Caution
Srinagar in February
Jammu & Kashmir, India
February is the tail end of Chillai Kalan but Srinagar stays brutally cold — lows of -6°C, highs barely touching 4°C. The city gets its heaviest snowfall spells this month, sometimes 12-18 inches in a single dump. Dal Lake shikaras still run between snow showers but expect cancellations. The almond trees in Badamwari Garden start showing the first pink blossoms by late February, signalling the thaw. Tourist numbers stay rock-bottom — under 8,000 for the month.
The February story
Late February is actually a hidden sweet spot. The almond blossoms at Badamwari (Almond Alcove) start blooming around Feb 20-25, and for about 10 days the garden turns pink against snow-capped mountains — one of the most photographed scenes in India. The famous Sheen-e-Sharif snowfall (last big snow) usually hits mid-Feb. Houseboats are heated and cosy, and owners negotiate hard — expect 50-60% off peak rates. Wazwan restaurants in Lal Chowk serve harissa (slow-cooked meat porridge) which is winter-only. The road to Pahalgam is usually open but chains may be required. SKIMS hospital operates fully. Saffron kesar chai from the local stalls costs Rs 20 and will ruin every other chai for you permanently.
Why February scores 2/5
Weather
Same. Cheapest time to visit but you need thermal everything.
Roads & Access
self drive: Any car. Roads good.. road condition: NH44 well-maintained. Banihal tunnel operational year-round.. public transport: Flights from all major cities. SRTC buses from Jammu.. from nearest city: Delhi→Srinagar: 1hr flight or Jammu→Srinagar 300km 8hrs. last km difficulty: easy
Safety & Emergency
Safety: 5/5. rescue: SDRF J&K. helpline: J&K Tourism: 0194-2452690. ambulance: 108 (reliable). police station: Multiple. nearest hospital: SKIMS, SMHS — world-class hospitals in Srinagar
Network
VI: Yes, JIO: Yes, BSNL: Yes, NOTE: Yes, AIRTEL: Yes. Full 4G in Srinagar. Weakens in Gurez and remote areas. Internet shutdowns occasionally during unrest.
Kids
Kid-friendly (5/5) — Shikara rides are magical for kids, Houseboat stays are a unique experience, Mughal gardens are spacious and flat, Good hospitals available
Elevation
1,585m — Low altitude, no issues
Who should go
- ✓First-time travelers
- ✓Senior citizens
- ✓Photographers timing the Badamwari almond blossom (late Feb)
- ✓Budget solo travellers comfortable with cold and quiet
- ✓Writers and artists wanting solitude — cafes are empty, views are stunning
- ✓Gulmarg skiers — February snow conditions are peak
Who should think twice
- ✗Families with young children — cold is extreme and infrastructure is basic
- ✗Anyone dependent on daily flights — cancellation rate is highest this month
- ✗Travellers who dislike uncertainty — internet shutdowns possible during unrest periods
- ✗People expecting green valleys — everything is white and brown
All 12 Months
| Month | Score | Note |
|---|---|---|
| January | 2/5 | Bone-cold. Dal Lake can freeze edges. Beautiful but harsh. |
| Februaryviewing | 2/5 | Same. Cheapest time to visit but you need thermal everything. |
| March | 4/5 | Spring arriving. Almond and cherry blossoms. Tulip Garden opens. |
| April | 5/5 | PEAK. Tulip Garden in full bloom. Perfect weather. Mughal gardens green. |
| May | 5/5 | Warm, green, all activities open. Shikara rides perfect. |
| June | 4/5 | Getting hot in plains drives tourists here. Busy but good. |
| July | 3/5 | Some rain. Dal Lake lush. Fewer domestic tourists. |
| August | 3/5 | Monsoon light in Kashmir but approach roads can flood. |
| September | 5/5 | Post-monsoon. Crystal clear, chinar trees turning. Perfect. |
| October | 5/5 | Autumn. Best light for photography. Chinars golden-red. |
| November | 3/5 | Getting cold 2-12°C. Last chinar autumn colors fading. Dal Lake quiet. Houseboats at lowest prices. Brief window. |
| December | 2/5 | Winter sets in. Cold but magical if you like snow. |
Practical Details
How to reach
Delhi→Srinagar: 1hr flight or Jammu→Srinagar 300km 8hrs. Roads: NH44 well-maintained. Banihal tunnel operational year-round.. Self-drive: Any car. Roads good.. Public transport: Flights from all major cities. SRTC buses from Jammu.. Last stretch: easy
Elevation
1,585m
Difficulty
easy
Budget tier
mixed
Nearby in Jammu & Kashmir scoring high in February
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