Plan your trip · Auli
Best time to visit Auli
Auli has two good seasons, snow and meadows, and a clear, cold autumn that many people overlook. The monsoon is the one to avoid.
❄️ Winter
RecommendedOct – Mar
Cold, with snow on the higher ground and some high passes and roads closed — beautiful, but pack and plan for it.
Pack: heavy insulated layers, gloves, a warm hat and waterproof boots.
Shines now: Gorson Bugyal
Plan a winter day →☀️ Summer
RecommendedApr – Jun
The prime window — comfortable days and the higher roads open again, though pre-monsoon haze can hide the far peaks by May and June.
Pack: light layers by day and a warm jacket for cool evenings and altitude.
Shines now: Gorson Bugyal
Plan a summer day →🌧️ Monsoon
Jul – Sep
Lush and green but wet, with a real risk of landslides and roadblocks on mountain routes.
Pack: a waterproof shell, quick-dry layers and sturdy, grippy footwear.
Shines now: Auli Artificial Lake, Chattrakund
Plan a monsoon day →January to March: snow
This is ski season. Snow usually arrives by late December or January, and January and February are the most reliable months. By March it thins, first on the lower slopes. The amount changes a lot from year to year, and some recent winters have been lean. Check recent snow reports before booking. Nights fall well below freezing. After heavy snowfall the road from Joshimath can close for a day or more.
April to June: meadows
The snow melts in April, and by May the slopes and Gurson Bugyal are green. This is the easiest time for walking, and the prime window for families. Mornings are often clear, but cloud builds by midday. May and June are also the busiest months on the Badrinath road, as pilgrims pour through Joshimath, so book rooms early and expect slow traffic.
July to September: monsoon
Heavy rain brings landslides and road closures on the highway from Rishikesh. Journeys can be delayed by hours or days, and the peaks are often hidden. The meadows are at their greenest, but it is not a good time for a first visit. If you come, keep spare days and follow the state's road updates.
October and November: clear and cold
After the rains, the air is at its clearest. October often brings the best views of Nanda Devi and the other peaks, with dry trails and fewer people. Nights are frosty. There is no snow yet. Badrinath usually closes in November.
December
The coldest dry month. Snow may come late in the month, but it is not guaranteed. Christmas and New Year weeks are busy.
Quick guide
- Skiing: mid-January to February.
- Snow play without skiing: January to early March.
- Walking and meadows: May, June and October.
- Peak views: October and November, and early winter mornings.
- Avoid: July to mid-September.
The what to wear page covers clothing for each season.
Questions
Auli — FAQ
When does it snow in Auli?
Usually from late December to early March, with the most reliable snow in January and February. Amounts vary from year to year, so check recent reports.
Is October a good time to visit Auli?
Yes. It is dry, clear and cold, with some of the best mountain views of the year and fewer visitors. There is no snow.
Is it safe to travel to Auli in the monsoon?
The highway from Rishikesh is often blocked by landslides between July and September. If you go, allow spare days and check road updates before setting out.
Will I find snow in Auli in December?
Possibly late in the month, but not reliably. For a snow trip, January and February are much safer.