-11° to -1°
Deep Winter
The coldest month of the year, with nights that can drop to -18°C or lower, and Leh reachable only by air.
🧥 Extreme cold layers✈️ Air access only
-9° to 3°
Bitterly Cold
Still deeply cold, though slightly milder than January, with roads to Leh still closed.
🧥 Extreme cold layers✈️ Air access only
-3° to 9°
Winter Fades
Temperatures climb above freezing during the day, though nights stay cold and the access highways remain closed.
🧥 Heavy layers🛣️ Roads still closed
1° to 13°
Roads Reopening
The Leh-Manali Highway typically starts to reopen, though snow can still temporarily block the highest passes.
🧥 Heavy layers🛣️ Roads reopening
4° to 18°
Roads Open
Access roads are generally open, with mild days, though early-month snow can occasionally close the highest passes.
🧥 Layers for cold nights🛣️ Check pass conditions
8° to 22°
Warm & Clear
Comfortable, dry weather with roads fully open, one of the best months for trekking and sightseeing.
☀️ Sunscreen🥾 Great trekking weather
12° to 26°
Warmest Month
The warmest month of the year, good for high-altitude trekking, though it can feel uncomfortably hot at Leh's own elevation, with a slight chance of rain.
☀️ High-altitude sun protection🥵 Can feel hot at lower elevation
12° to 26°
Peak Heat
Nearly as warm as July, with the highest chance of rain all year and a small risk of landslides on the Leh-Manali Highway.
☀️ High-altitude sun protection⚠️ Slight landslide risk
8° to 22°
Cooling Fast
Still pleasant, but noticeably cooler than the summer peak.
🧥 Light layers☀️ Sunscreen
0° to 14°
Clear & Quiet
Cooler than summer but dry and clear, with fewer tourists and local festivals tied to the Tibetan calendar.
🧥 Warm layers✨ Festival season
-6° to 7°
Access Closing
The Leh-Manali Highway typically closes for the season, with winter setting in fast.
🧥 Heavy layers🛣️ Roads closing
-10° to 2°
Frozen & Remote
Deeply cold, with frozen rivers and lakes, and Leh reachable only by air.
🧥 Extreme cold layers✈️ Air access only
★★★ peak season, ★★☆ decent shoulder months, ★☆☆ true off-peak, based on rain frequency, heat, and haze.
Frequently asked questions
When does Leh get its most rain?›
Leh sees very little rain year-round, but July and August historically bring the highest chance of it, alongside the warmest temperatures.
What is the best time of year to visit Leh?›
May, June, and October are historically Leh's most reliable months, when the access highways from Srinagar and Manali are open and the weather is clear for trekking and sightseeing.
What is the least favorable time to visit Leh?›
November through April is deep winter, when the access highways are closed and Leh can only be reached by air, with temperatures dropping well below freezing.
Which month has the most rain in Leh?›
July and August are historically tied as the wettest months of the year, though rainfall here is minimal by any normal standard, only a handful of millimeters.
Which month is the driest in Leh?›
June and November are historically tied as the driest months, each averaging around 5mm of rain with virtually no rain days, though the difference from other months here is minor regardless.
How hot does Leh get?›
July is historically the warmest month, though it can feel uncomfortably hot at Leh's own elevation despite the high-altitude chill elsewhere in Ladakh.
What should I pack for Leh?›
Warm layers are essential year-round given the altitude, with genuinely extreme cold gear needed from November through April.
When are the roads to Leh open?›
The Srinagar-Leh and Manali-Leh highways are typically open from June to mid-October. Outside that window, Leh is reachable only by air.
Is altitude sickness a real risk in Leh?›
Yes. Leh's airport sits at 3,500m, and most visitors are advised to rest on arrival before any strenuous activity.
Can rain or landslides affect the Leh-Manali Highway?›
A small landslide risk exists on the southern stretch of the highway, mainly during July and August, when Leh sees its only real chance of rain.