The best time to visit Auli Chopta depends on what you want:
| If you want... | Go in |
|---|---|
| Snow and skiing | Mid-January to February |
| Rhododendrons in bloom on the Tungnath trail | March to April |
| Easy weather for families, temple open | May to June |
| The clearest mountain views | October to early November |
| Fewer crowds and lower prices | March and early October |
There's no single "best" month for Auli and Chopta, because the two places change completely through the year. In January you'll find deep snow and ski lessons. In April the forests turn red with rhododendrons. In October the air is so clear you can see peaks over 100 km away.
We run trips on this route through every season. Here's what each month is really like, including the two months we tell people to skip.
Auli and Chopta month by month
| Month | Weather | Snow | Tungnath temple | Roads | Our verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Very cold, below 0°C at night | Best chance | Closed | Snow closures possible | Great for snow |
| February | Cold, sunny days | Yes | Closed | Snow closures possible | Great for snow |
| March | Cool, thawing | Patchy on higher slopes | Closed | Mostly open | Good and quiet |
| April | Mild days, cold nights | Rare | Usually opens late April or early May | Open | Good |
| May | Pleasant days, 10–20°C | No | Open | Open, busy | Very good |
| June | Warm days, some haze | No | Open | Open until the monsoon | Good |
| July | Heavy rain | No | Open | Landslide risk | Avoid |
| August | Heavy rain | No | Open | Landslide risk | Avoid |
| September | Rain easing, very green | No | Open | Improving | Fair to good |
| October | Crisp and clear | No | Open | Good | Excellent for views |
| November | Cold, very clear | Possible late in the month | Closes early November | Good | Very good |
| December | Very cold | Often by late December, not guaranteed | Closed | Mostly open | Good |
Winter (December to March): snow and skiing
What it's like: cold, crisp and often sunny between snowfalls. Nights in Chopta and Auli drop well below freezing, and at Tungnath it can reach around –5°C to –10°C.
When does it snow in Auli? Usually from late December or January, but it varies a lot from year to year. Some Decembers stay dry. In the 2024–25 season, for example, Auli's first big snowfall came on 12 December. For skiing, mid-January to February is the most reliable time, because the slopes need a deep, solid base. Read skiing in Auli for beginners.
Chopta in winter: the meadows and trail turn white, and the Tungnath trek becomes a snow trek. It's stunning, but heavy snow can close the road between Duggalbitta and Chopta, so camps may move you a few kilometres lower. You'll need micro-spikes on the trail. The temple is closed, but you can still walk up to it and to Chandrashila.
Things to know:
- Keep a spare day in your plan for snow closures.
- The Joshimath–Auli ropeway has been closed since January 2023, so you reach Auli by road (latest status).
- Christmas to New Year is the busiest and most expensive week.
Spring (March to April): rhododendrons
What it's like: days warm up, nights stay cold, and snow melts from the lower slopes.
This is when the forest on the Chopta–Tungnath trail turns red and pink with rhododendron (buransh) flowers, Uttarakhand's state tree. It's one of the prettiest times to walk the trail, and it's quieter and cheaper than summer. There may still be patches of snow higher up.
The Tungnath temple stays closed until its opening date, usually late April or early May, but the trail is open throughout.
Summer (May to June): families and first-time trekkers
What it's like: pleasant, sunny days, and cold nights that still need a jacket.
This is the easiest season for families and first-timers. The Tungnath temple is open, tea stalls line the trail, and roads are clear. Auli's slopes are green, and the walk to Gurson Bugyal is lovely. You won't see snow except on the high peaks.
The downside is crowds. May and June weekends are busy, and stays fill up fast, so book 2–3 weeks ahead. By late June, pre-monsoon haze can soften the views.
Monsoon (July to August): why we don't recommend it
What it's like: heavy rain, mist and very green meadows.
It looks beautiful in photos, but we advise against travelling in July and August:
- The highways via Rudraprayag and Chamoli are prone to landslides, and roads can close for hours or days.
- The peaks are usually hidden in cloud, which is the main reason to come.
- The trail to Tungnath gets muddy and slippery.
If you must travel then, keep two spare days and buy travel insurance.
Autumn (September to November): the clearest views
What it's like: after the rains wash the air clean, days are crisp and dry, and the sky is often perfectly blue.
October and early November give the sharpest views of the year. From Chandrashila, Chaukhamba, Nanda Devi and Trishul look close enough to touch. It's our favourite time for the trek and for photography. September is greener but can still have the last rain showers.
The Tungnath temple closes in early November, so go before then if darshan matters to you. Late November brings the first real cold, and sometimes the first snow on the higher slopes. See our Tungnath Chandrashila trek guide.
Best time by traveller type
| Traveller | Best months | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Families with kids | May–June, October | Mild weather, temple open, easy walks |
| Snow lovers | January–February | Most reliable snow |
| Beginner skiers | Mid-January–February | Solid snow base on the slopes |
| Trekkers and photographers | October–early November | Clearest skies of the year |
| Pilgrims | May–June, September–October | Tungnath temple open, good weather |
| Budget travellers | March, early October | Lower rates, fewer people |
| Honeymooners | December–February, March | Snow, quiet, cosy stays |
Busy dates to book early
These weeks fill up fastest. Book Chopta camps and Auli hotels 3–4 weeks ahead:
- Christmas to New Year
- Republic Day long weekend (late January)
- Holi
- May and June school holidays
- Diwali week
What to pack for each season
Whatever the month, pack layers. Nights are cold even in May. For winter, add thermals, a heavy jacket, waterproof gloves and micro-spikes. See our Auli Chopta packing list for a full checklist by season.
Plan your dates with us
Tell us when you're thinking of going and we'll tell you honestly what to expect. See the Auli Chopta package or call/WhatsApp +91-90459-16770, +91-78307-18687.
Still deciding where to go? Read Auli vs Chopta, our Auli Chopta itinerary, or the complete Auli Chopta travel guide.
