Overview
Kedarnath temperature at 3,583 m is alpine throughout the open season (May–October) — cold to very cold. Even the warmest month (June) rarely exceeds 18°C at Kedarnath, and nights in every month drop below 5°C. The biggest temperature swings happen within a single day — from −5°C at 4 AM (Pratah Aarti time) to 12°C at 2 PM, back to −2°C by 8 PM. This diurnal swing means your clothing layers must be versatile.
| Month | Daytime High | Night Low | 4 AM (Aarti) | Wind Chill | Clothing Key |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Late Apr (opening) | 3–8°C | −8 to −5°C | −10 to −6°C | High | Down jacket essential |
| May | 5–12°C | −5 to 0°C | −7 to −3°C | Moderate–High | Down jacket + thermal |
| June (early) | 10–18°C | 2–6°C | 0 to 3°C | Low–Moderate | Fleece + windproof |
| July | 10–16°C | 4–8°C | 2 to 5°C | Low (monsoon rain) | Waterproof + fleece |
| August | 10–15°C | 4–7°C | 2 to 5°C | Low (monsoon rain) | Waterproof + fleece |
| September | 8–15°C | −2 to 2°C | −4 to −1°C | Moderate | Fleece + windproof |
| October (early) | 2–8°C | −6 to −3°C | −8 to −5°C | High | Down jacket + thermal |
| October (late/closing) | −2 to 5°C | −12 to −8°C | −14 to −10°C | Very High | Expedition-weight down |
Planning
Kedarnath temperature by time of day — what to expect:
4:00 AM (Pratah Aarti time):
The coldest point of the day. In May: −7°C to −3°C. In September: −4°C to −1°C. In October: −14°C to −5°C (late month). You stand in the open temple courtyard for 1–2 hours. Wind-chill makes the perceived temperature 5–8°C colder. Dress in maximum insulation: thermal base (top + bottom) + fleece + down jacket + wind shell + balaclava + thick gloves + wool socks + insulated boots. This is not the time for a light fleece.
5:00 AM–8:00 AM (early morning):
Slightly warmer as sun touches the Kedarnath basin (eastern aspect). In May: −3°C to 3°C. In September: −2°C to 4°C. The golden light on the Kedarnath peak (east-facing) at sunrise is one of the most beautiful sights in the Himalayas. Start time for trekkers heading to Gandhi Sarovar or Vasuki Tal.
9:00 AM–2:00 PM (midday):
Warmest part of the day. In May: 6°C to 12°C. In September: 10°C to 15°C. In June: 12°C to 18°C. Direct sunlight at 3,583 m is intense (UV index 10–12) — feels warm on skin despite cold ambient temperature. Wind can drop temperature suddenly. Most people trek in just a base layer + windproof at this time.
3:00 PM–6:00 PM (afternoon into Sandhya Aarti):
Temperature drops sharply as sun goes behind the western ridgeline (around 3:30–4:00 PM). By 5:00 PM Sandhya Aarti: in May 2°C to 5°C; in September 4°C to 8°C; in October −2°C to 3°C. Dress in full insulation for the aarti — the cold intensifies the spiritual atmosphere but can be numbing without proper clothing.
8:30 PM (Shayan Aarti) and overnight:
Cold, still night. In May: −5°C to 0°C. In September: −2°C to 2°C. GMVN tents have blankets but add your sleeping bag liner for May and October. October nights at Kedarnath (−8°C to −12°C) require a proper 0°C or below sleeping bag if staying overnight.
Travel Information
- Guptkashi temperature (1,319 m) vs Kedarnath (3,583 m): Guptkashi is 2,264 m lower than Kedarnath — approximately 13–15°C warmer. If it's 20°C in Guptkashi, expect 5–7°C at Kedarnath. If it's 8°C in Guptkashi, expect −5°C to −3°C at Kedarnath. Plan your clothing layers based on the Kedarnath temperature, not Guptkashi.
- Temperature on the trek (Gaurikund to Kedarnath): The 16 km trek climbs 1,650 m — temperature drops approximately 1°C per 100 m of altitude gain. Gaurikund (1,934 m) may be 22°C when Kedarnath (3,583 m) is 5°C. Start the trek in a light layer and add layers as you gain altitude.
- Hypothermia risk: Hypothermia is a genuine risk at Kedarnath, especially for pilgrims who are inadequately clothed, wet from rain, or exhausted from the trek. Symptoms: uncontrollable shivering, confusion, slurred speech. Treatment: move immediately to shelter, dry clothes, hot drinks, body heat from another person. The NDRF post at Linchauli and medical camp at Kedarnath handle hypothermia cases every season.
- UV exposure at altitude: Temperature at Kedarnath is cold, but UV radiation is extreme — UV index of 10–12 in May–September at 3,583 m (vs 6–8 at sea level). Sunburn, snow blindness and severe headaches from UV exposure are common in pilgrims who don't wear UV sunglasses and SPF50+ sunscreen. The cold masks how intense the sun exposure is — protect your skin regardless of temperature.
Tips
- Layer system beats single heavy jacket: Three thin layers (thermal + fleece + windproof) are more versatile than one thick jacket. You can add/remove layers as temperature changes during the day. A single heavy down jacket is too hot at midday and not enough at 4 AM in October.
- Cotton kills at altitude: Cotton clothing (jeans, cotton t-shirts, cotton hoodies) is dangerous at altitude — it absorbs sweat and rain, takes hours to dry and causes dangerous body heat loss when wet. Wear only merino wool or synthetic base layers. Leave your cotton clothes at the Guptkashi hotel.
- Gloves + hat = 40% body heat retention: Most body heat is lost through extremities (hands, feet, head). Wearing a warm hat and gloves in cold Kedarnath mornings retains far more body heat than adding another body layer. Always pack these even if you think it "won't be that cold."
- September is cold at night but ideal for trekking: September nights (−2°C to 2°C) feel harsh only without a sleeping bag. During the trek (daytime), September temperatures of 8°C–15°C are perfect for sustained uphill walking — cool enough to not overheat, warm enough to be comfortable. The best trekking weather of the season.
FAQs
- What is the temperature at Kedarnath in May?
- Kedarnath temperature in May: Daytime 5°C–12°C · Night −5°C to 0°C · 4 AM (Aarti) −7°C to −3°C. Opening week (late April) colder: daytime 3°C–8°C, nights −8°C to −3°C. Wear: thermal base + fleece + down jacket + warm hat + gloves for mornings. Afternoons warmer in direct sunlight (feels 8°C–15°C).
- What is the temperature at Kedarnath in October?
- Early October: Daytime 2°C–8°C · Night −6°C to −3°C. Late October (closing): Daytime −2°C to 5°C · Night −12°C to −8°C · 4 AM as low as −14°C. Essential: down jacket (500-fill+), thermal base, fleece, gloves, warm hat. Water bottles freeze overnight. Sleeping bag rated to 0°C or below required for overnight stay.
- What is the best month temperature-wise to visit Kedarnath?
- September — Daytime 8°C–15°C (ideal for trekking), nights −2°C to 2°C (manageable with fleece + sleeping bag), clearest skies, no rain, no snow. June (early) slightly warmer (10°C–18°C) but less clear. May colder but spectacular snowy scenery. October coldest open-season month but most dramatic mountain views.