When does it snow at Kedarnath?

Kedarnath (3,583 m) receives snowfall from late October through April — a 6-month winter period when the temple is closed. During the open season (May–October): May — significant snowpack remaining from winter (50–200 cm on upper trek above 3,000 m). Early June — snow patches on upper trail, usually cleared by mid-June. Late June–August — snow-free on the main trek (monsoon brings rain not snow at this altitude, though higher peaks get fresh snow). September — snow-free, clearest conditions. October — first fresh snowfall possible after 15 October above 3,000 m; significant snow possible in the closing week (late October).

Is there snow on the Kedarnath trek in May?

Yes — the Kedarnath trek in May has significant snow above 3,000 m (Linchauli onwards). In the opening week (late April–early May), the upper 7 km of the trail (Linchauli to Kedarnath) can have 50–150 cm of compacted winter snow. The trail is passable but requires microspike crampons (available at Gaurikund, ₹300–₹500/day). The Kedarnath temple itself is cleared of snow before opening by BRO and Kedarnath Devasthanam workers. By mid-May, the main trail is usually cleared. Snow makes the May opening visually spectacular — the temple surrounded by white peaks and fresh snow is the most photographed Kedarnath scene.

Does snowfall affect helicopter service at Kedarnath?

Yes — fresh snowfall and low cloud directly cause helicopter cancellations. Helicopters cannot fly when: visibility is below 5 km, cloud base is below 3,500 m, snowfall is active (zero visibility in snow). During or immediately after fresh snowfall, all helicopter operators suspend flights until conditions clear — typically 2–6 hours for morning showers, longer for heavy snowfall events. This is most common in May (fresh snow showers), late October (pre-winter snowfall) and occasionally during September thunderstorms. Always have a trek as a backup plan when visiting in snow-prone months.

Kedarnath Snowfall | When Does It Snow?

Overview

Kedarnath snowfall is a defining feature of the temple's character. At 3,583 m, Kedarnath receives heavy winter snowfall (November–April) that closes the temple for 6 months annually. During the open season (May–October), snow conditions on the trek vary dramatically by month — from deep snowpack in May to snow-free trails in September to fresh snowfall in October.

Month	Snow Condition on Trek	Snowfall Risk	Trek Advisability
Late April (opening)	Heavy snow above 2,800 m (50–200 cm)	High	Passable with crampons, BRO-cleared route
May (early)	Snow above 3,000 m (30–100 cm)	Medium	Crampons recommended, beautiful scenery
May (late)	Snow patches above 3,200 m	Low	Generally clear, easy trek
June (early)	Occasional patches above 3,400 m	Low	Mostly clear, monsoon starts late June
July–August	Snow-free (rain not snow at 3,583 m)	None (monsoon)	Wet, muddy, slippery — leech risk
September	Snow-free, clearest conditions	None	Best conditions of the season
October (early)	Snow-free, cold nights	Low	Excellent trekking, cold at night
October (late, closing)	Fresh snowfall possible above 3,000 m	Medium–High	Crampons recommended, helicopter preferred

Planning

Kedarnath snowfall by season in detail:

May — Snow on the Opening Trek:
The Kedarnath opening (Akshaya Tritiya, late April–early May) is one of the most dramatic times to visit. The Kedarnath valley is white — peaks, meadows and the upper trek are snow-covered. BRO (Border Roads Organisation) and Kedarnath Devasthanam workers spend 2–3 weeks before opening clearing the trail, but snowpack above 3,000 m is still substantial (50–150 cm in some years). The compacted snow on the Linchauli–Kedarnath section (km 9–16) requires microspike crampons for safe walking. The temple in a snow-covered basin against white peaks is an extraordinary visual — many photographers specifically choose the opening week for this.

June — Transition to Clear:
Early June still has snow patches above 3,400 m but the main trail is generally clear. By mid-June the trek is fully snow-free under normal conditions. Late June marks the onset of the Southwest Monsoon — rain rather than snow begins, making the lower trail (Gaurikund to Bheembali forest section) slippery and leech-prone. Upper trail remains manageable.

September — Peak Clarity (No Snow):
Post-monsoon September is the best month for Kedarnath in terms of trail conditions. Zero snow, zero rain (monsoon retreats by early September), clear blue skies, extraordinary visibility (you can see Kedarnath peak, Kedar Dome, Vasuki Tal ridge and the Chaukhamba range simultaneously). The mountain views in September are incomparably better than May or October. The trade-off: colder nights (−2°C to 2°C at Kedarnath).

October (Closing Month) — Fresh Snow Risk:
Early October (1–15) is similar to September — cold, clear, no snow on the main trek. After 15 October, the first pre-winter snowfall becomes likely. Fresh snowfall of 5–30 cm on the upper trek (above Linchauli at 2,800 m) is common in the last 2 weeks of October. This doesn't close the trail but makes it significantly more challenging. By closing week (around 20–25 October), heavy snowfall sometimes accelerates the temple closing by 1–3 days. If visiting in late October, have helicopter as a strong backup plan.

Travel Information

Microspike crampons (May + late October): Available for rent at Gaurikund (₹300–₹500/day). Strap over your trekking shoes. Essential on compacted snow above 3,000 m — prevents slips that can be fatal on steep icy sections. Even with crampons, walk slowly and plant each step firmly.
Fresh snow vs old compacted snow: Fresh snow (fallen within 24 hrs) on the trail is actually easier — it has grip. Old compacted snow that has frozen overnight into blue ice is dangerous — it requires crampons. Most May snowfall on the trek is compacted winter snow rather than fresh powder.
What happens when heavy snow falls during your visit: If a heavy snowfall event (30+ cm) occurs while you are at Kedarnath, the temple administration and NDRF assist in safe evacuation. In extreme events, helicopter is the only safe exit. The GMVN tent camp and local guesthouses have sufficient food and blankets for 2–3 days of weather hold. Do not panic — Kedarnath has well-established emergency protocols.
BRO trail clearance updates: Before departing for Kedarnath in May, check BRO (Border Roads Organisation) updates on the Kedarnath trail status. The Rudraprayag District Administration Twitter handle and local news channels publish daily updates during opening week.

Tips

Snow makes the May opening more magical, not more dangerous: With crampons, the May snow trek to Kedarnath is safe and unforgettably beautiful. The trail is clearly marked, BRO-cleared and walked by thousands of pilgrims. Don't let snow warnings deter you from the opening week — just prepare with the right footwear.
September is snow-free and underrated: Most pilgrims rush to Kedarnath in May–June. September (post-monsoon) has the clearest skies, emptiest trails, best mountain views and no snow. It's the best-kept secret of the Kedarnath season — strongly recommended for trekkers and photographers.
Check trail conditions the day before: Ask your hotel in Guptkashi to call the GMVN office or local porters at Kedarnath for trail conditions. Fresh overnight snowfall is always reported within hours. This 5-minute check saves you from arriving at Gaurikund with the wrong footwear.

FAQs

When does it snow at Kedarnath?: Winter (closed season): November–April — heavy snow, temple closed. Open season snow: May — significant snowpack above 3,000 m (crampons needed). Late October — fresh snowfall possible above 3,000 m. July–September — snow-free. September is the clearest, most snow-free month of the season.
Is there snow on the Kedarnath trek in May?: Yes — early May has 50–150 cm of compacted snow above 3,000 m (Linchauli onwards). Trail is BRO-cleared and passable with microspike crampons (rent at Gaurikund, ₹300–₹500/day). By late May, snow patches only above 3,200 m. The snow-covered temple basin in May is the most spectacular visual of the season.
Does snowfall affect helicopter service at Kedarnath?: Yes — active snowfall and low cloud cancel all helicopter flights. Cancellations common in May (snow showers), late October (pre-winter snowfall) and September thunderstorm afternoons. Flights resume once visibility clears (2–6 hrs typically). Always have trek as backup in snow-prone months. Refund issued for cancelled flights by operators.