Gulmarg, Pahalgam record sub-zero temperatures for first time this season
Synopsis
For the first time this season, Gulmarg and Pahalgam have dipped below freezing — and early snowfall on Zojila Pass plus the unusually early arrival of migratory birds from Russia and China suggest Kashmir's winter could arrive ahead of schedule this year.
Key Takeaways
Gulmarg and Pahalgam recorded sub-zero temperatures — minus 0.4°C and minus 0.3°C respectively — for the first time this season on 25 October .
Srinagar logged a minimum of 2.9°C , which is 0.9 degrees below normal for this period.
Fresh snowfall on Zojila Pass and the Afarwat mountains in Gulmarg indicates winter may arrive earlier than usual.
Hundreds of migratory birds from Russia , China , and Eastern Europe have arrived in the Valley earlier than expected.
The weather office has forecast dry conditions through the end of October, with possible isolated rain until 28 October .
Tourist footfall remains strong, with hotels and homestays offering affordable rates during the autumn season.
Gulmarg and Pahalgam, two of Jammu and Kashmir's most-visited tourist destinations, recorded below-freezing minimum temperatures for the first time this season on Sunday, 25 October, signalling the onset of winter across the Kashmir Valley. The Meteorological Department confirmed the readings at minus 0.4 degrees Celsius in Gulmarg and minus 0.3 degrees Celsius in Pahalgam.
Temperature Readings Across the Region
Across Jammu and Kashmir, the mercury dipped sharply overnight. Srinagar recorded a minimum of 2.9 degrees Celsius — 0.9 degrees below normal for this time of year. Jammu city registered 14.1 degrees Celsius, while Katra logged 12 degrees, Batote 9.8 degrees, and Bhaderwah 2.8 degrees Celsius, according to Meteorological Department officials.
Early Signs of a Colder-Than-Usual Winter
Fresh snowfall on Zojila Pass and the Afarwat mountains in Gulmarg has raised the possibility that winter could set in earlier than usual this year. This assessment is reinforced by the early arrival of hundreds of migratory birds from Russia, China, Eastern Europe, and other regions, which typically descend on the Valley to escape extreme cold at their origin points. Locals have begun adapting, with residents donning light woollen clothing and elders pulling out the traditional tweed overgarment known as the 'Phiren'. Schoolchildren across the Valley have also switched to their winter uniforms.
Weather Forecast and Outdoor Activity
The weather office has forecast generally dry conditions through the end of October, though isolated brief spells of rain remain possible until 28 October. Residents largely stayed indoors on Sunday morning, avoiding outdoor walks as a feeble late-autumn sun offered little warmth. The iconic Chinar trees of the Valley have begun their seasonal transformation, with leaves shifting from amber toward gold, rust, and eventually deep crimson — a hallmark of Kashmir's autumn.
Tourism Buoyant Despite the Chill
Despite the dropping temperatures, tourist footfall remains strong across the Valley. Hotels, guesthouses, and homestays are reportedly offering accommodation at reasonably affordable rates, with the golden-yellow autumn landscape serving as an added draw for visitors. The season's picturesque foliage and the crisp mountain air are proving a compelling combination for travellers already in the region.
All eyes will now be on whether temperatures continue to fall ahead of schedule, potentially altering the winter tourism calendar for the Valley.
Point of View
By itself, routine weather reporting — but the convergence of early snowfall at Zojila Pass, below-normal temperatures in Srinagar, and an unusually early influx of migratory birds points to a pattern worth watching. If winter does arrive ahead of schedule, it has real consequences: it compresses the autumn tourism window, affects the apple harvest cycle, and puts early pressure on supply chains for heating fuel and essential goods in cut-off mountainous zones. The tourism sector, still recovering its footing, should be monitoring long-range forecasts more closely than the current optimism in hotel occupancy numbers suggests.
NationPress
25 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Which places in Jammu and Kashmir recorded sub-zero temperatures on 25 October?
Gulmarg and Pahalgam recorded below-freezing temperatures for the first time this season on 25 October, at minus 0.4 degrees Celsius and minus 0.3 degrees Celsius respectively, according to the Meteorological Department.
What was the minimum temperature in Srinagar on 25 October?
Srinagar recorded a minimum temperature of 2.9 degrees Celsius on 25 October, which is 0.9 degrees below normal for this time of year.
Is Kashmir's winter expected to arrive early this year?
There are early indications that winter could set in earlier than usual, supported by fresh snowfall at Zojila Pass and the Afarwat mountains in Gulmarg, as well as the unusually early arrival of migratory birds from Russia, China, and Eastern Europe.
What is the weather forecast for Kashmir through the end of October?
The Meteorological Department has forecast generally dry weather through the end of October, though isolated, brief spells of rain are possible until 28 October.
How is the autumn tourist season in Kashmir shaping up?
Tourism remains active despite the cold, with the Valley's golden-yellow autumn foliage attracting a good number of visitors. Hotels, guesthouses, and homestays are currently offering accommodation at reasonably affordable prices.
