Spring — April to May
Apricot and cherry blossom across Kachura, Shigar and Khaplu, mild days and very few crowds. Deosai is still under snow, so the plateau is off the itinerary.
Plan
Best time to visit Skardu
Skardu has a short, brilliant season. June to September gives you full access including Deosai; April to May gives you blossom; September gives you the clearest air of the year.
Summer — June to August
Everything opens. Deosai clears in late June, treks start, and the valleys are green. It is also the busiest and most expensive stretch of the year, especially July and August.
Autumn — September to October
The sweet spot. Skies are at their clearest, poplars turn gold, hotels drop their peak rates and Deosai stays open until mid-October.
Winter — November to March
Snow on the cold desert, frozen lakes and near-empty hotels — but limited access, closed valleys and unreliable flights.
Month-by-month at a glance
| Month | High | Low | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 4°C | -11°C | Deep winter |
| February | 7°C | -8°C | Deep winter |
| March | 13°C | -2°C | Shoulder |
| April | 19°C | 3°C | Excellent |
| May | 24°C | 8°C | Excellent |
| June | 29°C | 12°C | Peak |
| July | 32°C | 16°C | Peak |
| August | 31°C | 15°C | Peak |
| September | 27°C | 10°C | Excellent |
| October | 21°C | 4°C | Excellent |
| November | 14°C | -2°C | Shoulder |
| December | 7°C | -8°C | Winter |
For detailed notes on each month, see the Skardu weather guide.
Timing questions
- What is the best month to visit Skardu?
- September offers the clearest skies and thinner crowds while everything is still open. July is the peak month, with Deosai wildflowers but the highest prices.
- Is Skardu worth visiting in winter?
- Yes for snow photography and the frozen Katpana desert, but Deosai, Basho and Hushe are inaccessible and flights are frequently cancelled.
- When is Deosai open?
- Usually late June to mid-October, depending on snowmelt and the first snowfall.