Katra Weather Forecast Today (February 3, 2026) for Vaishno Devi Yatra: Walking Conditions & Advice

Wednesday, February 3, 2026 – Katra and the Vaishno Devi Yatra route remain in the heart of the winter season. Pilgrims can expect cold conditions from early morning through late night, with a noticeable drop in temperature as you gain height from Katra to Bhawan. While conditions should be largely manageable for the Yatra today, you will need proper winter layering, a realistic pace, and attention to early-morning chill and late-evening cold winds along the track.

If you are planning your trip details, you may also find this overview useful: Katra Vaishno Devi Travel Guide: Yatra, Stay & Best Time to Visit.

Today’s Weather at a Glance for Katra & Vaishno Devi

The table below gives a simplified view of conditions through the day. Temperatures become colder as you move from Katra (base) to Ardhkuwari, Sanjichhat, and Bhawan, so always allow a few degrees lower at higher points, especially in shade and after sunset.

Time of day	Conditions	Temp (approx.)	Walking comfort	Weather
Early morning (4–8 am)	Cold, possible fog	6–9°C base	Challenging	🌫️
Morning (8–11 am)	Cool, slowly brightening	10–13°C base	Manageable	🌤️
Afternoon (11 am–3 pm)	Pleasant, mild sun	14–18°C base	Comfortable	🌤️
Evening (3–7 pm)	Cooling, light breeze	10–14°C base	Manageable	💨
Night (7 pm–12 am)	Cold, feeling colder uphill	7–10°C base	Challenging	🌫️

What this means for pilgrims today

• The coldest stretch will be early morning and late night, especially between Ardhkuwari, Sanjichhat, and Bhawan, where it can feel several degrees colder than in Katra town.
• The most comfortable walking window is likely late morning to mid-afternoon, when sunshine and lighter winds make the climb easier on the body.
• If you start before sunrise, carry gloves, a warm cap, and a windproof outer layer; the chill can be sharp on open sections of the track.
• Fog or low cloud, if it forms, is more likely closer to dawn and late evening; stick to the main lit track and avoid rushing in low visibility.
• Those with respiratory, cardiac, or joint issues should avoid their longest climbs during the coldest hours and take more frequent breaks.

Weather Impact on the Vaishno Devi Yatra Route Today

Today’s pattern is typical of early February in Katra: wintery but not extreme at base level, with a noticeable change in comfort once you gain altitude. Pilgrims can plan the Yatra, but must factor in temperature changes and the longer time the body takes to warm up on the climb.

Katra base town

• Morning: Cool and a little damp-feeling in the shade. Light layering is essential if you are arranging permissions, prasad, or transport in town before heading to the track.
• Afternoon: Generally pleasant. Sun can feel warm if you are standing still, but remains comfortable when you are walking or climbing slowly.
• Evening and night: The chill returns quickly after sunset. Breeze through the town can make it feel colder than the thermometer suggests.

On the track: Katra–Banganga–Ardhkuwari

• Temperature drop: Expect a small but noticeable drop as you move away from the crowded base. In shade and under covered stretches, the air feels cooler, especially on steps.
• Surface conditions: Generally dry in early February when there is no rain. However, darker sections, especially near water taps or tea stalls, can be slightly damp and slippery; walk carefully, particularly on stairs.
• Comfort: This segment is usually manageable late morning to afternoon. Early starts may feel harsh on the lungs due to cold air; keep your pace gentle until your body warms up.

Ardhkuwari–Sanjichhat–Bhawan

• Colder and windier: Higher stretches can feel considerably colder than Katra, particularly in the late evening and at night. Wind can make it feel several degrees colder in exposed spots.
• Night-time darshan plans: If you are planning late-night or very early-morning darshan, carry an extra warm layer that you may not need at Katra but will appreciate while waiting in queues at Bhawan.
• Rest stops: When you halt for tea or food, your body cools down quickly. Put on a layer during longer halts to avoid sudden chill or stiffness in joints.

Possibility of fog, cloud, or light drizzle

• Low-lying fog is possible near dawn and after midnight in and around Katra, though it is not guaranteed every day. If it forms, visibility can reduce, making downhill stretches and steps trickier.
• Low cloud may brush higher sections near Sanjichhat or Bhawan, leading to a damp, cold feel even if it does not rain.
• No significant, widespread rain is indicated for a typical early February day, but conditions can change; keep an eye on the sky and be ready to use a light rain jacket if needed.

Walking and Trekking Conditions for Pilgrims

With winter conditions holding, the main consideration today is not heat but prolonged exposure to cold, particularly when you are already tired or slightly dehydrated. The track itself is well-defined and lit, but your comfort will depend on timing, clothing, and pacing.

Best time window to start the Yatra today

• Most comfortable start: Between 8:30 am and 11:30 am, allowing you to cover a substantial portion of the climb in the late morning and early afternoon, when temperatures are most pleasant.
• For experienced or fit walkers: A slightly earlier start around 7–8 am is fine if you dress warmly and are used to cold-weather trekking.
• For families with children or elderly members: Avoid starting in the coldest hours (before 6:30–7 am), unless you have arranged for ponies, palki, or battery car support and have very warm clothing.

Footwear and clothing recommendations

• Footwear: Closed, well-fitting sports or trekking shoes with good grip are strongly advised. Open slippers are not suitable in cold conditions and can be risky on stairs, especially when slightly damp.
• Socks: Use thick cotton or wool-blend socks. Carry a spare pair in a plastic bag in case the first pair gets damp from sweat or water.
• Layering: A base thermal or warm T-shirt, a light sweater or fleece, and a windproof jacket work well. Layers allow you to adjust as you warm up while walking.
• Accessories: Woollen cap, muffler or scarf, and simple gloves are very useful in the higher sections, particularly in the evening or night.

Pace, breaks and hydration

• Steady, moderate pace: Cold conditions can tempt you to walk quickly to warm up, but sudden exertion can strain the heart and lungs. Start slow, then move into a comfortable rhythm.
• Regular short breaks: Short, frequent breaks are better than long halts where your body cools completely. Use breaks to sip water and adjust layers.
• Hydration: Winter often hides thirst. Keep sipping small amounts of lukewarm water or tea. Dehydration can contribute to fatigue, headache, and cramps.
• Food: Light, warm, frequent meals are preferable to heavy meals. Avoid very oily or spicy food just before steep climbs.

For elderly pilgrims and those with health concerns

• If you have known heart, lung, or serious joint issues, discuss the Yatra with your doctor beforehand and carry necessary medicines along the route, not just in your hotel.
• Cold air can aggravate asthma or bronchitis; keep inhalers easily accessible and use a muffler or mask to warm the air before it enters your lungs.
• Strongly consider using battery cars (where available), ponies, or palki services for the steeper sections, especially in the colder hours.
• Do not hesitate to turn back or rest for longer if you feel dizzy, unusually breathless, or excessively fatigued.

Crowd Movement and Queues: Weather-Linked Patterns

Winter conditions typically thin out some of the casual crowd, but the Vaishno Devi Yatra remains active year-round. Today’s cold will influence when people choose to walk and how long they are ready to wait in open queues.

Likely busy and quieter windows

• Busier periods: Late morning and afternoon hours generally see more footfall on the track and at Bhawan, as conditions are most comfortable.
• Quieter but colder: Very early morning and late night hours may see fewer pilgrims, but the trade-off is harsher cold and more fatigue risk, especially on the return leg.
• Queue comfort: Standing in line at Bhawan can feel much colder than walking. Have a warm layer handy and avoid sitting directly on cold ground or metal surfaces.

Managing timing with weather in mind

• Plan your onward and return walk so that the steepest stretches do not coincide with the coldest hours, particularly if you are not used to winter trekking.
• If you have a darshan timing that falls late at night, ensure your accommodation plan (either at Bhawan or midway) is confirmed before starting from Katra.
• Children and elderly pilgrims may become irritable or exhausted quickly in cold queues. Carry light shawls, caps, and easy-to-digest snacks to keep them comfortable.

Transport and Possible Delays Linked to Weather

In early February, Katra’s road access usually remains open, but winter in the wider Jammu–Kashmir region can occasionally cause disruptions elsewhere. Even when the Yatra itself is functioning normally, connecting journeys by road, rail, or air may be affected by fog or regional weather systems.

Road travel to and from Katra

• Katra–Jammu stretch: Typically motorable, but early-morning fog patches can slow traffic. Allow buffer time for your taxi or bus.
• Hilly sections: If you are arriving from or travelling onward to hill districts, occasional winter-related delays (landslides, maintenance, or local weather) are possible. Keep your schedule flexible.
• Night driving: Visibility can drop due to fog, especially in plains and river-adjacent stretches. If possible, avoid tightly timed overnight connections.

Rail and air connections

• Trains: Winter fog in north India sometimes leads to delays or rescheduling. Check your train’s running status on the day of travel and keep some buffer between arrival in Jammu/Katra and your planned Yatra start.
• Flights: Morning flights into Jammu can occasionally be affected by fog or poor visibility. If you are flying the same day as your Yatra, have a backup plan in case of delay.

For formal notifications on Yatra status, facilities, and any weather-related advisories, refer to the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, which is the competent authority for the pilgrimage.

Safety Advisories for Today’s Conditions

The main risks today are cold-related discomfort, slips on occasionally damp surfaces, and over-exertion in steep stretches. With a bit of planning and realistic expectations, most pilgrims can complete the Yatra safely.

Cold and exposure

• Dress in layers rather than in one very heavy garment. This allows you to remove a layer while climbing and put it back on during breaks or in queues.
• Protect extremities: hands, ears, and feet lose heat quickly. Gloves, caps, and good socks make a noticeable difference in comfort.
• If clothes get wet from sweat or a light drizzle, change into a dry layer once you reach Bhawan or your resting point to avoid chills.

Slips, trips, and basic track safety

• Use railings where available, especially on steep stair sections and when visibility is reduced by fog or darkness.
• Avoid running or pushing in crowded sections. The track is shared by walkers, ponies, and palkis; sudden movements can cause avoidable falls.
• Keep a small torch or reliable phone flashlight accessible for darker corners, even though the main track is generally well lit.

Health, fatigue and altitude

• The altitude on this Yatra is moderate, but combined with cold and continuous climbing, it can be intense for those not used to such exertion.
• Listen to your body: if you experience chest pain, severe shortness of breath, or sudden weakness, stop immediately and seek help from nearby medical or security staff.
• Elderly pilgrims should avoid carrying heavy bags. Use locker facilities or share the load within the group, keeping hands as free as possible for balance.

Children’s safety

• Keep young children close and within sight at all times, especially in crowded or foggy stretches and near pony paths.
• Dress children slightly warmer than adults; they lose heat faster and may not clearly express when they are getting too cold.
• Encourage frequent short breaks, fluids, and light snacks to maintain their energy and mood.

Practical Tips for Pilgrims Considering Today or the Next Few Days

While this article focuses on today’s weather, it is useful to plan your Yatra over a 1–3 day window, especially if you are still in transit to Katra.

Clothing and packing checklist for this week of February

• Two sets of warm, comfortable walking clothes (so one can dry while you use the other).
• Thermal innerwear (especially for night-time darshan or higher sections).
• Windproof or light waterproof jacket that covers the torso well.
• Woollen cap, scarf/muffler, gloves, and at least two pairs of thick socks.
• Basic medicines: pain relief, acidity tablets, any personal prescriptions, and small bandages or plasters for blisters.
• Reusable water bottle, preferably insulated, and small high-energy snacks (dry fruits, biscuits, chikki).

Planning your itinerary around winter conditions

• Avoid fixing very tight onward connections (trains, flights) immediately after the Yatra; give yourself a buffer of several hours or a night’s rest in Katra or Jammu.
• Consider breaking the Yatra with a planned halt at Ardhkuwari or Sanjichhat if you are travelling with elderly family members or small children.
• If you are still at the planning stage, think in terms of flexible days rather than fixed hours; winter weather, travel delays, and your own energy levels can shift your schedule.

Checking for late changes in weather

• Even though early February is typically cold and dry, Western Disturbances can occasionally bring cloud, drizzle, or even higher-altitude snowfall in the region.
• Conditions can change on a 24–48 hour basis. Before you start from Jammu or Katra, get a quick update on same-day forecasts and any local advisories.
• The Shrine Board and local administration issue updates if there are major disruptions; stay attentive to announcements at Katra base and en route.

Quick Bullet Summary for Today

• Early morning and late night are the coldest and most demanding times on the Yatra route; dress accordingly.
• Late morning to mid-afternoon offers the most comfortable walking conditions, with cool to pleasant temperatures.
• Track surfaces are generally dry but can be damp in shaded or high-traffic spots; good footwear is important.
• Expect a clear difference in temperature between Katra and higher points like Bhawan, especially in wind-exposed areas.
• Allow extra time for travel to and from Katra in case of regional winter fog affecting road, rail, or air timings.
• For elderly, young children, or those with health conditions, plan shorter walking segments, more breaks, and access to aided transport where possible.

FAQ: Vaishno Devi Yatra Weather and Planning Around Today

1. Is it safe to do the Vaishno Devi Yatra today in this winter weather?

For most reasonably fit pilgrims, the Yatra remains broadly safe today, provided you dress warmly, pace yourself, and avoid over-exertion in the coldest hours. Those with significant heart, lung, or mobility issues should take extra precautions, use available transport support, and consider medical advice before starting.

2. Will it be too cold for children or elderly relatives?

It will be quite cold in the early morning, evening, and night, especially higher up. With proper woollens, gloves, and caps, plus a slower pace and more breaks, many families manage comfortably. If anyone is frail or unwell, opt for aided transport (battery car, pony, or palki) for the steepest sections and avoid long waits in open queues.

3. What is the most comfortable time to start walking from Katra today?

Starting between about 8:30 am and 11:30 am is usually the most comfortable in early February, as the day has warmed a bit but has not yet cooled for evening. This timing lets you cover a good distance in relatively mild, pleasant conditions.

4. Do I need rain protection today?

Early February is typically more about cold than rainfall in Katra, and widespread rain is not strongly indicated for a typical day like today. However, a light, foldable rain jacket or poncho is sensible to carry as a backup, especially if you are sensitive to getting wet in cold winds.

5. How much colder is Bhawan compared to Katra?

Higher sections such as Sanjichhat and Bhawan generally feel several degrees colder than Katra, particularly in the evening and night. Wind exposure and shade further reduce the apparent temperature, so even if Katra feels just cool, you will likely need an extra layer higher up.

6. Can fog affect visibility on the Yatra route today?

Fog or low cloud is possible in the early morning and late-night hours, more so near Katra and sometimes around higher ridges. The main track is lit and has railings in many parts, but if visibility drops, you should slow down, use a torch if needed, and avoid overtaking in narrow stretches.

7. Will winter weather disrupt buses or taxis to Katra?

The Katra approach roads normally remain open in this part of winter, but morning fog and occasional regional disturbances can slow traffic. Plan for some delay in your road journey, and avoid very tight connections between arrival and your Yatra start time.

8. Is it better to do darshan at night or during the day in this season?

From a weather comfort angle, daytime darshan is milder in temperature, while night can be much colder but sometimes less crowded. If you choose night darshan, carry extra warm clothing and be prepared for colder, more tiring waits in queues.

9. What should I do if the weather worsens unexpectedly while I am on the track?

If conditions turn wetter, foggier, or much colder than expected, slow down, add layers, and consider pausing at a shelter or halting point such as Ardhkuwari or Sanjichhat. Follow any instructions from authorities and avoid forcing yourself to continue if you feel unwell or unsafe.

10. I am arriving in Katra late tonight. Should I start the Yatra immediately?

Given the coldest conditions occur at night and in the early hours, it may be more comfortable and safer to rest in Katra and start after dawn, especially if you are tired from travel. Starting a demanding winter climb directly after an overnight journey can significantly increase fatigue and risk.

11. Are battery cars and ponies affected by today’s weather?

Cold weather itself typically does not stop these services, but you may feel much colder sitting still on a pony or in a vehicle compared to walking. Dress warmer than you think you need and protect your hands, feet, and head to stay comfortable during the ride.

12. How far ahead should I check for updates before beginning the Yatra?

Check same-day or previous-evening updates for any changes in weather patterns or official advisories. Conditions in the mountains can evolve over 24–48 hours, so a quick review on the day of your Yatra, including local guidance at Katra base, is always wise.