Kashmir in December

April through October gives you the best weather, but each season offers something different. April and May are perfect for sightseeing — the snow melts, flowers bloom, and temperatures hover around 15-20°C during the day. The roads to higher altitudes start opening up. June through August is peak tourist season. The weather is pleasant, around 25-30°C, but expect crowds and higher prices. This is when Gulmarg's meadows are at their greenest, and all the trekking routes are accessible. Book accommodations well in advance. September and October bring autumn colors that rival New England. The weather is crisp, crowds thin out, and hotel rates drop. The apple harvest happens in October, and you can buy fresh apples directly from orchards along the highway. Winter (November-March) is for serious cold-weather lovers. Temperatures can drop to -10°C, and many roads close. But if you're into skiing or want to see Dal Lake partially frozen, January and February are your months. Gulmarg gets heavy snow, making it India's premier ski destination. Avoid the monsoon months of July and August if you're sensitive to rain. The region gets about 650mm of rainfall annually, and most of it comes during these two months.