Weather & Best Time to Visit
Know the climate at Katra and Bhawan altitude for every season — so you can plan the perfect Yatra.
Two Different Climates on the Same Trek
Katra base camp sits at ~910 m (2,990 ft) while Bhawan is at ~1,584 m (5,200 ft) and Bhairon Nath Temple at ~2,010 m (6,600 ft). The temperature difference between Katra and Bhawan can be 10–15°C colder. Always carry warm layers even in summer.
Season-by-Season Guide
Spring
March – May
Katra Temp
12°C – 28°C
Bhawan Temp
5°C – 18°C
Crowd
Moderate
Pleasant cool weather ideal for the 12 km trek
Flowers bloom along the trail — Trikuta mountain is stunning
Navratri (March/April) brings massive pilgrim surge
Snow melts at higher altitudes — trail fully open
⚠️ Navratri brings extreme crowds — book accommodation weeks in advance
Summer
June – August
Katra Temp
28°C – 42°C
Bhawan Temp
15°C – 25°C
Crowd
High
Katra is hot but Bhawan altitude stays pleasantly cool
No risk of snow on the trail
Good for early morning or night treks to beat the heat
Schools are on break — family pilgrim groups peak
⚠️ Monsoon rains (July–August) can make the trail slippery
⚠️ Carry rain ponchos — sudden downpours are common
⚠️ Bhairon Nath ropeway may stop during heavy rain
Autumn
September – November
Katra Temp
15°C – 30°C
Bhawan Temp
5°C – 15°C
Crowd
Very High
Post-monsoon clarity — crystal clear mountain views
Navratri (October) — most auspicious time for Yatra
Cool pleasant temperatures throughout the trek
Ideal for photography — sky is clearest in October
⚠️ October Navratri is the single busiest period — 1 lakh+ pilgrims per day
⚠️ Darshan wait times can stretch 8–12 hours — book Atka Aarti in advance
Winter
December – February
Katra Temp
5°C – 18°C
Bhawan Temp
-8°C – 5°C
Crowd
Low
Lowest crowds — minimal wait times for Darshan
Snow-covered trail offers a rare, divine experience
Helicopter services may be the only option to upper sections
Budget accommodation easily available
⚠️ Heavy snowfall may close the trek trail temporarily
⚠️ Bhairon Nath ropeway often suspended in December–January
⚠️ Mandatory to carry thermal layers, gloves, and waterproof shoes
⚠️ Check trail status on the official website before departure
Monthly Temperature Reference
Typical temperature ranges at Katra and Bhawan across the year
| Month | Katra (910m) | Bhawan (1584m) | Snowfall | Crowd Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 5°C – 18°C | -8°C – 2°C | Heavy | Low |
| February | 7°C – 20°C | -5°C – 4°C | Moderate | Low |
| March | 12°C – 26°C | 0°C – 10°C | Light | Moderate |
| April | 16°C – 30°C | 5°C – 15°C | None | Very High (Navratri) |
| May | 22°C – 36°C | 8°C – 18°C | None | High |
| June | 26°C – 40°C | 12°C – 22°C | None | High |
| July | 28°C – 38°C | 14°C – 22°C | None | High |
| August | 26°C – 36°C | 13°C – 21°C | None | High |
| September | 22°C – 32°C | 8°C – 18°C | None | Moderate |
| October | 16°C – 28°C | 4°C – 14°C | None | Very High (Navratri) |
| November | 10°C – 22°C | -2°C – 8°C | Light | Moderate |
| December | 6°C – 18°C | -6°C – 2°C | Heavy | Low |
🌤️ Best Months to Visit
March–May and September–November offer the most comfortable trekking conditions. If you want lowest crowds, visit in January or February.