Broadly the UT has two distinct climatic regions viz. temperate Kashmir valley and subtropical region of Jammu.Jammu region has plains, valleys, hills and mountains of PirPanjal and Shivalik ranges, comprising the districts of Kathua, Jammu, Samba, Udhampur, Reasi, Doda, Ramban, Kishtwar, Rajouri and Poonch. The climate of Jammu varies greatly owing to its rugged topography. The southern part of the state has a typical monsoon tropical climate. In summer, the southern part is very hot and maximum temperature reaches above 45°C. January is the coldest month, while in July and August, very heavy and erratic rainfall occurs. The climatic conditions vary as the region has topographic variation.
Kashmir Valley region is situated between PirPanjal and western end of great Himalayan ranges, which stop monsoon wind from southeast and south, and cold winds coming from central Asia. As such the climate of sheltered Valley of Kashmir has its own peculiarities and exhibits exception to peripheral region. The valley experiences a temperate climate. Winter from November to March is cold with moderate and heavy snowfall. Summers from mid-March to June are mild and of a very short duration and it rains. Weather in the valley region is generally pleasant during April to June.