Kedarkantha Temperature and Weather Guide Month by Month

Kedarkantha is one of the well known trekking destinations in Uttarakhand. Kedarkantha trek goes to approx 3,810 m from 1,950 m. So, there is little variation in Kedarkantha temperature according to altitude and weather remains different in different seasons.

In winter, weather remains very cold, Kedarkantha also receives good snowfall during December, January, and February. Temperature drops 10°C to -5°C in the daytime and 0 to -15°C at night time.

In Spring, weather remains cold, winter snow still remains accumulated during March to mid April. Daytime temperatures are generally around 5°C to 18°C at day time and -2°C to 4°C at night time.

In Summer, from May to June the weather remains pleasant during the day, while nights are still cold at higher campsites. Daytime temperatures generally range from 10°C to 20°C, while nighttime temperatures can drop to 0°C to 5°C.

In Monsoon, from July to September the weather remains wet, with frequent rainfall, cloudy skies, and slippery trails. Daytime temperatures generally range from 10°C to 18°C, while nighttime temperatures range from 5°C to 10°C.

In Autumn, from October to November the weather remains cool and mostly dry, with clear skies and colder nights. Daytime temperatures generally range from 5°C to 15°C, while nighttime temperatures can drop to −5°C to 3°C at higher campsites.

Sometimes, temperatures vary due to unpredictable weather conditions, altitude changes, and campsite locations.

There is a difference in temperature of lower altitude to higher altitude and camp locations.

There are two campsite in Kedarkantha Trek

• Juda Ka Talab: It is campsite at lower altitude, it should have higher temperature but due small sunlight duration makes it colder temperature. Day temperature is cold, while temperature drops at night.
• Kedarkantha base camp: It is campsite of higher altitude, in winter the day temperature is -10°C to -2°C but it is not feels so cold, here you will get good sunlight to enjoy. But the night is very cold. The temperature drops -8°C to -15°C.

There are three major months to experience snow on Kedarkantha, December, January, February and mid March.

Kedarkantha receives snow from mid December but some years it gets delayed till 1 January. January and February are months when there is definitely snow in Kedarkantha.

There are two types of snow present during winter in Kedarkantha or any treks: Fresh Snow and Existing Snow Cover

Fresh Snow: During the trek, fresh snowfall, then a new layer of fresh snow accumulated on trees, bushes, campsite and surrounding mountain. And this fresh snow makes the trail a little challenging.

Existing Snow Cover: Accumulated snow after three four days of snowfall stops. It is old snow which has accumulated on trails, campsites and surrounding mountains and it is easier to trek on this snow than fresh snow.

Month-wise Snow Conditions

• December: Snowfall may begin, December mostly gets fresh snowfall but the amount of snow cover depends on how the winter progresses and the weather conditions that year.
• January: There are chances of both fresh snow fall and pre existing snow.
• February: You can get accumulated snow on higher camps and higher trails of Kedarkantha, from base camp you can see snow.
• March: snow remains only on the upper section of Kedarkantha and snow almost melts on lower sections.
• April: You can see snow patches on the Upper section such as near summit, just before Kedarkantha summit trail and those parts where least sunlight reaches.

But as we all know, climate change has been affecting weather patterns for the past few years, so temperatures and weather conditions may vary.

There are three best windows for Kedarkantha trek, December to April, May to June, and September to November.

January is the best month to experience sunrise with snow on Kedarkantha. December to April is the best month for Kedarkantha for those who want to experience snow in the Himalayas.

Kedarkantha is a very popular winter trek so it attracts crowds during winter. So May to June is the best time to do Kedarkantha trek for those who want an offbeat trekking experience. And Kedarkantha is beautiful. During this time you will see lush green Kedarkantha forest and meadows. And sunrise is good in May but not in June due haze and pre monsoon clouds.

September to November is the perfect time to do Kedarkantha. Especially in September, it is all green everywhere meadows, forests and flowing water. Dramatic evenings, clear mountain views and clear skies after monsoon. And the interesting part during these months is that the Phulara ridge trek is also accessible. You can go to Phulara from the top of Kedarkantha. Two treks in one go. But October and November are different, it brings autumn and turns into golden color. The sky is very clear during these months.

Good Packing is an essential for Kedarkantha trek in winter. Especially the right clothes, to protect yourself from the cold you need to pack four layers for the upper body and two layers for the bottom part.
The four layers are base layer, mid layer, insulation layer and outer shell layer.

• Base layer: Thermal
• Mid Layer: Fleece jacket or pull over. It wears after thermal, which is the base layer. Always wear thermal as you reach the campsite and while sleeping, but don’t wear it while walking.
• Insulation Layer: Down Jacket or synthetic down jacket. It wears after fleece which is the mid layer.
• Outershell layer: It is a windproof and waterproof jacket that protects you from strong winds, snow, and rain.

A quick tip: The mid layer and insulation layer can sometimes overlap. For a Kedarkantha snow trek, adjust your layers according to temperature, wind, and how hard you're working. You don't always need all four layers while walking, but you may need them together in cold, windy conditions.

The two layers for bottom base layer and outer for Kedarkantha winter trek:

• Base Layer: bottom thermal
• Outer Layer: Carry trekking pants. It protects from cold and cold winds.

Apart from this also pack:

• 1 Woolen cap
• 2 pairs of thick and long warm socks
• 2 dry T shirt

How cold does Kedarkantha get in December?

Early December is cold. The temperature is from 0°C to 10°C in day time and 0°C to -8°C in night time. Mid to Late December is very cold temperature drops to -2°C to 10°C at day time and -5°C to -15°C at night time.

But some years it varies due to climate change patterns.

Does Kedarkantha receive snowfall in January?

Yes, Kedarkantha receives snowfall every year in January.

What is the night temperature at Kedarkantha?

It depends months wise and lower to higher altitude.

In winter, the weather remains very cold. In December, January, and February, temperature drops from 0 to -15°C at night time.

Is Kedarkantha safe for beginners in winter?

Kedarkantha is a very safe and beginner friendly winter trek in comparison to all other treks.

Can we do the Kedarkantha trek in March?

Yes, Kedarkantha trek can be done in the month of March. March is good month, it is pleasant and less crowded.