Climate and monthly weather forecast
Skardu, Pakistan

The Shangrila Resort on the shores of the Shangrila Lake near the valley city of Skardu, Pakistan, overlooking the Karakoram Mountain Ranges
The Shangrila Resort on the shores of the Shangrila Lake near the valley city of Skardu, Pakistan, overlooking the Karakoram Mountain Ranges

Climate and monthly weather forecast

The climate of Skardu

Positioned in the heart of Pakistan, Skardu experiences a dominant Köppen climate classification of Dfb, indicative of a humid continental climate with warm summers and no dry season. Skardu's climate fluctuates dramatically throughout the year, with winter months often seeing temperatures dip below the freezing point, while summer unveils warmer periods with temperatures reaching up to 22°C (71.6°F) to 23°C (73.4°F). Rainfall is moderately distributed throughout the year with peak values recorded between March and April, totaling 53mm (2.09") and 50mm (1.97"). Daylight ranges from 9.8 hours per day on average in December to an exhilarating 14.5 hours per day in June, while sunshine behaves relatively consistently, prolonging for about 6 hours per day in winter and extending up to 9 hours per day during summertime. Skardu's UV index fluctuates between 3 in the winter and 12 in the peak of summer, from June to August.

The best time to visit Skardu

Travelers seeking pleasant, mild weather should consider visiting Skardu during the spring or autumn months. From April to June, temperatures typically range from 0°C (32°F) to 20°C (68°F), accompanied by moderate rainfall around 50mm (1.97"), and favorable daylight hours extending up to 14 hours. This period provides a commendable balance of warmth and sunlight with the refreshing spring rainfall. Meanwhile, the autumn transition in September and October offers slightly cooler temperatures, ranging from 14°C (57.2°F) to 20°C (68°F), and minimal rainfall of 15mm (0.59") to 14mm (0.55"), making these months ideal for outdoor pursuits under the soothing sunlight beaming for approximately 8 hours a day.

The worst time to visit Skardu

Visitors might find the harsh winter conditions in Skardu rather challenging. During the winter months from December through February, Skardu reveals its coldest side, with temperatures dropping between -12°C (10.4°F) and -1°C (30.2°F). Rainfall during these months is at the lower end, marking 25mm (0.98") to 20mm (0.79"), while daylight hours are at their shortest, starting from 9.8 hours on average, and sunshine hours are minimized to 6 hours per day.

Spring weather in Skardu

During spring, Skardu experiences a delightful climate with the weather transitioning from the chilly winter towards the warmer summer temperatures. In March, the average temperature begins to rise to 5°C (41°F) and stretches up to a pleasant 20°C (68°F) by June. Rainfall in spring escalates from 53mm (2.09") in March to 50mm (1.97") in June, providing the region with a lush environment. Daylight hours also witness an increase, marking from 12 hours in March up to 14.5 hours in June, along with prolonged sunshine for about 7 hours per day.

Summer weather in Skardu

Summer in Skardu lasts from July to August with high temperatures averaging between 22°C (71.6°F) and 23°C (73.4°F) and lows around 10°C (50°F), ensuring warm, pleasant days and cool, comfortable nights. Despite being the warmest months, rainfall levels are relatively low, generally marking 20mm (0.79") to 21mm (0.83"). Furthermore, the middle of the year is marked by the longest daylight hours, extending up to 14.5 hours, and a peak UV index of 12 observed in both July and August.

Autumn weather in Skardu

In Skardu, the autumn months, specifically September and October, provide a refreshing relief from the summer heat with temperature highs decreasing to 14°C (57.2°F) to 20°C (68°F) and lows around 5°C (41°F). Rainfall during these months declines to a scarce 15mm (0.59") to 14mm (0.55"), marking the driest period of the year. Daylight hours start to lessen to about 11.3 hours in October and sunshine hours remain consistent at 8 hours per day.

Winter weather in Skardu

Winter in Skardu, extending from November through February, is marked by cold, frosty conditions and a calm sky. In December and January, temperatures can plummet between -12°C (10.4°F) and -1°C (30.2°F). Though the months are cold, they are drier in terms of rainfall, with values amounting to 25mm (0.98") in December and 20mm (0.79") in January. Amid the cold spell, daylight hours shrink to 9.8 hours on average in December, accompanied by shorter sunshine hours. Winter is the period with the lowest UV radiation intensity, marking a UV index of around 3.

Weather in January

In Skardu, Pakistan, January serves as the coldest month of the year. As a result, one can expect a noticeable decline in daylight hours, reaching as low as 10.1 hours. The minimum temperatures are exceptionally low, from -12°C (10.4°F), with January's highs not exceeding -3°C (26.6°F). Weather in January »

Weather in February

Transitioning from January, the weather remains cold in Skardu during February. The daily sunshine duration remains almost the same as January, though the increasing UV index hints at an incoming spring. February is a time of increased precipitation, as the city records between 25mm (0.98") to 30mm (1.18") of rainfall. Weather in February »

Weather in March

In Pakistan's Skardu, March experiences a noticeable shift towards spring. The month is characterised by the weather becoming milder after the peak winter months. March experiences increased temperatures, with lows not going beneath -5°C (23°F) and highs rising to 5°C (41°F). Weather in March »

Weather in April

April ushers in a pleasant atmosphere in Skardu. Spring is now in full bloom, causing a surge in tourist activities. This month records highs of 12°C (53.6°F), providing mild yet satisfying warmth, particularly after the cold spells of earlier months. Weather in April »

Weather in May

In Skardu, May represents the true beginning of summer. Consequently, the weather turns warmer, contributing to the flourishing local fauna. May is characterised by temperatures peaking at 15°C (59°F), affording residents a break from the prevalent chill of previous months. Weather in May »

Weather in June

June establishes a more consistent summer pattern in Skardu's weather. Higher temperatures, up to 20°C (68°F), induce a clear summer-like feel in the air. The number of rainfall days decreases slightly, resulting in predominantly clear skies. Weather in June »

Weather in July

July is considered the warmest month in Skardu. In contrast to previous months, July sees the temperatures soaring up to 23°C (73.4°F), indicating the height of summer. The daylight hours remain slightly less than their peak in June, indicating the commencement of the sun's retreat. Weather in July »

Weather in August

August in Skardu sees a slight decrease from July's peak weather conditions. Consequently, temperatures range from 10°C (50°F) to 22°C (71.6°F), signaling the onset of late summer. Despite the slight drop, the weather remains considerably warm, and Skardu's unique charm is accentuated even further. Weather in August »

Weather in September

September in Skardu is known for its pleasant weather. The temperature starts dropping marginally, with maximum temperatures hovering around 20°C (68°F). Despite the decrease, the weather maintains a balance that is neither too hot nor too cold. Weather in September »

Weather in October

In Skardu, Pakistan, October marks a distinct turn toward autumn. Correspondingly, the weather begins to cool down significantly, with temperatures dipping to a maximum of 14°C (57.2°F). As the month progresses, the city shines in autumnal hues, creating an alluring vista that is highly praised by residents and visitors. Weather in October »

Weather in November

November in Skardu ushers in the start of winter. The city experiences a substantial drop in temperature, shifting from October's mild climate to November's maximum of 7°C (44.6°F). A marked decrease in daylight hours and a lower UV index are evident, hinting at the rapidly approaching winter. Weather in November »

Weather in December

December in Skardu hails the arrival of winter in full force. The climate displays its coldest façade, with high temperatures not exceeding 0°C (32°F). Expect snowfall that will carpet the city in layers of white, translating to a picturesque ambiance. Weather in December »

Frequently asked questions

What are the coldest months?
The month of January, characterized by an average high of -3°C (26.6°F) and a low of -12°C (10.4°F), is recognized as the coldest.
How many days does it rain in Skardu?
In Skardu, during the entire year, the rain falls for 46 days and collects up to 334mm (13.15") of precipitation.
What are the months with the least sunshine?
January through March and December, with an average of 6h of sunshine, are months with the least sunshine.
What is the month with the lowest UV index?
The months with the lowest UV index in Skardu are January and December, with an average maximum UV index of 3.
What is the wettest month?
March is the month with the most rainfall. Rain falls for 5 days and accumulates 53mm (2.09") of precipitation.
When is the highest UV index?
May through August, with an average maximum UV index of 12, are months with the highest UV index.
When are the longest days?
The month with the longest days is June, with an average of 14h and 30min of daylight.
What month has the most sunshine?
June has the most sunshine of the year, with an average of 9h of sunshine.
What are the warmest months?
Skardu experiences its highest temperatures in July, with an average peak of 23°C (73.4°F) and a low of 10°C (50°F).
What is the driest month in Skardu?
The month with the least rainfall is November, when the rain falls for 2 days and typically collects 10mm (0.39") of precipitation.
What is the month with the shortest days?
With an average of 9h and 48min of daylight, December has the shortest days of the year.
Is there Daylight Saving Time (DST)?
Skardu does not observe Daylight Saving Time (DST). PKT timezone is used over the entire year.
Average rainfall - Skardu, Pakistan
Average rainfall
Skardu, Pakistan

The wettest month (with the highest rainfall) is March (53mm).
The driest month (with the least rainfall) is November (10mm).

Average rainfall days - Skardu, Pakistan
Average rainfall days
Skardu, Pakistan

The months with the highest number of rainy days are February, March, April, May and July (5 days).
The months with the least rainy days are October and November (2 days).

Average daylight / Average sunshine - Skardu, Pakistan
Average daylight / Average sunshine
Skardu, Pakistan

The month with the longest days is June (Average daylight: 14h and 30min).
The month with the shortest days is December (Average daylight: 9h and 48min).

The month with the most sunshine is June (Average sunshine: 9h).
The months with the least sunshine are January, February, March and December (Average sunshine: 6h).

Average UV index - Skardu, Pakistan
Average UV index
Skardu, Pakistan

The months with the highest UV index are May, June, July and August (UV index 12).
The months with the lowest UV index are January and December (UV index 3).

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