Climate of J&K
J&K shows every type of climate between sub-tropical (Jammu plains) and polar-alpine (high Karakoram), mostly because of altitude.
Climatic regions
| Region | Climate | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Jammu plains and Shiwaliks | Sub-tropical monsoon | Hot summers (up to 40°C and more), cold winters, rain in July to September |
| Pir Panjal and middle hills | Temperate | Cool summers, heavy snow in winter |
| Kashmir Valley | Temperate with four seasons | Mild summers, cold winters, snow, rain in spring and winter |
| Great Himalaya and high mountains | Alpine | Snow for much of the year |
| Ladakh and Zanskar | Cold desert | Very low rainfall (under 100 mm), huge day-night difference, very cold winters |
Rainfall
| Area | Rainfall (approx.) |
|---|---|
| Jammu | About 1,100 mm (mostly monsoon) |
| Pir Panjal slopes | More than 1,000 mm |
| Kashmir Valley (Srinagar) | About 650 to 700 mm, with a spring and winter maximum |
| Dras and Zojila | Heavy snow (several metres) |
| Leh | About 100 mm or less |
Why the pattern?
- Western Disturbances (cyclonic storms from the Mediterranean) bring winter rain and snow. This is the main source of precipitation in the Kashmir Valley and Ladakh.
- The south-west monsoon is strong in Jammu but weakens north of the Pir Panjal, and barely reaches Ladakh.
- Rain-shadow effect: the Great Himalaya blocks the monsoon, so Ladakh and Zanskar are dry.
- Altitude lowers the temperature (about 6.5°C per 1,000 m).
Extremes
- Dras (Kargil) records about −40°C or lower, among the coldest inhabited places in India. The record is about −45°C.
- Leh and Kargil reach −20°C to −30°C in winter.
- Jammu can exceed 45°C in summer.
Keep practising
Notes are only half the work. Test yourself with questions and discuss doubts with other aspirants.
Prepared for exam revision from standard sources, official publications and the Census. Figures and recent developments change, so check official sources before relying on them. Found a mistake? Tell us.