Best Time To Visit Valley of Flowers

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Uttarakhand | India

State rank: 1 out of 56 Places To Visit In Uttarakhand

What is the best time to visit Valley of Flowers?

The Valley of Flowers, being a snow-clad valley almost throughout the year, is accessible to tourists only in the monsoon season, between the months of June & September. The best time to visit Valley of Flowers National Park to witness its exquisite lush green cover is in the months of July, August and September. During this time, valley has just begun to bloom, and hence not worth visiting, while the snowfall in winters makes the site not only hostile but also defeats the purpose of visiting this valley altogether. Keep in mind that entrance to the Valley is restricted to daytime - you can enter the Valley only between 7:00 AM and 2:00 PM, and you will have to leave before 5:00 PM. Overnight camping is prohibited.

Weather in Valley of Flowers

Upcoming Valley of Flowers Weather

Monthly Weather in Valley of Flowers

Month	Avg. Minimum (°C)	Avg. Maximum (°C)
January	6	15
February	9	19
March	11	21
April	17	27
May	19	29
June	20	29
July	21	27
August	21	27
September	20	26
October	16	24
November	11	21
December	9	19

Valley of Flowers in Monsoon (July - September)

This is the best time to visit the Valley of Flowers, as the monsoon showers give rise to breathtaking flowers of all colours. From geraniums, primulas, asters and trollies to Epilobium, rhododendrons, marigolds and pedicularis, you can hope to see some of the most beautiful flowers on earth, which are unique to this Himalayan wonderland. The Valley does not disappoint fauna enthusiasts either – you can spot varieties of butterflies, musk deer, Himalayan bears, snow leopards and blue sheep here during this time as well!

View of Himalaya from Valley of Flowers — View of Himalayas from Valley of Flowers
Source

Temperatures range from 13°C to 20°C during monsoon, and you can expect fairly heavy showers as the months' pass. Do not forget to carry an umbrella with you as you attempt to reach the Valley. In July, the rains have just begun – the flowers have just started to bloom, and the scenery is just stunning. Do not miss the Ladies Slipper Orchid flower in July. The auspicious Brahma Kamal flower also blooms in the Hemkund Lake in July, so keep your cameras ready to capture these postcard-perfect scenes. In August and September, the Valley is at its most beautiful, with more than five hundred species in full bloom. You can expect the best views during these months. The rain may be a hassle in the beginning, but as days pass, rainfall also decreases and the weather is quite comfortable. Be prepared for isolated showers, though. The monsoon months come under the tourist seasons - accommodation and amenities are a tad expensive, so beware of conmen.

Valley of Flowers in Summer (March - June)

Summer in the Valley of Flowers is a time of quick change, as the summer sun melts away the snow at unprecedented speeds. This is not a recommended time to visit this region, as there is not much to see regarding biodiversity. The terrain is fast-changing, and the glaciers start to melt, forming many rivulets and streams. You can trek and hike in nearby areas, as the park is not open to tourists until June. Temperatures range from 15°C to 25°C. In June, you can expect a few tourists as the flowers have just started to bloom. Amenities and accommodation are cheaper, as this is the off-season. Tourists on a budget can make the best use of this time to visit the Valley of Flowers and enjoy the vistas of snow-capped ranges. In June, you can cross rivulets and waterfalls as the glaciers melt across the Valley. This is one of the driest months in this region, so make full use of the favourable weather to explore every nook and cranny of the Valley. You cannot hope to see many flowers now, but the snow-clad mountains make for stunning panoramas.

Valley of Flowers in Winter (October - February)

Valley of Flowers in October
October is the last month of the year when the Valley of Flowers is open to tourists. You may not find a lot of flowers here in October, as the terrain drastically turns shades from green to yellow and finally ochre, after which the first snow of the season falls. This is the off-season month when you can expect transportation to be cheaper. Hiking from Ghangaria Base Camp is a fun activity to do in October, as you bathe in the cold waters of the streams and watch the snow fall.

Valley of Flowers from November to February
The Valley is closed at this time due to shivering cold temperatures which go well below freezing point. As autumn makes way for winter, the flowerbed is covered with a thick heap of snow, covering all the blooms. The Valley becomes a stretch of white and brown and is hardly recognisable as the verdant Valley of Flowers. Glaciers cover the region, and the entire valley is snow-capped. It is incredibly risky to venture out to this region during this time. There are no flowers to spot nearby, and the weather is too cold to bear. If you’re into winter sports, there is some solace for you. While the actual valley is off-limits, there are areas nearby in Ghangaria where you can try skiing. You can also embark on treks and hikes in October and February. January is the coldest month of the year.

Valley of Flowers National Park — Valley of Flower National Park
Source

The Valley of Flowers is a picturesque locale that is a sure entry to your bucket list. Make full use of the tourist window and visit this stunning site, to bask in nature’s glory.

Best Time to Visit

Uttarakhand

Best Time to Visit

India

Events in Valley of Flowers

Trek to Hemkund Sahib

May - September

Set on a glacial peak surrounded by seven peaks, Hemkund Sahib makes you feel as if you've reached the feet of the Gods. Hemkund is inaccessible from October to April due to snow on the roads. However, this is can be a difficult path to tread so make sure you're in perfect health before attempting this trek.