Kulgam sits at 1,739 metres, lower than Pahalgam or Gulmarg, so the seasons are milder but still distinctly four-season.
Spring (March-May) is the prettiest time. The apple and almond orchards across the district come into blossom from late March; the rice paddies start to flood and shimmer green. Temperatures sit pleasantly in the low 20s C by day, cool at night. Aharbal Falls are at full flow with the snowmelt.
Summer (June-August) brings warm, dry weather with daytime temperatures around 25-30°C. This is the season to trek to Konsarnag: the high meadows are open, the lake free of ice, and Gujjar herders move up with their flocks. Book trips in advance — this is also the peak season for domestic tourism in the valley.
Autumn (September-November) is the second great season. The chinar trees that line the river turn fiery red and gold; the air is crisp and clear; the harvest of rice and apples is in full swing. Wonderful for photography, less crowded than summer.
Winter (December-February) is cold — temperatures drop below freezing, snow blankets the higher passes, and Aharbal sometimes partly freezes. The lake trek is impossible. Most tourists ski at Gulmarg instead, but a peaceful, snowy Kulgam has its own appeal if you can take the cold.