March is the month when Pakistan wakes up. The plains warm quickly, the first blossom opens in the northern valleys, and the last snow melts from the hills. In 2027 the month also carries Eid al-Fitr, which affects travel, and possibly Basant in Lahore.
This guide explains what March is like in each region, what Eid changes, where to go and how to pack. Last checked: October 2026. Festival dates, bloom timing and road conditions change, so confirm locally before you travel.
Quick Answer: Where to Go in Pakistan in March
March suits the plains, the south and the first blossom in the north. Lahore, Islamabad and Karachi are warm and pleasant, Lower Hunza and Skardu start to bloom from mid-March, and Murree and the Galiyat turn green and wet. Higher passes and meadows are still closed. Check the Eid dates before booking, since the first days of Eid are a busy travel period.
Pakistan in March at a Glance
| Place | March weather (average) | What it is good for |
|---|---|---|
| Karachi | About 33 °C high and 19 °C low; very little rain | City sights, coast |
| Lahore | About 28 °C high and 16 °C low | Heritage, food, possible Basant |
| Islamabad | About 25 °C high and 11 °C low; one of the wetter months | City sights, Margalla |
| Murree | About 13 °C high and 1 °C low; very wet (older NOAA normals) | Green hills, short trips |
| Quetta | About 20 °C high and 5 °C low | Balochistan highlands |
| Gilgit | About 18 °C high and 5 °C low | A northern base as roads open |
| Skardu | About 12 °C high and 2 °C low (older PMD averages, 1961 to 2009) | Early bloom, quiet lakes |
These are long-term averages from published climate tables, so individual weeks can differ. High valleys have no comparable figures here and stay colder than Gilgit and Skardu.
Blossom Season Begins
Hunza’s famous spring display is mostly apricot, with almond, peach, apple, pear and plum, and only a few real cherry trees. The bloom moves up the valley with elevation, not on a fixed date.
- Lower Hunza: mid-March.
- Central Hunza (Karimabad and Altit): late March to early April.
- Skardu and higher spots: mid-March through early April.
- Upper Hunza (Gulmit and Passu): mid to late April.
Timing can shift by one to three weeks depending on the winter. See our cherry blossom season guide, spring escapes, spring vs autumn in Hunza and Karimabad guide.
Eid al-Fitr in March 2027
Ramadan is expected to end in the first half of March, with Eid al-Fitr expected around 9 March, or 10 March if Pakistan sights the moon a day later. These are astronomical forecasts, and local authorities announce the real dates.
- Roads, trains, flights and popular destinations get very busy around Eid, so book transport and hotels early.
- Shops and restaurants in many towns close for the first days, so plan meals and cash ahead.
- Prices at tourist spots can rise, so ask for quotes before you commit.
See our public transport guide and domestic flights guide.
Events in March
- Basant in Lahore. The Punjab government first announced 12 to 14 March 2027, then reports gave 29 January to 7 February, and a report on 4 October said March might return. Confirm the official notification, and see the January guide.
- Pakistan Day, 23 March. It marks the Lahore Resolution of 1940. Ceremonies vary from year to year. See our Minar-e-Pakistan guide.
- Lahore Literary Festival. The 2026 edition was held in March, and the 2027 dates are not confirmed.
Our cultural festivals guide has a month-by-month table.
Where to Go in March
- Lahore and the plains. Prime sightseeing weather for Lahore Fort, Wazir Khan Mosque and Shalamar Gardens.
- Islamabad and Taxila. Pleasant, with rain. See the Islamabad guide and Taxila.
- Karachi and Sindh. Warm and dry. See Makli Necropolis.
- Swat and Galiyat. The hills turn green. See Swat and the Galiyat guide.
- Astore. Spring there runs from late March to early June, with April and May best. See Astore in spring.
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, landslides and melt can disrupt roads. Babusar Top and Deosai usually remain closed. See our KKH guide.
What to Pack for March
- Layers, since mornings are cool and afternoons warm in the plains.
- A rain jacket for Islamabad, Murree and the Galiyat.
- Warm layers for the north, where nights are still cold.
- Sunscreen and a hat for the south.
- Cash, especially around Eid.
See our packing list.
Sample Routes for March
Five days: Lahore and Islamabad heritage
- Days 1 to 3: Lahore, including the old city and gardens.
- Days 4 to 5: Islamabad and Taxila.
Five days: early Hunza blossom
- Fly or drive to Gilgit, then spend three days in Lower and Central Hunza. See our 3-day Hunza itinerary.
Four days: Swat and Galiyat in green
- Two days in Swat, one in the Galiyat, and a buffer for rain.
Costs and Planning Notes
March is shoulder season in the north and busy around Eid. Book early, ask for current quotes and see our travel cost guide.
FAQs
Is March a good time to visit Pakistan?
Yes, for the plains, the south and the first blossom in the north.
When is the cherry blossom in Hunza?
From mid-March in Lower Hunza, then moving up the valley into April.
When is Eid al-Fitr 2027?
Expected around 9 to 10 March, depending on moon sighting.
When is Basant 2027?
Reports have given both 12 to 14 March and 29 January to 7 February, so confirm the notification.
Is Khunjerab open in March?
It is announced as year-round, but snow can still block it.
Conclusion
March is a good month for flexible travellers. Pair the plains with an early-blossom trip north, check Eid and Basant dates before you book, and keep a buffer for rain and snowmelt.
Sources
- Basant 2027 in Lahore likely to return to original March dates, Minute Mirror (4 October 2026)
- Ramadan and Eid 2027 dates, Wego
Pakistan month by month
- Pakistan in January
- Pakistan in February
- Pakistan in March
- Pakistan in August
- Pakistan in October
- Pakistan in November
- Pakistan in December