February is the last month of winter, and in 2027 it also brings the start of Ramadan. Snow is still on the mountains, the plains are cool but clearing, and the deserts and the south stay comfortable. Several festivals have traditionally fallen in early February, but their 2027 dates have not been confirmed.
This guide explains what February is like in each region, what Ramadan changes for travellers, where to go and how to pack. Last checked: October 2026. Festival dates and conditions change, so confirm locally before you travel.
Quick Answer: Where to Go in Pakistan in February
February suits the deserts, the south, city heritage and late-season snow. Cholistan and Thar are at their best, Karachi and Sindh are pleasant, and Murree, Malam Jabba and Ziarat can still have snow. Lahore and Islamabad are cool, with the heaviest rain and snow of the year in the hills. Check the Ramadan calendar before you book, because it is expected to begin around 8 to 9 February 2027.
Pakistan in February at a Glance
| Place | February weather (average) | What it is good for |
|---|---|---|
| Karachi | About 29 °C high and 15 °C low; little rain | City sights, coast, Makli |
| Lahore | About 22 °C high and 11 °C low; fog eases through the month | Heritage, food |
| Islamabad | About 20 °C high and 7 °C low; one of the wetter months | City sights, Margalla |
| Murree | About 10 °C high and −3 °C low; very heavy precipitation (older NOAA normals) | Late snow |
| Quetta | About 14 °C high and 0 °C low, with some snow | Ziarat and a Balochistan winter trip |
| Gilgit | About 13 °C high and 0 °C low | A cold northern base if roads are clear |
| Skardu | About 6 °C high and −4 °C low (older PMD averages, 1961 to 2009) | Experienced winter travellers only |
These are long-term averages from published climate tables, so individual weeks can differ. High valleys have no comparable figures here and are colder than Gilgit and Skardu.
Ramadan in 2027: What Changes for Travellers
Ramadan 2027 is expected to begin on 8 February, though Pakistan may start a day later, on 9 February, depending on moon sighting. Eid al-Fitr is expected around 9 to 10 March. These are astronomical forecasts, and local authorities announce the real dates.
If you travel during Ramadan:
- Many restaurants in smaller towns close or serve limited food during daylight hours, and eating and drinking openly in public is considered disrespectful.
- Opening hours of offices, markets and some attractions can change, so confirm before visiting.
- Evenings are lively, with iftar meals and bustling bazaars, so plan sightseeing in the morning and food in the evening.
- Be careful to avoid scheduling long drives at iftar time, when roads can be busy.
For a wider overview, see our cultural etiquette guide and what to wear in Pakistan.
Festivals and Events in February
- Cholistan Desert Jeep Rally. The 20th edition ran from 4 to 8 February 2026 around Derawar Fort. The 2027 dates were not announced when this guide was last checked, and Ramadan may shift the schedule. See our jeep rally guide and Derawar Fort guide.
- Basant in Lahore. Reports for 2027 have given 29 January to 7 February, and a later report said 12 to 14 March might return, so confirm the official notification. See the January guide.
- Kashmir Solidarity Day. 5 February is a national holiday, and one Basant schedule included a pause for it.
- Karachi Literature Festival. The 17th edition was held on 6 to 8 February 2026 at the Beach Luxury Hotel, and the 2027 dates are not confirmed.
- Urs of Lal Shahbaz Qalandar. In 2027 it is expected in late January, so see the January guide for details.
Our cultural festivals guide has a month-by-month table.
Late-Season Snow
- Murree and the Galiyat. February is one of the wettest months, so snow is still possible. Read our Murree snowfall guide and its safety section.
- Swat and Malam Jabba. The ski season normally runs until March. See our skiing guide.
- Ziarat. Snow is typical from December to February. See the Ziarat guide.
Roads and Passes
The Karakoram Highway and Khunjerab Pass are announced as year-round since December 2024, with the port closed on weekends, but snow can still block the highway. Babusar Top and Deosai remain closed. See our KKH guide.
Warm and Desert Destinations
- Cholistan and Thar. Winter is the main desert season. See the winter desert guide.
- Hingol and Makran. The Hingol National Park guide covers camping and stargazing.
- Karachi and Sindh. See the Karachi guide and Makli Necropolis.
What to Pack for February
- Warm layers for the north and hills, and lighter layers for the south.
- A rain jacket, since February is wet in Islamabad and Murree.
- Waterproof boots for snow and slush.
- Modest clothing, which matters more during Ramadan.
- Cash, since cards and ATMs are unreliable outside cities.
See our packing list.
Sample Routes for February
Four days: desert and fort
- Fly or drive to Bahawalpur, then spend two days in Cholistan and at Derawar Fort.
- See Bahawalpur and the Uch Sharif tombs nearby.
Three days: late snow near Islamabad
- Murree or the Galiyat early in the day, returning before dark.
Five days: south
- Karachi, Thatta and Makli, then Mohenjo-daro or a coastal stop.
Costs and Planning Notes
February is quieter than the peak snow weeks, but festival dates and Ramadan change demand. Ask for current quotes and see our travel cost guide.
FAQs
Is February a good time to visit Pakistan?
Yes, for the south, the deserts and heritage cities. The mountains remain cold.
When does Ramadan start in 2027?
Expected around 8 to 9 February 2027, depending on moon sighting.
Can I still see snow in February?
Yes, in Murree, the Galiyat, Malam Jabba, Ziarat and the northern mountains.
When is the Cholistan Jeep Rally?
It was held on 4 to 8 February in 2026. The 2027 dates were not announced when this guide was last checked.
Is Basant in February?
It might be, but reports have given both late January to 7 February and 12 to 14 March, so confirm.
Conclusion
February is a good month for deserts, the south and heritage cities. Check the Ramadan dates, confirm any festival you plan around, and keep snow trips short and flexible.
Sources
- Cholistan Jeep Rally to begin on Feb 4, Dawn
- KLF returns with Literature in a Fragile World theme, Business Recorder
Pakistan month by month
- Pakistan in January
- Pakistan in February
- Pakistan in August
- Pakistan in October
- Pakistan in November
- Pakistan in December