Weather in Skardu

Stay up to date with the weather conditions in Skardu before embarking on your journey. Here you will find the freshest data, charts, and forecasts to ensure nothing interferes with your plans.

The climate of Skardu can be described as a harsh high-altitude climate, featuring a long, cold winter and a short, very cool summer. Due to its location amidst majestic mountain peaks, the weather here differs significantly from the hot plains of Pakistan. Travellers should be prepared for low temperatures prevailing throughout most of the year, creating the atmosphere of a true northern frontier.

The distinct seasons here have their own unique characteristics. Winter, lasting from November to March, is distinguished by extreme frosts, where temperatures can drop below -20°C. Summer, considered the most favourable time to visit (July and August), remains quite restrained: the air warms up on average to only +10...+16°C. This makes Skardu an ideal destination for those wishing to take a break from the heat, though it necessitates having warm clothing in your luggage at any time of the year.

A notable feature of the local climate is the consistency of precipitation. Although the total volume in millimetres is small, the number of "wet" days per month is quite high, especially in summer. This indicates that the weather can be changeable, with frequent but not overly heavy precipitation in the form of rain or snow, so a high-quality windproof and waterproof jacket will become your best friend on this trip.

The climate in Skardu is characterised by a distinct harshness typical of high-altitude regions. Based on statistics, a significant temperature amplitude can be observed throughout the year: from extreme frosts in winter to cool freshness in summer. The coldest period falls in December and January with average figures around -18°C, while the peak of "warmth" is observed in July and August, when the air warms up on average to only +10...+11°C.

Winter here is long and truly freezing. From November to March, stable negative temperatures prevail, and even during the day, the air often does not warm up above -8°C...-14°C. Night frosts during this period are particularly severe: in January and December, minimum values can drop to -22°C. For travellers planning a trip during the cold season, professional winter gear is vital for protection against the deep freeze.

The summer months bring a softening of the weather, but there is no accustomed heat here. Summer in Skardu can be described as cool: daily maximums in July and August reach a comfortable but modest 16°C, while nights remain cold with temperatures around +4...+5°C. A noticeable difference between day and night readings (about 10–11 degrees) persists even in summer, so warm clothing will be an indispensable companion for the tourist even in the warmest season.

The climate in Skardu is characterised as cold and arid, typical of high-altitude deserts, where the nature of precipitation depends heavily on the season. Due to the extremely low temperatures that persist for most of the year, from October to April precipitation falls primarily as snow. Despite the total volume of precipitation in these months being small (about 2–3 mm), snowfall occurs regularly: for example, in January and February, 15 to 16 days with precipitation are recorded.

The summer period, especially July and August, is considered the "wettest" time of the year in terms of precipitation frequency, but not intensity. In August, it can rain for up to 21 days in the month, yet the volume remains minimal — only about 4 mm. This means that instead of prolonged downpours, travellers are more likely to encounter light drizzle or brief showers that pass quickly.

The least rainy (or snowy) period is late autumn and early winter. In November and December, the number of days with precipitation drops to a minimum — about 11 days per month. When planning a trip to Skardu, it is important to remember that even with a low millimetre count of precipitation, overcast weather and light precipitation are frequent phenomena here all year round.

Since Skardu is located in a high-altitude area, the climate remains harsh for most of the year, so the main principle when packing should be layering. Even in the "warmest" summer months (July and August), the average temperature holds around +10°C, and maximums rarely exceed +16°C. For a summer trip, be sure to take fleece jumpers, a mid-season jacket, and high-quality thermal underwear, as evenings and nights will always be cold. If you plan a trip in winter or the off-season, when frosts can reach -20°C and lower, full winter gear is necessary: a warm down jacket, insulated trousers, woollen socks, a hat, and reliable gloves.

Despite the total volume of precipitation being small, the number of wet days in Skardu is quite significant (from 11 to 21 days per month), implying frequent snow or drizzle. Therefore, a waterproof windbreaker, a raincoat, and waterproof trekking shoes with non-slip soles are mandatory wardrobe elements in any season. Comfortable footwear is especially important for moving across the rocky mountain terrain.

Do not forget about important accessories for high altitudes. The active mountain sun requires the use of sunscreen with high SPF and quality sunglasses even in cold weather. The cold and thin air can dry out the skin, so bring moisturising cream and lip balm. Additionally, in freezing temperatures, phone and camera batteries drain much faster, so having an external battery (power bank) will be very handy for staying connected and being able to take photos.