Best Time To Visit Joshimath

The monsoon season in Joshimath is like poetry at its best. It is a perfect mix of showers ranging from gentle to heavy that create an ambience and set the mood with its clouds, trickling rains, colours and scents. The season begins in July and lasts till September every year, bringing torrential downpours that transform the surroundings into a heavenly abode but are deemed unsuitable for exploring the region. Joshimath receives an average annual rainfall of over 1200 mm affecting outdoor activities to a great extent. August and September are the peak months so if one has to; they can visit in July when the summers have just about ended. The rainfall is comparatively less during this month, and one can find enough opportunities to venture out and visit some attractions. Most outdoor activities, however, remain closed during this season but there is nothing to stop the intrepid explorer from witnessing the scenic beauty of Joshimath.

The post-monsoon month of October and the winter months (November to February) can also be an excellent time to visit Joshimath. During the season, the temperature remains around 7°C all through the day and drops further down to 0°C in the night. Octobers are pleasantly cool. This is when the monsoons have just about ended leaving dense greenery all around. But soon Joshimath transitions into a chilly winter season.

December to January is peak winter time when the region also receives the right amount of snowfall. So packing enough woollens is advisable along with other essentials. When the snowfall begins, the mountain ranges get covered with a pristine carpet of snow providing a perfect environment for skiing, camping, trekking etc. The ambience becomes just breathtaking. Barring some zones, most of Joshimath openly welcomes tourists. This time is perfect for watching the beautiful Himalayan sunrises. The experience of feeling the gentle warmth of the sun as the rays slowly clear the misty mornings is one of a kind.

The rest of the days can be spent visiting the temples, the hot springs, and for sightseeing. While there, tourists can also explore the culture through the festivals celebrated during the winter season. November/ December brings Karthik Purnima or Tripuri Purnima. Diwali, the festival of lights, is celebrated in November. January brings Makar Sankranti and Basant Panchami. The authentic ways of celebrating these festivals can be witnessed here. These activities and much more can be truly seen, experienced and felt only during this time of the year. Therefore, winters, along with summers, are deemed perfect to visit Joshimath.