The climate of Gilgit
Located in the high altitudes of
Pakistan,
Gilgit's climate identifies with the Köppen climate classification as a Mid-latitude steppe (BSk). Throughout the year, weather patterns in Gilgit follow the marked rhythm of four distinct seasons, maintaining moderate temperatures and a relatively low humidity index.
High temperatures fluctuate from a comfortable 9.6°C (49.3°F) in
January to a peak of 36.2°C (97.2°F) in
July. Coincidentally, this period also sees the highest period of daylight, reaching up to 14.3 hours in July. On the flip side, lows plunge to -2.7°C (27.1°F) in January and reach a high of 18.2°C (64.8°F) in July. These temperature variations demonstrate the city's diverse climate, with the tilt of the earth's axis greatly influencing the weather patterns.
On examining rainfall data, there are noteworthy periods of both increased and decreased precipitation. The maximum rainfall of 25mm (0.98") occurs in
May, shortly followed by 24mm (0.94") in
April. January experiences the least rain, at 5mm (0.2"), hinting at a significantly dry winter. Conversely, the city also experiences low humidity levels that range from 23.7% in
June to 55% in
December, which impacts the feel of the local climate directly.
The Best Time to Visit Gilgit
Optimum time for a visit to
Gilgit is arguably from
April to
June. During this period, daytime temperatures range from 18.4°C (65.1°F) to 34.2°C (93.6°F), offering a pleasantly warm climate. Another advantage of visiting during these months is the longer daylight hours, peaking at a generous 14.6 hours in June. Simultaneously, relative humidity remains low, making these conditions ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing.
The Worst Time to Visit Gilgit
The least favorable period for visiting
Gilgit lies between
December and
February. These months witness the lowest temperatures, plummeting to -2.7°C (27.1°F) in
January. Coupled with the shortest daylight hours in December at 9.8, outdoor activities may be limited during this period.
Spring Weather in Gilgit
Spring ushers in blossoming flora and a gradual temperature increase in
Gilgit. From
March to
May, temperatures rise steadily from 5.4°C (41.7°F) to 11.8°C (53.2°F). Simultaneously, daylight hours extend from 12 hours in March to 14.1 hours in May. Rainfall peaks in May at 25mm (0.98"), adding a refreshing touch to the warming climate.
Summer Weather in Gilgit
Summer in
Gilgit, from
June to
August, experiences the highest temperatures. The mean high reaches a peak at 36.2°C (97.2°F) in
July, whilst the lowest stays at a comfortable 14.9°C (58.8°F) in June. These months also enjoy the longest daylight hours, reaching up to 14.6 hours in June. Rainfall drops significantly during these months, with June witnessing the least precipitation at 9mm (0.35").
Autumn Weather in Gilgit
Autumn characterizes a period of transition on the plains of
Gilgit.
September witnesses a high temperature of 31.8°C (89.2°F), gradually decreasing to 18.4°C (65.1°F) in
November. Meanwhile, daylight hours decrease from 12.4 hours in September to 10.3 hours in November. Rainfall remains relatively stable, ranging from 8mm (0.31") to 2mm (0.08") from September to November.
Winter Weather in Gilgit
Winter in
Gilgit is marked by low temperatures and short daylight hours. Highs dip to 11.6°C (52.9°F) in
December before hitting the coldest mark in
January at 9.6°C (49.3°F). Daylight durations are the shortest during this period, ranging from 10 hours in December to 9.8 hours in January. Interestingly, despite the cold, rainfall remains low, with December receiving only 5mm (0.2") of rainfall.
Weather in January
January in
Gilgit,
Pakistan is typically cold as the winter season continues its course. This is the time when the mercury usually drops to as low as -2.7°C (27.1°F) at night, whereas the highest temperature registered sits at 9.6°C (49.3°F).
Weather in January » Weather in February
Winter starts to make room for spring by the coming of
February. Shifting from the nippy lows of
January, higher temperatures up to 12.6°C (54.7°F) are typically recorded. A notable transition from the biting cold to the milder weather makes this time of year pleasant for outdoor activities.
Weather in February »Weather in March
Coming of
March means welcoming spring in
Gilgit,
Pakistan. The average low temperature starts to rise steadily, signifying the departure of winter. The city comes alive with temperatures reaching as high as 18.4°C (65.1°F). Consequently, the upturn in weather has its impact on the overall climate, with the relative humidity dropping to 26.7%.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
In
April,
Gilgit leaves the spring behind and three steps into the lap of the summer season. Rewarding the city with comfortable weather, the temperatures frequently rise to 24.2°C (75.6°F). With the increasing intensity and duration of daylight, one can feel the warmth of the summer sun.
Weather in April »Weather in May
Summer carries on in full force in
Gilgit during
May. Saturing the city with the scorching heat, the temperatures can go up to a blistering 29°C (84.2°F). Long, humid days and relatively shorter, warm nights become prevalent, allowing Gilgit's inhabitants and tourists alike to enjoy the evening breeze.
Weather in May »Weather in June
June marks the peak of summer in
Gilgit, mostly noted for its intense heat. Caressing the city's landscapes, temperatures tend to shoot up to 34.2°C (93.6°F). Living under the relentless June sun, it becomes apparent that summer has a firm hold on the city.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July continues to bask in the summer in
Gilgit, with average high temperatures peaking at 36.2°C (97.2°F). Substantial sunlight, combined with persistently high temperatures, generates a hot and arid landscape, highlighting the city's endurance capability.
Weather in July » Weather in August
August slightly eases the enduring summer heat, with high temperatures climbing down to 35.3°C (95.5°F). The city experiences a slight relief from the frequent heatwaves of the previous months. Thunderstorms often break out, creating a shower of respite.
Weather in August » Weather in September
September introduces an early onset of fall in
Gilgit. The sweltering summer begins to decline with temperatures reducing to around 31.8°C (89.2°F). This month marks a cooling period as Gilgit transitions from sizzling summer days to more comfortable weather.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October showcases a myriad of colors as
Gilgit makes its way into late fall. The sun’s warmth becomes more flavored, with temperatures moderating and falling to 25.6°C (78.1°F) at days. The city eventually gears up for the upcoming cold season with the nights growing colder.
Weather in October » Weather in November
November marks the advent of winter with a significant drop in temperatures. The average high temperature descends to a cooler 18.4°C (65.1°F) making the days brisk and the nights chilly. A drastic shift in the weather conditions, along with shorter daylight hours, indicates the impending arrival of extreme winter.
Weather in November » Weather in December
December welcomes the stern winter in
Gilgit and records the coldest days and nights with temperatures dropping to -2.3°C (27.9°F). The city, blanketed in biting frost, becomes a picturesque winter wonderland. Gilgitians bundle up as the cold weather surrounded by snow-clad mountains showcases a strikingly beautiful sight.
Weather in December » [Resources]