Climate and monthly weather forecast
Quetta, Pakistan

Designated under the Köppen climate classification as a BSk or Mid-latitude steppe environment, Quetta, known as the "Fruit Garden of Pakistan," experiences a mix of temperatures and weather patterns throughout the year, mainly due to its geographical location, which is situated at an altitude of 1,680 meters in the province of Baluchistan. This diverse geographical positioning results in a blend of climates conducive to the growth of a variety of fruits, hence the nickname. Over the year, temperature shifts range from a high of 35.9°C (96.6°F) in July to lows reaching -3.4°C (25.9°F) in January.

An analysis of the predominant weather indicators gives a complete picture of the variations observed within a calendar year. High temperatures can peak during the summer, reaching maximum averages from 30.4°C (86.7°F) to 35.9°C (96.6°F) between May to July. On the other hand, winter months from December to February see a significant dip, experiencing lows from -3.4°C (25.9°F) to -3.2°C (26.2°F).

Despite being categorized as a semi-arid region, Quetta reports rainfall throughout the year, with months from January, February, and March witnessing the heaviest downpours ranging from 49mm (1.93") to 57mm (2.24"). The rainfall days can reach up to 6 during these months. In stark contrast, the city experiences a relatively dry phase from May to November, with minimum rainfall recorded at 0mm (0") in September.

The amount of daylight varies substantially over the year, with the longest hours observed between June and July, reaching 14.1 hours. The shortest daylight hours are during December with approximately 10.2 hours only. Corresponding to daylight hours, the sunshine hours peak in June at 10.9 hours, while December experiences the smallest amount at 7.7 hours.

Meanwhile, the UV index exhibits a similar pattern, striking the highest value of 12 during the blazing months of May to August, offering quite the contrast to the cooler months from December to February that record a low UV index of 4.

Given the fluctuating weather patterns, the optimal time to plan a visit to Quetta would be in the months of March and April when the weather is milder. In these springtime months, the city experiences average high temperatures ranging from 18.7°C (65.7°F) to 24.8°C (76.6°F), with low averages of 3.4°C (38.1°F) to 8.3°C (46.9°F). Moreover, the region experiences moderate rainfall between 28mm (1.1") and 55mm (2.17") in spring. These conditions make it an excellent phase to explore the variegated horticulture and enjoy the pleasant weather.

The least desirable period for visiting would be the scorching summer months from May to August when temperatures often ascend to highs between 30.4°C (86.7°F) to 35.9°C (96.6°F). The intense UV index of 12 during these months can pose risks of sunburn and dehydration to the unacclimated, making outside activities uncomfortable.

The spring season in Quetta unfolds with gradually warming temperatures and abundant sunshine. During this season, daytime temperatures ascend from a comfortable 18.7°C (65.7°F) in March to a slightly hotter 24.8°C (76.6°F) in April. Nights remain relatively cool, with temperatures rising slowly from 3.4°C (38.1°F) to 8.3°C (46.9°F). Typical rainfall ranges from 55mm (2.17") in March to a significantly lower 28mm (1.1") in April. Sunshine hours also increase from 7.5 to 9.1 hours from March to April, while the UV index also witnesses a steep climb from 9 to 11 within the same period.

Summer enters Quetta in full force, bringing soaring high temperatures, ranging from 30.4°C (86.7°F) in May to the peak of 35.9°C (96.6°F) in July. Night temperatures also experience a steady increase, which ranges from 11.5°C (52.7°F) in May to 19.9°C (67.8°F) in July. Rainfall is relatively minimal in the summer months, with just 1mm (0.04") recorded in June and slightly more, 13mm (0.51"), in July. Sunshine hours reach a peak of 10.8 hours in May and remain more or less constant until the end of the season. However, the UV index hits its maximum value of 12 in May and stays at the same intensity until August.

Autumn arrives in Quetta with a welcome respite from the sweltering summer heat. September sees a slightly warmer start with a high average temperature of 31.4°C (88.5°F), which quickly drops to 25.5°C (77.9°F) by October. Night temperatures also descend from 10.9°C (51.6°F) in September to a cooler 3.8°C (38.8°F) by October. It remains a dry season with September receiving negligible rainfall of 0mm (0") and October witnessing a slight increase of 4mm (0.16"). Sunshine hours begin reducing slowly as the season progresses, with 9.8 hours recorded in September, descending to 9.9 hours in October.

Winter commences in Quetta with dropping temperatures from November onwards, with daytime temperatures lowering from 19.2°C (66.6°F) in November to 13.3°C (55.9°F) by December. The nights become colder, and temperature falls from -0.9°C (30.4°F) in November to -3.2°C (26.2°F) in December. Corresponding to the drop in temperature, rainfall increases from 5mm (0.2") in November to 31mm (1.22") in December. Sunshine hours decrease to 9.3 hours in November and further drop to 7.7 hours in December. The UV index plunges to 5 in November and reaches its lowest at 4 in December, reflecting the shorter daylight hours and limited sunshine.

The beginning of the year presents itself with the coldest average monthly temperatures in Quetta, with low temperatures dropping to -3.4°C (25.9°F). Experiencing January in this Pakistani city often involves bracing the frigid air, with residents bundling up in warm layers. Weather in January »

Relative to January, weather in February in Quetta sees a slight ascent in temperatures. Although winter is still present, the air begins to lose some of its bite. While the frequency of rainfall remains almost consistent, the lengthening days become noticeable as more daylight graces the city. Weather in February »

March records a considerable rise in temperatures, marking a significant shift in Quetta's weather. As the bitter cold retreats, the city erupts in a blaze of color with the arrival of spring. March sees the city coming to life, with longer days and increased daylight hours. Weather in March »

By April, Quetta witnesses an overlap of spring and oncoming summer. The metre shows a quite drastic climb in high temperatures to 24.8°C (76.6°F). It’s a month when warming temperatures meet the cooling breeze, resulting in pleasant weather conditions. Weather in April »

May introduces summer that grips Quetta with soaring temperatures. With sunnier days paving the way, the city undergoes a transition from vibrant spring to the warm summer. It's a period of time when the sky stays mostly clear, adorned with picturesque sunsets. Weather in May »

June represents peak summer in Quetta, with temperatures escalating to an average of 35.3°C (95.5°F). It’s the month when sweltering heatwaves dance across the city landscape, marking the zenith of the hot season. With prolonged daylight hours and the highest UV index of 12, the city finds itself bathed in relentless sunshine. Weather in June »

July sustains the high temperatures of June, turning Quetta into a veritable summer hotspot. It's in this month when the city registers its highest low temperature of 19.9°C (67.8°F). In the absence of significant rainfall, the days remain warm and sunny. Weather in July »

While no notable dip in temperatures takes place, August gives signs of an approaching cooler period. Winds carrying the aroma of change blow across Quetta, marking the transition from summer to the early onset of fall. City dwellers look forward to fewer hours of sunshine and a gradual shift towards milder climes. Weather in August »

September in Quetta symbolizes the true arrival of autumn. Harbingers of the fall season become evident, with the gradually falling temperatures. September paints the city in a hue of mild tones, making an attractive treat for the eyes. Weather in September »

October brings an increased coolness to Quetta, with lower temperatures making their presence felt. The receding warmth signals the initial approach of winter, with chilly evenings replacing balmy nights. The decreased UV index from 10 in September to 8 in October signifies a drop in solar radiation. Weather in October »

November in Quetta hails the arrival of winter, with temperatures further descending. The fleeting warmth of previous months makes way for chilly days and freezing nights. The city gears up for the winter season, getting cloaked in a cooler hue. Weather in November »

December sets the stage for full-blown winter in Quetta, with temperatures dropping to the freezing level of -3.2°C (26.2°F). This month welcomes a period of cold weather, resulting in frosted mornings and frosty evenings. The shortened days and corroborating long nights mark an end to the cycle of seasons. Weather in December »