. Not recommended. Last week of August conditions start improving. |
| September | Open | 8°C–15°C · Post-monsoon clarity · Best Himalayan views | Medium — ideal crowd level | Standard pricing | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Best overall month — crystal clear skies, stunning views, manageable crowds. Book 6 weeks ahead. |
| October | Open | 4°C–12°C · Cold and clear · Early snowfall possible on peaks | Medium-High — festive season | Peak pricing | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Excellent month — clear skies, autumn colours, temple closes for winter around Diwali. |
| November | Limited | –2°C–8°C · Temple closes · First snowfall | Very low — closing ceremony only | Low pricing | ⭐ | Temple closes (Bhai Dooj). Only viable in first week. Rapid deterioration after closing ceremony. |
| December | Closed | Temple closed · Heavy snowfall · Extreme cold | No pilgrims | N/A | — | Temple closed for winter. Trek route completely snowbound. |
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Kedarnath temple typically opens on Akshaya Tritiya (April/May). The exact 2026 date will be announced by the Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee in early 2026. Check the official BKTC website closer to the date.
It is not recommended. Heavy rainfall causes landslides and trail closures. The 2013 Kedarnath disaster happened in June. Avoid June 15–August 15 for safety. Early June and late August can be manageable but still risky.
September is the sweet spot — post-monsoon clarity, fewer crowds than May-June, temple still open, and the best Himalayan views of the season. October is also good but can get busy around Navratri.
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