Katra town is located at the height of 2500 ft whereas Maa Viasho Devi Bhawan is located at the height of 5200 ft. Temperaure and weather at the Katra town and Bhawan may differ. So dont mislead by temperatures of Katra town with that of Bhawan. There is a difference of 5 to 10 °C of temperature beween Katra town and Maa Vaishno devi Bhawan.

Average Temperatures of Katra and Vaishno Devi Bhawan

Katra 20°C (min) to 40°C(max) in summers and 3°C (min) to 15°C (max) in winters

Bhawan 15°C (min) to 30°C(max) in summers and -2°C (min) to 13°C (max) in winters

The temperature figures are merely indicative of weather and actual values may vary from year to year. Nevertheless, these values are meant to give the pilgrims a fair idea of the temperature range and to plan their yatra and clothing requirements accordingly.

Best season to visit Vaishno Devi:

The Yatra to the Holy Shrine of Mata Vaishno Devi Ji is open throughout the year. The summer months of May, June and July and the festival period of Chaitra (spring) and Sharad-Ashwin (Autumn) Navratras and New Year vacations witness peak rush. As a result of this rush, devotees have to often wait for 12-20 hours before having Darshan. It is therefore strongly adviced, that for comfortable, quick and satisfying Darshan, the period of peak rush must be avoided. Instead the monsoons and winters are good periods to plan a yatra. During the monsoon season, Nature is at its scenic best with water falls and lush green surroundings with good weather conditions. The winter months of December and January witness snow fall and barring the very young and the physically infirm, it can prove to be a charming season for others to visit the Shrine. The original Holy Cave of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Ji is also open during the winters and Darshans through this cave is a unique mystical experience. If the average number of pilgrims during a period is less than 15,000-18,000 on any given day, one can expect a comfortable trip and a satisfying Darshan of the Holy Pindies.

 Clothing & Accessories required at Bhawan: 

Heavy woolens are required in winter. Light woolens are needed for the rest of year.Even during hot summers, when the base camp, Katra too turns hot and humid, the main Shrine area, Bhawan continues to remain on the cooler side especially in the nights. Blankets are available aplenty free of cost and there is no need to carry them. One may also need canvas shoes for the Yatra. Fancy shoes and footwear make it difficult to walk on the track and footwear with flat or platform soles are therefore recommended. For those going on foot, a walking stick is very helpful in negotiating the steep climbs. Umbrellas and rain coats are required during the rainy seasons. Shoes, cameras, walking sticks, torches, head bands, umbrellas and many more such articles for which a person may not be prepared beforehand are readily available on hire at various private shops all over Katra and also on the way to Holy Shrine. Rates as usual are negotiable. However, the quality of the some of them may not be very good and hence the pilgrims may need to check carefully the same before hiring or purchasing anything.