June to September is the main Ladakh season. The passes are open, Leh is warm in the day and cold at night, and the valleys are at their greenest. The four months are not the same, though, and the right one depends on what you want from the trip.
Leh weather by month, June to September
Averages for Leh, at about 3,500 m, from the India Meteorological Department (1951 to 2020). Pangong, Nubra and the high passes are colder than Leh at night.
| Month | Average high | Average low | Rainy days | What it is like |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| June | 24 °C | 11 °C | Under 1 | Long days, cooler nights, passes open, quieter than July |
| July | 28 °C | 16 °C | About 2 | Warmest month, peak crowds, green valleys |
| August | 28 °C | 15 °C | About 2 | Still warm and busy, the odd shower |
| September | 23 °C | 9 °C | About 1 | Dry, clear skies, quieter, colder evenings |
Ladakh in June
June is the month the season starts to feel settled. Days are long and bright, nights are cold but manageable, and there are fewer visitors than in July and August. It is a good first-trip month, and a good one for photographs, because the passes still carry snow.
Ladakh in July
July is the warmest month in Leh and the busiest. Nubra and the Indus valley are green, camps and hotels are full, and roads carry the most traffic. Book early for July, especially for groups and for camps at Pangong and Nubra.
Ladakh in August
August is much like July, warm and busy. Ladakh sits in the rain shadow and stays mostly dry, but a shower can affect a road, and the roads on the Himachal side see more rain in the monsoon months than Ladakh itself. Our captains check the route every evening.
Ladakh in September
September is dry and clear, with quieter roads and fewer people at the viewpoints. Evenings turn cold quickly, with Leh's average low falling to about 9 °C and Pangong colder. Pack warm layers. It suits travellers who prefer calm to crowds, and photographers.
Which month for which trip?
| You want | Month to pick |
|---|---|
| A first Ladakh trip, easy conditions | June or July |
| The warmest days | July or August |
| Fewer crowds | June or September |
| Clear skies for photographs | September, or June with snow on the passes |
| Green valleys in Nubra | July or August |
How our Ladakh trips fit these months
The Leh Ladakh bike trip runs from April to October, and the Ladakh Moon Land tour by SUV from May to September. Both start and end in Leh, with a rest day to acclimatise at about 3,500 m.
Leh Ladakh bike tripLadakh Moon Land tourAltitude sickness guide
Questions
Is Ladakh open in June?
Yes. June is part of the main season, with the passes open and long days. Nights are cold.
How hot is Ladakh in July?
Leh averages about 28 °C by day in July and about 16 °C at night, so it is warm in the sun and cool at night.
Does it rain in Ladakh in August?
Very little. Leh has about two rainy days in August, because Ladakh is in the rain shadow of the Himalaya. The roads on the Himachal side can see more rain.
Is September a good time to visit Ladakh?
Yes. It is dry and clear with fewer visitors, but evenings are cold, with Leh's average low about 9 °C.
Which is the best month for Ladakh for first-timers?
June or July. The roads are open, the weather is the steadiest and the camps are running.
Which month is cheapest for Ladakh?
Prices can be lower at the edges of the season, in June and September, than at the July and August peak.
Is it cold in Ladakh in summer?
In the day, no, but nights are cold, and the passes, Pangong and Nubra are colder than Leh. Carry a warm jacket even in July.
