Climate in Leh (Ladakh)

In Leh there is an arid continental climate (according to the Köppen classification, cold desert climate, Bwk), with freezing winters, relatively warm summers, and little rainfall (and snowfall in winter).
The city is located in the far north of India, at 34 degrees north latitude and 3,500 meters (11,500 feet) above sea level, in Ladakh, of which it is the capital together with Kargil (or Kargyl).
We are on a desert plateau, bordered by the Karakoram mountain ranges to the north and the Himalayas to the south, which make the climate arid. In particular, in summer, the humid winds coming from the Indian plain discharge the rain on the southern side of the Himalayas.
The Indus River flows near Leh, after originating in nearby Tibet.
North of Leh is the Khardung Pass (Khardung La), at 5,360 metres (17,585 ft), beyond which you can access other valleys, and further north the vast Siachen Glacier. Since the climate is arid, perennial snows in this area begin at high altitudes, above 5,000 meters (16,500 ft).
To the south is the Hemis National Park, which is characterized by high altitude valleys, at around 3,500 metres (11,500 feet), snow-capped peaks exceeding 6,000 meters (19,700 ft), such as Stok Kangri and Kang Yatze, and trekking routes. The park is also famous for the snow leopard.



Here are the average temperatures.

In Leh, the winter, from December to February, is very cold, however, snowfall is rare and generally not abundant. On the coldest nights, the temperature drops to -18/-20 °C (0/-4 °F), although the past records are even lower: -28.3 °C (-18.9 °F) in January 1899. However, in the high altitude areas of Ladakh, above 4,500 meters (14,7500 ft), the temperature can still drop below -30 °C (-22 °F).

In summer, temperatures are quite high during the day, while nights are cool, and sometimes a little cold. On the hottest days, the temperature typically reaches 30 °C (86 °F) in July and August. The records from late June to August are around 35/36 °C (95/97 °F).
The rains are rare and sporadic, given that the Indian monsoon does not arrive up here, however, occasionally there can be some heavier rain than normal, which can bring landslides and flash floods.
Here is the average precipitation.

Best Time

---

The best time to visit Leh and Ladakh is from May to October, when temperatures are higher.
For those who do not arrive by plane, it is necessary to keep in mind that the two roads to access Ladakh, from Srinagar and Manali, are normally snow-free from June to mid-October (while there are are no connections with China and Tibet, to the north-east). In particular, the access road from the south, the Leh–Manali Highway, one of the highest roads in the world and of the most appreciated by motorcyclists, is closed in November (and in some years in mid-October) and it reopens in April or May. However, in the latter two months, there may be temporary blocks due to snowfall, so it is necessary to consult the bulletins issued periodically, because the highest passes could be blocked by snow.
July and August are the warmest months, which is good at the higher altitudes, however, sometimes it can get hot in Leh and at the lower altitudes, around 3,500 metres (11,500 feet), and this can make the trekking experience unpleasant. Furthermore, sometimes there may be some rain, and those arriving by motorbike should keep in mind that, especially in the southernmost part of the Leh–Manali Highway, where it rains more, landslides and mudslides may occur.
In October there are fewer tourists than at the peak of the season, furthermore, several festivals take place in the area (the precise dates of which may vary according to the Tibetan calendar), and the weather is normally good (although colder than in summer).
In winter, when Leh can only be reached by airplane from Delhi, roads within Ladakh are generally passable, although snow can sometimes block the higher passes. In this period, you can spot the snow leopard descending into the valleys in search of prey, but the temperatures are very low, and you will find frozen rivers and lakes.