Leh experiences a cold desert climate (Köppen climate classification: *BWk*), characterized by long, harsh winters and short, pleasant summers.
Winters last from November to March, with temperatures routinely plummeting well below freezing. Average winter lows can drop to -15°C (5°F) or colder, though daytime temperatures often hover just above freezing under brilliant sunshine. Summers (June to September) are warm and dry, with daytime temperatures averaging 20°C to 30°C (68°F to 86°F), dropping to around 10°C (50°F) at night.
Precipitation is extremely low, averaging roughly 100 mm (4 inches) annually. Most of this falls as snow during the winter. Because the region is not adapted to heavy rain, rare cloudbursts—such as the devastating event in August 2010—can trigger severe flash floods and mudslides. The best time to visit is during the summer months, from May to September, when the mountain passes are clear of snow and the weather is accommodating.