Ladakh Temperature Month-Wise – Updated Weather Guide for All Seasons

Understanding Ladakh’s month-wise temperature is essential for planning a safe and comfortable trip. Because of its high altitude, rugged terrain, and thin atmosphere, Ladakh experiences extreme temperature variations across seasons.
Whether you’re visiting for sightseeing, trekking, biking, or winter adventures, this detailed Ladakh Temperature Month-Wise Guide will help you choose the best time and pack correctly.

Overview of Ladakh’s Climate

  • Summer (May–September): Pleasant days, cold nights

  • Autumn (October): Chilly winds, early snowfall

  • Winter (November–March): Harsh cold, frozen landscapes

  • Spring (April): Snow melting, blooming season

Altitude also affects temperature. Higher places like Pangong, Nubra, Tso Moriri, and Khardung La are much colder than Leh.

Ladakh Temperature Month-Wise Breakdown

January – Peak Winter & Extreme Cold

Temperature:

  • Day: -5°C to -10°C

  • Night: -15°C to -25°C

Highlights:

  • Frozen lakes (Pangong, Tso Moriri)

  • Snow leopard expeditions

  • Chadar Trek begins

Weather Conditions:

Heavy snowfall, icy roads, intensely cold winds.

February – Frozen Ladakh & Trek Season

Temperature:

  • Day: -3°C to -8°C

  • Night: -12°C to -20°C

Highlights:

  • Chadar Trek

  • Winter photography

  • Snow-covered valleys

Weather Conditions:

Still extremely cold; clear skies.

March – Transition Month (Winter to Spring)

Temperature:

  • Day: 2°C to 7°C

  • Night: -5°C to -10°C

Highlights:

  • Snow starts melting

  • Good for photographers

  • Beginning of wildlife movements

Weather Conditions:

Cold mornings & nights; roads reopen slowly.

April – Early Spring & Snow Melting

Temperature:

  • Day: 5°C to 12°C

  • Night: -2°C to 3°C

Highlights:

  • Better accessibility

  • Pleasant sunshine

  • Monasteries & villages reopen

Weather Conditions:

Cool but manageable; snow melting begins.

May – Beginning of Tourist Season

Temperature:

  • Day: 8°C to 15°C

  • Night: 2°C to 6°C

Highlights:

  • Srinagar–Leh highway opens

  • Ideal for sightseeing

  • Fresh greenery

Weather Conditions:

Comfortable days but cold nights; light woolens needed.

June – Perfect Sightseeing Weather

Temperature:

  • Day: 10°C to 20°C

  • Night: 5°C to 10°C

Highlights:

  • Manali–Leh highway opens

  • Blue skies

  • Snow walls at high passes

Weather Conditions:

Pleasant and stable; great for bikers.

July – Warm Days & Peak Tourist Month

Temperature:

  • Day: 12°C to 25°C

  • Night: 8°C to 12°C

Highlights:

  • Perfect for Nubra Valley

  • Best for lakes (Pangong & Moriri)

  • High-altitude treks begin

Weather Conditions:

Warm days, comfortable nights; minimal rain.

August – High Season Continues

Temperature:

  • Day: 10°C to 22°C

  • Night: 7°C to 11°C

Highlights:

  • Water crossings at their peak

  • Blooming season in Nubra

  • Best for rafting

Weather Conditions:

Mostly stable; occasional cloud cover.

September – Pleasant Weather With Fewer Tourists

Temperature:

  • Day: 8°C to 18°C

  • Night: 2°C to 8°C

Highlights:

  • Golden landscapes

  • Best for photography

  • Clear skies

Weather Conditions:

Cool and dry; ideal for all activities.

October – Autumn & Early Snowfall

Temperature:

  • Day: 2°C to 10°C

  • Night: -3°C to 2°C

Highlights:

  • Stunning fall colors

  • Snowfall at high passes

  • Peaceful travel time

Weather Conditions:

Cold winds; many camps close by end of month.

November – Winter Begins

Temperature:

  • Day: -2°C to 5°C

  • Night: -10°C to -5°C

Highlights:

  • Clear views

  • Fewer travelers

  • Snowfall increases

Weather Conditions:

Very cold; many routes close.

December – Winter Wonderland

Temperature:

  • Day: -5°C to 0°C

  • Night: -10°C to -20°C

Highlights:

  • Snowfall across Ladakh

  • Frozen rivers

  • High-altitude wildlife sightings

Weather Conditions:

Extreme cold; winter tourism picks up.

Temperature Comparison: Leh vs. Pangong vs. Nubra

Month Leh Pangong Nubra
Summer Day 10–25°C 5–18°C 12–28°C
Summer Night 5–12°C -2–7°C 8–15°C
Winter Day -10–0°C -15–-5°C -8–0°C
Winter Night -15–-25°C -20–-30°C -10–-20°C

Pangong is always the coldest region, while Nubra remains comparatively warmer.

What to Pack According to Temperature

Summer (May–September):

  • Light jackets

  • Sweatshirts

  • Sunglasses

  • Sunscreen

  • Comfortable shoes

Autumn (October):

  • Heavy jackets

  • Thermals

  • Gloves & woolen caps

  • Warm socks

Winter (November–March):

  • Down jacket

  • 2–3 thermal layers

  • Waterproof shoes

  • Snow gloves

  • Balaclava

  • Woolen socks

  • Snow boots

Best Time to Visit Based on Temperature

For Bike Trips:

June to September

For Snowfall:

December to February

For Photography:

September & October

For Trekking:

July to September
(Except winter treks like Chadar)

Tips for Managing Ladakh’s Extreme Temperature

  • Acclimatize for 24–48 hours

  • Stay hydrated

  • Avoid alcohol at high altitudes

  • Wear layered clothing

  • Protect skin from UV rays

  • Keep emergency medicines

Final Thoughts

Ladakh’s temperature varies drastically from month to month, making proper planning essential. Whether you’re traveling in warm summer months or braving the intense winter cold, knowing the month-wise Ladakh temperature will help you choose the best season for your goals — be it adventure, photography, culture, or snowfall.
With this updated guide, you can pack smart, plan safely, and enjoy Ladakh’s stunning beauty in the best weather conditions.