Ladakh has an extreme continental climate — hot sunny days and cold nights in summer, brutal winters with snow closing all roads for months. Planning your trip around the weather is essential. Here's what each month looks like.
Month-by-Month Weather in Leh
| Month | Day Temp | Night Temp | Road Status | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | -2–5°C | -15– -10°C | Srinagar–Leh open; Manali–Leh closed | Chadar trek only |
| February | 0–7°C | -12– -8°C | Same as January | Chadar trek season ends |
| March | 5–12°C | -5– -2°C | Srinagar–Leh may be open; Manali closed | Off-season, low tourist |
| April | 10–18°C | 0–4°C | Srinagar–Leh open; Manali opening | Off-season opens up |
| May | 14–22°C | 4–8°C | Both highways open by mid-May | Early season, crowds low |
| June | 20–28°C | 8–13°C | All roads open | Excellent — peak begins |
| July | 24–30°C | 10–14°C | All roads fully open | Peak season — crowded |
| August | 22–28°C | 10–13°C | All roads open (occasional landslides) | Peak season |
| September | 18–24°C | 6–10°C | All roads open | Best month overall |
| October | 10–17°C | 0–4°C | Roads closing mid-month | Early Oct good; late risky |
| November | 2–8°C | -8– -5°C | Manali–Leh closed; Srinagar–Leh uncertain | Shoulder/off season |
| December | -4–3°C | -14– -10°C | Manali–Leh closed | Winter, very cold |
Monsoon in Ladakh
Ladakh lies in the rain shadow of the Greater Himalayas and receives very little monsoon rain (less than 100mm annually in Leh). While the rest of North India is drenched in July and August, Ladakh stays largely dry. Brief afternoon cloudbursts occasionally occur, mainly affecting the Manali–Leh Highway. This is one of the key reasons Ladakh is popular in the rainy season — it is one of the few high-altitude destinations in India that remains accessible and pleasant during the monsoon.
When Does Snow Fall in Leh?
Light snowfall can occur from late October. By November, high passes like Khardung La, Chang La, and Baralacha La are snow-covered and treacherous. The Manali–Leh Highway officially closes by mid-October. Leh city itself rarely receives heavy snow — its low precipitation means winters are cold but not particularly snowy in the city centre.
Best Months Summary
- Best overall: September (clear, quiet, all open)
- Most accessible: July–August (all roads, all attractions)
- Quietest summer: June (pre-July, fewer crowds)
- Best photography: September–October (autumn colours)
- Winter experience: January–February (Chadar trek, frozen Pangong)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best weather month in Leh Ladakh?
September offers the best overall conditions — warm days (18–24°C), cold but manageable nights, clear skies, no rain risk, and all roads open. October adds dramatic autumn colours but brings road closure risk from mid-month.
Does it rain in Ladakh during the Indian monsoon?
Very little — Ladakh is in the rain shadow of the Himalayas and receives under 100mm of annual rainfall. The monsoon (July–August) barely affects Ladakh. Brief cloudbursts can occur but the region stays largely dry and accessible.
When is Ladakh closed due to snow?
The Manali–Leh Highway closes around mid-October due to snowfall. The Srinagar–Leh route stays open slightly longer. All mountain passes are blocked from November to May. Leh airport operates year-round.
Can I visit Ladakh in winter?
Yes — the Chadar trek (frozen Zanskar River) is done in January–February. Leh city is accessible by air year-round. But most tourist infrastructure closes for winter, temperatures reach -15°C at night, and the landscape is extreme. Not recommended for general tourists.
Ready to plan your Ladakh trip? Our local experts handle permits, stays, and transfers end-to-end.
Get a Free Quote