The climate of Skardu
Positioned in the heart of
Pakistan,
Skardu experiences a dominant Köppen climate classification of Dfb, indicative of a humid continental climate with warm summers and no dry season. Skardu's climate fluctuates dramatically throughout the year, with winter months often seeing temperatures dip below the freezing point, while summer unveils warmer periods with temperatures reaching up to 22°C (71.6°F) to 23°C (73.4°F). Rainfall is moderately distributed throughout the year with peak values recorded between
March and
April, totaling 53mm (2.09") and 50mm (1.97"). Daylight ranges from 9.8 hours per day on average in
December to an exhilarating 14.5 hours per day in
June, while sunshine behaves relatively consistently, prolonging for about 6 hours per day in winter and extending up to 9 hours per day during summertime. Skardu's UV index fluctuates between 3 in the winter and 12 in the peak of summer, from June to
August.
The best time to visit Skardu
Travelers seeking pleasant, mild weather should consider visiting
Skardu during the spring or autumn months. From
April to
June, temperatures typically range from 0°C (32°F) to 20°C (68°F), accompanied by moderate rainfall around 50mm (1.97"), and favorable daylight hours extending up to 14 hours. This period provides a commendable balance of warmth and sunlight with the refreshing spring rainfall. Meanwhile, the autumn transition in
September and
October offers slightly cooler temperatures, ranging from 14°C (57.2°F) to 20°C (68°F), and minimal rainfall of 15mm (0.59") to 14mm (0.55"), making these months ideal for outdoor pursuits under the soothing sunlight beaming for approximately 8 hours a day.
The worst time to visit Skardu
Visitors might find the harsh winter conditions in
Skardu rather challenging. During the winter months from
December through
February, Skardu reveals its coldest side, with temperatures dropping between -12°C (10.4°F) and -1°C (30.2°F). Rainfall during these months is at the lower end, marking 25mm (0.98") to 20mm (0.79"), while daylight hours are at their shortest, starting from 9.8 hours on average, and sunshine hours are minimized to 6 hours per day.
Spring weather in Skardu
During spring,
Skardu experiences a delightful climate with the weather transitioning from the chilly winter towards the warmer summer temperatures. In
March, the average temperature begins to rise to 5°C (41°F) and stretches up to a pleasant 20°C (68°F) by
June. Rainfall in spring escalates from 53mm (2.09") in March to 50mm (1.97") in June, providing the region with a lush environment. Daylight hours also witness an increase, marking from 12 hours in March up to 14.5 hours in June, along with prolonged sunshine for about 7 hours per day.
Summer weather in Skardu
Summer in
Skardu lasts from
July to
August with high temperatures averaging between 22°C (71.6°F) and 23°C (73.4°F) and lows around 10°C (50°F), ensuring warm, pleasant days and cool, comfortable nights. Despite being the warmest months, rainfall levels are relatively low, generally marking 20mm (0.79") to 21mm (0.83"). Furthermore, the middle of the year is marked by the longest daylight hours, extending up to 14.5 hours, and a peak UV index of 12 observed in both July and August.
Autumn weather in Skardu
In
Skardu, the autumn months, specifically
September and
October, provide a refreshing relief from the summer heat with temperature highs decreasing to 14°C (57.2°F) to 20°C (68°F) and lows around 5°C (41°F). Rainfall during these months declines to a scarce 15mm (0.59") to 14mm (0.55"), marking the driest period of the year. Daylight hours start to lessen to about 11.3 hours in October and sunshine hours remain consistent at 8 hours per day.
Winter weather in Skardu
Winter in
Skardu, extending from
November through
February, is marked by cold, frosty conditions and a calm sky. In
December and
January, temperatures can plummet between -12°C (10.4°F) and -1°C (30.2°F). Though the months are cold, they are drier in terms of rainfall, with values amounting to 25mm (0.98") in December and 20mm (0.79") in January. Amid the cold spell, daylight hours shrink to 9.8 hours on average in December, accompanied by shorter sunshine hours. Winter is the period with the lowest UV radiation intensity, marking a UV index of around 3.
Weather in January
In
Skardu,
Pakistan,
January serves as the coldest month of the year. As a result, one can expect a noticeable decline in daylight hours, reaching as low as 10.1 hours. The minimum temperatures are exceptionally low, from -12°C (10.4°F), with January's highs not exceeding -3°C (26.6°F).
Weather in January »Weather in February
Transitioning from
January, the weather remains cold in
Skardu during
February. The daily sunshine duration remains almost the same as January, though the increasing UV index hints at an incoming spring. February is a time of increased precipitation, as the city records between 25mm (0.98") to 30mm (1.18") of rainfall.
Weather in February »Weather in March
In
Pakistan's
Skardu,
March experiences a noticeable shift towards spring. The month is characterised by the weather becoming milder after the peak winter months. March experiences increased temperatures, with lows not going beneath -5°C (23°F) and highs rising to 5°C (41°F).
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April ushers in a pleasant atmosphere in
Skardu. Spring is now in full bloom, causing a surge in tourist activities. This month records highs of 12°C (53.6°F), providing mild yet satisfying warmth, particularly after the cold spells of earlier months.
Weather in April » Weather in May
In
Skardu,
May represents the true beginning of summer. Consequently, the weather turns warmer, contributing to the flourishing local fauna. May is characterised by temperatures peaking at 15°C (59°F), affording residents a break from the prevalent chill of previous months.
Weather in May »Weather in June
June establishes a more consistent summer pattern in
Skardu's weather. Higher temperatures, up to 20°C (68°F), induce a clear summer-like feel in the air. The number of rainfall days decreases slightly, resulting in predominantly clear skies.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July is considered the warmest month in
Skardu. In contrast to previous months, July sees the temperatures soaring up to 23°C (73.4°F), indicating the height of summer. The daylight hours remain slightly less than their peak in
June, indicating the commencement of the sun's retreat.
Weather in July » Weather in August
August in
Skardu sees a slight decrease from
July's peak weather conditions. Consequently, temperatures range from 10°C (50°F) to 22°C (71.6°F), signaling the onset of late summer. Despite the slight drop, the weather remains considerably warm, and Skardu's unique charm is accentuated even further.
Weather in August » Weather in September
September in
Skardu is known for its pleasant weather. The temperature starts dropping marginally, with maximum temperatures hovering around 20°C (68°F). Despite the decrease, the weather maintains a balance that is neither too hot nor too cold.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
In
Skardu,
Pakistan,
October marks a distinct turn toward autumn. Correspondingly, the weather begins to cool down significantly, with temperatures dipping to a maximum of 14°C (57.2°F). As the month progresses, the city shines in autumnal hues, creating an alluring vista that is highly praised by residents and visitors.
Weather in October »Weather in November
November in
Skardu ushers in the start of winter. The city experiences a substantial drop in temperature, shifting from
October's mild climate to November's maximum of 7°C (44.6°F). A marked decrease in daylight hours and a lower UV index are evident, hinting at the rapidly approaching winter.
Weather in November » Weather in December
December in
Skardu hails the arrival of winter in full force. The climate displays its coldest façade, with high temperatures not exceeding 0°C (32°F). Expect snowfall that will carpet the city in layers of white, translating to a picturesque ambiance.
Weather in December » [Resources]