Ladakh lies on the rain shadow side of the Himalayan, where dry monsoon winds reaches Leh after being robbed of its moisture in plains and the Himalayas mountain the district combines the condition of both arctic and desert climate. Therefore Ladakh is often called “COLD DESERT”.The weather is extremely cold and harsh during winters, thus causing frost bites. Due to the rarefied air the effect of the sun during the winter months is much harsher and as a result can cause sun burns. The months from October to March are the coldest ones when the temperature can dip as low as -35°C. Occasional snowfall too grace the winter months in Leh. The area experiences an average rainfall of 90 mm.
The months from April to September are the best season and are apt for visiting the city of Leh in Ladakh. The temperature is cool and can go up to 35°C. Summers are the ideal time to go to Leh as the skies are clear and offer panoramic views of the mountains. The average day temperature ranges from 20° to 30°C.
Due to the unpredictable nature of the climate, tourists are advised to carry windcheaters, woolen clothing, thick socks, gloves, scarves, a hat or woolen cap, sturdy boots or walking shoes, sunscreen, lip balm and goggles.
The best time to visit Leh is from the months of End of May to September.
The main features of cold desert are:-
1. Wide diurnal and seasonal fluctuation in temperature with –40°C in winter and +35°C in summer
2. Precipitation is very low with annual precipitation of 10cm mainly in form of snow.
3. Air is very dry and relative humidity range from 6-24%.
4. Irrigation is mainly through channels from the glacier melted.