LEH LADAKH'S SEASONS (AND THE BEST TIME TO VISIT)
SO YOU'VE FINALLY DECIDED TO TICK LADAKH OFF YOUR BUCKET LIST, GOOD FOR YOU. AND IF IT ISN'T ON YOUR BUCKET LIST, THEN SHAME ON YOU GO ADD IT NOW. AND THEN TICK IT OFF, BECAUSE YOU'RE ABOUT TO START PLANNING YOUR UPCOMING TRIP.
Ladakh, and it's largest town Leh, is still one of the last untouched parts of this world. Beautiful and rugged like Johnny Depp in the early 00s, Ladakh is other worldly. Your journey to Ladakh and the adventure you embark on is entirely dependant on one thing: the season.
Make an informed decision about this journey, especially if you plan to travel through the mountains in winter. If you decide to do this, I cannot stress this enough but you need to contact all relevant travel companies to make sure you are prepared for this journey. To see what clothing you'll need for your Ladakh trip, head this way.
LEH - LADAKH'S CLIMATE
December to February (Winter)
These are the coldest months of the year in Ladakh, and traveller be warned if ye wish to go yonder unprepared. In these winter months, temperatures rarely reach above freezing point with the nights even colder sitting around -20°C. During the daytime, the you can enjoy a nice 2°C average and expect thick ice formations. Almost all the highways are closed or inaccessible, and even the locals develop frostbite or skin cracks.
March to April (Summer)
A little warmer these months, but still unbelievably cold, March in Ladakh sees highs of 6°C in the day and -5°C at night. In April, it gets a little warmer reaching as high as 12°C during the day.
May to August (Summer/Monsoon)
May to August is peak tourist season in Ladakh. Highways open up, businesses are running, and people are out and about during the start of May as temperatures reach a comfortable 16°C during the day and dip to 3°C during the night (although there's still a little windchill).
June is where it gets toasty 21°C during the day and a scorching 7°C after sundown. This is the most popular month for local festivals, and hikers and backpackers on month-long treks through the wilderness and pan-Ladakh expeditions. July sees the peak of summer, during the day and night temperatures are 25°C and 10°C.
Ladakh doesn't have a proper monsoon raining season, but due to global warming (thanks cows, thanks a lot) there has been a light sprinkle here and there. August is where it starts to cool down, and you will start needed warmer gear.
September to November (Winter)
September days in Ladakh are kinda similar to that in May, the sun is out and everyone is feeling good. It does start to get cold during the night, but the real cold won't kick in until around October and November. Temperatures now start dropping below 0°C every other day, and all interstate roads and passes start to close for the 5-6 months of winter ahead.
