Islamabad Holiday Weather Overview
Islamabad is the capital city of Pakistan - and a very modern one. Founded only in the 1960s, it is almost on the point of merging with the nearby older, bigger, noisier and more colourful Rawalpindi.
Islamabad is the seat of government in Pakistan, and hence the only place to get visas dealt with, which ensures a steady flow of tourists to the city. Although most don't stay long before heading to their intended destinations, the city does have some attractions in its own right, which are well worth a visit.
Islamabad's Climate
Islamabad has 5 distinct seasons, which travellers will want to be aware of: winter (November to February), spring (March and April), summer (May and June), monsoon (July and August) and autumn (September and October).
Between April and August, day time temperatures rarely fall below 29°C, and in June they can easily exceed 38°C on a regular basis. This level of heat is stifling to visitors, and most prefer to avoid Islamabad during the height of the summer.
During the monsoon in July and August, Islamabad receives around 12 inches of rain a month, and the rainstorms can be accompanied by severe thunderstorms and strong winds. At times, it can rain for hours at a time.
During September and October, the daily temperatures start to fall back towards the mid-20s Celsius, and at night can dip to around 13°C. From November, temperatures start to fall quite sharply, reaching an average daily high of around 10°C in January. At night in the winter, it can fall below freezing, although temperatures more typically hover at around 3°C.
There is normally no snowfall in Islamabad, although it's not unheard of to experience a dusting of snow once every 7-8 years or so.
Best Time to Visit Islamabad
Most visitors to Islamabad would choose to visit in March or April, when temperatures are warm but not intolerably hot, and when it is relatively dry. However, plenty of people enjoy the winter months in Islamabad, especially as the city is less crowded at that time.
If you must visit Islamabad between June, July and August, ensure that you take very lightweight cotton clothing and an umbrella, and try to stay out of the midday sun and indoors during the worst thunderstorms.
Sights and Sounds All Year Round
Whatever time of year you're visiting Islamabad, you won't want to miss the Lok Virsa museum, which showcases the various cultures and heritages of Pakistan. During the summer months, people like to escape to the relative cool of Murree, a former British Raj mountain station. Saidpur Model Village is a beautiful sight all year round, and also offers some escape from the heat.
Faisal Mosque, the 4th largest mosque in the world, is stunning at any time of the year, but looks even more imposing against a stormy monsoon sky. Islamabad's rose and jasmine gardens, however, are at their best and most fragrant between March and May.
Best months to visit Islamabad?
November and March are the best month to go for holiday or travel to Islamabad. The weather averages gathered from Islamabad weather forecast and Islamabad weather history also forecast these months temperature to be around 24°c and average of 301.3571 hours of sunshine in a month.
Coldest months of Islamabad?
January and December are the coldest months with temperature at around 6°c.
Which months receive most rainfall in Islamabad?
July and August receive most rainfall with precipitation count of 198.30mm.
Travelling to Islamabad? Check out our Weather averages of Islamabad to better plan your holiday or travel.
If you would just like to know what the weather was for a past dates for research or education or you are just curious then visit our historical weather of Islamabad section.