December is Pakistan’s winter month in earnest. The north is under snow and mostly out of reach for ordinary sightseeing, the plains are cool and often foggy, and the south and the deserts are at their most pleasant. It is also the month of one of the country’s most distinctive festivals, Choimus in the Kalash valleys.
This guide explains what December is like in each part of Pakistan, where snow is realistic, what to avoid, which events fall in the month and how to pack. Last checked: October 2026. Snow, fog and road conditions change daily, so confirm locally before you travel.
Quick Answer: Where to Go in Pakistan in December
Go for snow, Choimus, the south and the deserts. Murree, the Galiyat, Swat’s Malam Jabba and Ziarat are the usual snow destinations. Karachi, Thar, Cholistan and the Makran coast are comfortable. Skip long trips deep into the Karakoram unless you are well prepared, because heavy snow can block roads and passes. Mornings in the Punjab plains can be foggy, so avoid early departures.
Pakistan in December at a Glance
| Place | December weather (average) | What it is good for |
|---|---|---|
| Karachi | About 28 °C high and 13 °C low; little rain | City sights, coast, Mazar-e-Quaid |
| Lahore | About 21 °C high and 9 °C low; fog is common into January | Heritage, food, winter walks |
| Islamabad | About 20 °C high and 5 °C low; some rain | City sights, Margalla, base for snow trips |
| Murree | About 11 °C high and 1 °C low; the wettest of these places (older NOAA normals) | Snowfall, short stays |
| Quetta | About 15 °C high and −1 °C low, with some snow | Ziarat snow, a Balochistan winter trip |
| Gilgit | About 12 °C high and −2 °C low | A cold northern base if roads are clear |
| Skardu | About 7 °C high and −6 °C low (older PMD averages, 1961 to 2009) | Experienced winter travellers only |
These are long-term averages from published climate tables, so a given week can be warmer or colder. High valleys such as Hunza, Fairy Meadows and Deosai have no comparable figures here and are colder than Gilgit and Skardu at altitude.
Where to See Snow in December
- Murree and the Galiyat. The nearest snow to Islamabad. Snowfall here can turn dangerous quickly, so read our Murree snowfall guide before you go, including the safety section on the January 2022 storm.
- Swat and Malam Jabba. Pakistan’s best-known ski resort is at Malam Jabba, and the season is usually December to March. See our guide to skiing in Pakistan.
- Ziarat. Winter snow arrives from December to February, and roads can be slippery. See the Ziarat Juniper Forest guide and Quaid-e-Azam Residency.
- Hunza, Skardu and the far north. These are snow-covered and beautiful, but conditions are demanding. Our winter tourism guide and snowfall destinations guide have more detail.
Roads and Passes in December
The Karakoram Highway and the Khunjerab Pass are announced as year-round since December 2024, with the port closed on weekends. However, news reports from December 2023 and December 2024 describe heavy snow blocking the highway or the pass, so plan with generous buffer days and check conditions daily. See our KKH road trip guide and the Sost and China border guide. Babusar Top and Deosai are normally closed by snow.
Events in December
- Choimus. The Kalasha winter solstice festival runs for about two weeks, roughly 7 to 22 December. Not every ritual is open to outsiders, and winter access to Chitral can be difficult. See the Kalasha festivals calendar and Kalash Valley guide.
- 25 December. The birthday of Muhammad Ali Jinnah, a national holiday, when Mazar-e-Quaid in Karachi sees larger crowds and extra security. See the Mazar-e-Quaid guide.
- More events. Our cultural festivals guide has a month-by-month table.
Warm and Quiet Places in December
- Thar and Cholistan. Winter is the main desert season. See our winter desert guide and Derawar Fort.
- Hingol and the Makran coast. Winter is the best period for camping and stargazing at Hingol National Park.
- Karachi and Sindh. Pleasant weather for the city, Makli and Mohenjo-daro. See the Karachi guide.
Fog and Smog
Fog is most intense from mid-December to late January in the Punjab plains, and visibility can drop sharply between midnight and mid-morning. Smog can overlap from roughly October to January. Avoid early-morning drives and check flight status. Our fog season guide explains how to plan.
What to Pack for December
- Thermals, a down jacket, hat, gloves and waterproof boots for any snow trip.
- Layers for the plains, since mornings and evenings are cold and midday can be mild.
- Snow chains or a driver who knows winter roads, if you are driving to Murree or the Galiyat.
- Lip balm and moisturiser for dry, cold air.
- Cash, since cards and ATMs are unreliable outside cities.
See our northern Pakistan packing list and the Pakistan winter travel guide.
Sample Routes for December
Three days: a snow trip from Islamabad
- Day 1: Drive to Murree or Nathiagali early, before crowds, and return before dark.
- Day 2: Optional extra night in the Galiyat if the weather is clear.
- Day 3: Return to Islamabad and add Margalla viewpoints.
Five days: Swat and Malam Jabba
- Days 1 to 2: Islamabad to Swat and Mingora.
- Days 3 to 4: Malam Jabba for snow or skiing, with a buffer day for weather.
- Day 5: Return to Islamabad.
Six days: winter warmth in the south
- Days 1 to 2: Karachi, with Mazar-e-Quaid and the coast.
- Days 3 to 4: Thatta, Makli and, if time allows, Mohenjo-daro.
- Days 5 to 6: Thar or Cholistan for desert and heritage.
Costs and Planning Notes
Snow destinations get crowded and expensive on weekends and holidays, so book early and avoid peak days if you can. Prices change, so ask for current quotes and see our Pakistan travel cost guide. Days are short, and winter roads are dangerous after dark.
FAQs
Is December a good time to visit Pakistan?
Yes, for snow, Choimus, the south and the deserts. It is a poor month for long mountain treks and remote valleys.
Where can I see snow in Pakistan in December?
Murree, the Galiyat, Malam Jabba, Ziarat and the northern mountains.
Is Khunjerab Pass open in December?
It is announced as year-round, but snow can close the highway or the pass. Confirm on the day.
When is Choimus?
Roughly 7 to 22 December, with dates set by the Kalasha community.
Will fog affect travel in December?
Yes, especially in Punjab from mid-December. Avoid early-morning departures.
What is the best warm place in December?
Karachi, Sindh, Thar, Cholistan and the Makran coast.
Conclusion
Pakistan in December is a month of contrasts. Choose snow if you can plan carefully, or warm heritage and desert routes if you want an easier trip, and leave buffer days for fog and weather. Check road conditions daily and confirm festival dates locally.
Sources
- Khunjerab Pass year-round operation, Profit by Pakistan Today
- Karakoram Highway blocked due to heavy snowfall, ProPakistani (13 December 2024)