Srinagar Gets Colder Than Gulmarg: Dip In Mercury Likely
Srinagar, Gulmarg, and Pahalgam are located in the Kashmir Valley. The Valley, as such, is surrounded by the Pir Panjal Range to the southwest and the Zanskar Range, also called the Great Himalayan Range, to the northeast. The Pir Panjal Range separates the Valley from the Indo-Gangetic Plains, and the Zanskar Range distances it from the Tibetan Plateau. The other ranges surrounding the Kashmir Valley include the Ladakh Range and the Pangi Range.
Srinagar has the lowest elevation out of these resorts but remains colder than the others many a time due to terrain complexities. Srinagar, Gulmarg and Pahalgam are at heights of 5,300 ft, 8,840 ft, and 7,200 ft respectively. Srinagar recorded a minimum temperature of –1.8°C and Gulmarg stayed at 2.0°C this morning. Despite being at a higher elevation, Gulmarg is less cold than Srinagar. Srinagar is situated deep inside the Valley, with Gulmarg and Pahalgam placed on the western and eastern flanks. Even the entry points of Qazigund and Banihal have higher elevations than the capital city of Srinagar. The terrain gains height and descends subsequently to reach Srinagar, located on the shores of Dal Lake and the banks of the Jhelum River. The complexity of the terrain leads to a defiance of the usual logic relating elevation and temperature.
The temperature distribution goes haywire when active Western Disturbances pound these resorts, spreading a blanket of snow. The layer of snow keeps thickening with repeated onslaughts of wintry systems. Christmas and New Year’s Eve are the favourite slots to begin with the festivities. The month of November generally remains silent, and these tourist destinations observe mostly dry cold, occasionally sprinkled with light flakes or fleeting drizzles.
There is a weak cyclonic circulation over Kashmir and its neighbourhood in the mid-levels. The feature is not dynamic enough to inflict any significant weather. Yes, the temperature profile may alter, though only temporarily. Sub-zero temperatures are likely to continue during the rest of November. This year, November seems to be quite colder than normal for the summer capital city of Srinagar. The average minimum temperature in November for Srinagar is 1.2°C. November 2025, so far, has an average of 0.53°C between 01st and 18th Nov. The temperatures are likely to dip further in the remaining days of November. So far, Srinagar has recorded the lowest temperature of –2.4°C on 15th Nov 2025. The lowest minimum for the month of November in 2023 and 2024 was –1.8°C (22 Nov 2023) and –2.1°C (28 Nov 2024), respectively. The minimum temperature is likely to plunge further by 1°–2°C.
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