Yamunotri is a sacred destination located in Uttarakhand, India. It is known to be an important part of the Char Dham pilgrimage circuit. It also marks the Yamuna River’s source. Yamunotri temple can be accessed for only six months as it remains closed due to heavy snowfall during the winter. The pilgrimage season typically starts with the Akshaya Tritiya festival and continues until October or November. During this time, the weather is pleasant making it ideal for temple visits and trekking. For a hassle-free exploration of Yamunotri, you must visit this sacred destination in the right season. This will help you explore the serene vistas and have the Darshan of Goddess Yamunotri without worrying about weather-related concerns.
Yamunotri in Summer
May to June marks summer in Yamunotri with clear skies and pleasant weather. This is the peak pilgrimage season as the snow has melted and roads are completely safe for travel. The Char Dham Yatra officially begins in early May or late April and remains accessible for the pilgrims until November. During summer the daytime temperature ranges between 12 to 20 degrees Celsius. During this period devotees can trek comfortably to Yamunotri and enjoy the breathtaking views. Since this is the peak travel season the price of accommodation is very high and the entire region is overcrowded.
Yamunotri in Winter
September to April is the winter season in Yamunotri with extreme cold and heavy rainfall. During these months the Yamunotri Temple remains closed due to the extreme weather conditions. Due to the chances of landslides, heavy snowfall, and freezing temperatures, you’re not advised to visit Yamunotri during this season. By late winter, Yamunotri completely gets covered underneath layers of snow making it difficult to visit the sacred destination. However, the temporary shrines can be visited by the devotees in their lower-altitude areas.
Yamunotri in Monsoon
July to early September marks the monsoon season in Yamunotri when hostile and unexpected weather changes take place in the region. Monsoon season in Yamunotri brings landslides and heavy rainfall, making travel very risky. Slippery paths and roadblocks increase the difficulty, especially for the Yamunotri trek. The high risk of road closures, landslides, and floods makes this season unfavorable for the Yamunotri pilgrimage. Even helicopter services remain suspended for Char Dham and Do Dham Yatra for some time during the monsoon season. If you still plan to visit Yamunotri during the monsoon, you should stay prepared for delays.
Best Time to Visit
May to Early July (Summer) is the best time to visit Yamunotri due to the pleasant weather and clear sky. The region experiences sunny weather and low humidity, making outdoor activities very challenging. Summer also marks the Yamunotri Temple’s opening for pilgrims, adding to the visit’s spiritual significance. The serene surroundings, with lush greenery and blossoming flowers, enhance the travel experience, creating a tranquil and picturesque atmosphere. For those looking for a nature-immersed and spiritually enriching experience, summer is the best time to visit Yamunotri, offering an ideal blend of accessibility, pleasant weather, and spiritual significance.
Month Wise Temperature of Yamunotri
January: The weather is very cold in January and the temperature drops to subzero levels. During this month, the temperature drops to -10 to -12 degrees Celcius. Traveling and pilgrimage gets shut down during this month.
February: During this time the temperature remains almost the same as in January. You can expect heavy snowfall and subzero temperatures during this month.
March: During this month, slight changes can be seen in temperature. March marks the onset of spring during this month. During this month the snow starts melting and the temperature is not as challenging as the starting two months.
April: The snow-covered paths start clearing during this month. The path that leads to Yamunotri Temple starts becoming clear. However, the temple is still inaccessible as it still remains closed.
May: May marks the onset of summer with the opening of the temple Kapat. During this month the the pilgrimage of Yamunotri begins. The temperature rises substantially and the sky clears up leading to a pleasant and comfortable travel experience.
June: June is the peak tourist month with pleasant weather and comfortable temperatures for the Yamunotri pilgrimage. During this time you can enjoy sightseeing and have a hassle-free darshan.
July: July marks the start of the monsoon month with the blossoming of flowers and lush greenery all around. You can expect a significant amount of rainfall during this month making trekking a bit difficult.
August: During this month you can experience thunderstorms and heavy rainfall. You should avoid traveling to Yamunotri during this month due to unpredictable weather conditions. Some services such as the helicopter Yatra remain suspended for a few days because of the adverse weather conditions and considering the safety of the pilgrims.
September: September marks the end of the monsoon season and the beginning of the winter season in Yamunotri. The temperature drops significantly and the days and nights start getting colder. You can travel to Yamunotri during this month.
October: October marks the beginning of the winter season with freezing cold weather and heavy snowfall. Most of the areas in Yamunotri become inaccessible during this month due to the extreme weather conditions.
November: The Yamunotri Temple gets shut down after the first week of the month for Darshan. The temperature and weather get extremely chilly and cold during this time. You’re not advised to travel to Yamunotri during this month.
December: By the end of December, snowfall begins and Yamunotri can’t be accessed by both pilgrims and tourists.
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