May is a month of extremes. The plains of Punjab and Sindh are among the hottest places in the country, while the northern valleys are at their most comfortable and the high roads begin to reopen. It is also the month of Chilam Joshi in the Kalash valleys and, in 2027, of Eid al-Adha.
This guide explains what May is like in each region, what is open, what Eid changes and how to plan. Last checked: October 2026. Road reopening dates, festival dates and weather change every year, so confirm locally before you travel.
Quick Answer: Where to Go in Pakistan in May
May suits Hunza, Skardu, Astore, Swat, Chitral and the Kalash valleys, where the weather is warm by day and cool at night. The plains are very hot, so keep Lahore, Islamabad and Karachi to early mornings and evenings, or skip them. High passes such as Babusar reopen late in the month, and Deosai and the high meadows are still closed.
Pakistan in May at a Glance
| Place | May weather (average) | What it is good for |
|---|---|---|
| Karachi | About 36 °C high and 27 °C low | Short, early sightseeing only |
| Lahore | About 39 °C high and 26 °C low | Very hot; early mornings only |
| Islamabad | About 36 °C high and 22 °C low | Base for northern trips |
| Quetta | About 31 °C high and 15 °C low | Balochistan highlands |
| Murree | About 22 °C high and 15 °C low (older NOAA normals) | Cool escape from the plains |
| Gilgit | About 29 °C high and 12 °C low | Northern base, comfortable days |
| Skardu | About 23 °C high and 10 °C low (older PMD averages, 1961 to 2009) | Lakes, valley drives, treks |
These are long-term averages from published climate tables, so individual weeks can differ. High villages and meadows are colder than the figures for Gilgit and Skardu.
What Is Open and What Is Opening
| Place | May situation |
|---|---|
| Hunza, Skardu and the KKH | Open and at their best, though landslides and rockfall can still close sections; see the KKH guide |
| Naran and Kaghan | In 2026 the road was cleared up to Naran by 19 April, but the routes to Saif ul Muluk and other sites stayed blocked by snow and landslides, and full traffic between Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Gilgit-Baltistan was expected to take four to five more weeks |
| Babusar Top | Reopened to tourists on 25 May in 2026, after snow clearance; travel in daylight and check conditions first |
| Deosai National Park | It officially opens around mid-May if the road is passable, but June to September is the best time, so snow often delays access |
| Khunjerab Pass | Announced as year-round since December 2024, with the port closed on weekends; foreigners need a Chinese visa arranged in advance |
Reopening dates differ each year, so treat these as a pattern, not a promise. See our guides to Saif ul Muluk and Fairy Meadows.
Eid al-Adha in May 2027
Eid al-Adha is expected on 16 or 17 May 2027, depending on moon sighting, with about three to four days off in Pakistan. These are expected dates, and Pakistan announces its own date after local sighting.
- Roads and tourist destinations in the north get very crowded, and hotel prices can rise.
- Shops, restaurants and some services close for the first days of Eid.
- Book transport and rooms early and carry extra cash.
If you want a quieter trip, travel before Eid or after the holiday week. See our public transport guide and domestic flights guide.
Events in May
- Chilam Joshi. The Kalasha spring festival is usually held in mid-May, around 13 to 17 May in recent years, with the exact days set by the community. See the Kalasha festivals calendar and Kalash Valley guide.
- Eid al-Adha. See above.
Our cultural festivals guide has a month-by-month table.
Where to Go in May
- Hunza and Nagar. Warm days, green valleys and clear views. See top places in Hunza.
- Skardu, Shigar and Khaplu. A good time before the summer rush. See top places in Skardu and Khaplu.
- Astore. Spring lasts until early June, with April and May best. See Astore in spring.
- Swat, Kalam and Chitral. Mild and green. See Swat and Chitral.
- Murree and the Galiyat. A short escape from the heat. See Murree.
Heat in the Plains
May is one of the hottest months in Punjab and Sindh. Sightsee early and late, drink plenty of water, wear light clothing and avoid being outside at midday. Keep a buffer for fatigue, and check local forecasts for heatwave warnings.
What to Pack for May
- Light cotton clothing for the plains, with modest sleeves and trousers.
- Layers for the north, since nights are cool and mornings can be cold.
- A rain jacket for sudden showers.
- Sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat.
- Cash, since cards and ATMs are unreliable outside cities.
See our packing list.
Sample Routes for May
Seven days: Hunza and Skardu
- See our 7-day Hunza and Skardu itinerary.
Four days: Kalash for Chilam Joshi
- Fly or drive to Chitral, spend two days in your chosen valley, and keep a buffer day for weather.
Five days: Swat and Kalam
- Two to three days in Swat, then Kalam, with a buffer for rain.
Costs and Planning Notes
Late May is the start of the peak northern season, and Eid adds to demand. Book early, ask for current quotes and see our travel cost guide.
FAQs
Is May a good time to visit Pakistan?
Yes, for the north. The plains are very hot.
When is Eid al-Adha 2027?
Expected on 16 or 17 May, depending on moon sighting.
When does Babusar Top open?
In 2026 it reopened to tourists on 25 May, but dates change each year.
Is Deosai open in May?
Sometimes. It officially opens around mid-May if the road is passable, but snow often delays access, and June to September is the best time. Check before you go.
When is Chilam Joshi?
Usually mid-May, with exact days set by the Kalasha community.
Conclusion
May is the month to head north and avoid the plains heat. Plan around Eid and Chilam Joshi, expect the high roads to reopen late in the month, and confirm conditions before you go.
Sources
- Babusar Pass opens for tourists after seasonal closure, Pakistan Today (25 May 2026)
- Deosai National Park, Gilgit-Baltistan tourism
Pakistan month by month
- Pakistan in January
- Pakistan in February
- Pakistan in March
- Pakistan in April
- Pakistan in May
- Pakistan in August
- Pakistan in October
- Pakistan in November
- Pakistan in December