Things to Do in Pakistan in February

February Weather in Pakistan

25°C (77°F) High Temp

10°C (50°F) Low Temp

7.6 mm (0.3 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is February Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect weather for exploring Pakistan's major cities - Lahore and Islamabad see comfortable 15-25°C (59-77°F) days with cool evenings ideal for walking and outdoor sightseeing
Peak season for northern Pakistan exploration - roads to Hunza Valley, Skardu, and Fairy Meadows are accessible but not yet crowded, with crystal-clear mountain views and daytime temperatures around 5-10°C (41-50°F)
Cultural festival season coincides with Pakistan Day preparations - you'll witness rehearsals for March 23rd celebrations, plus Basant kite flying season in Punjab creates spectacular colorful skies
Minimal rainfall across the country makes it ideal for long-distance travel between regions - only 2-3 rainy days expected in most areas with excellent visibility for photography

Considerations

Northern regions can be brutally cold with temperatures dropping to -10°C (14°F) at night in places like Gilgit-Baltistan, requiring serious winter gear and potentially limiting high-altitude trekking
Tourist infrastructure in mountainous areas operates on reduced schedules - some guesthouses and restaurants in Hunza and Skardu close early or have limited heating
Smog levels in Lahore and Karachi can be problematic on windless days, with air quality index reaching unhealthy levels that may affect sensitive travelers

Best Activities in February

Lahore Heritage Walking Tours

February's cool, dry weather makes exploring Lahore's Walled City comfortable for hours of walking. The 15-20°C (59-68°F) daytime temperatures are perfect for navigating narrow streets around Badshahi Mosque and Lahore Fort without the exhausting heat of other months. Early morning tours (8-11am) offer the best light for photography and fewer crowds.

Booking Tip: Book heritage walks 5-7 days ahead through certified guides. Tours typically cost PKR 3,000-5,000 ($10-17 USD) per person for 3-4 hour experiences. Look for guides certified by Punjab Tourism who speak English and have historical knowledge beyond basic facts. See current tour options in the booking section below.

Hunza Valley Mountain Photography Tours

February offers Pakistan's clearest mountain visibility with minimal cloud cover obscuring peaks like Rakaposhi and Ultar Sar. Daytime temperatures of 5-10°C (41-50°F) in Karimabad are manageable with proper clothing, while crystal-clear air provides stunning photography conditions. This is before spring crowds but after the harshest winter weather.

Booking Tip: Book mountain tours 14-21 days ahead as February is prime season for Hunza access. Multi-day packages typically range PKR 25,000-40,000 ($85-135 USD) including transport from Islamabad, accommodation, and meals. Ensure operators provide proper winter gear and 4WD vehicles. Check current availability in booking section below.

Islamabad Margalla Hills Hiking

The capital's proximity to Margalla Hills becomes a major advantage in February when temperatures range 12-22°C (54-72°F) - perfect for day hikes without summer's brutal heat. Trail 3 and Trail 5 offer excellent conditions with minimal rainfall and clear views toward the Himalayas on pollution-free days.

Booking Tip: Self-guided hiking is popular, but guided nature walks cost PKR 2,000-3,500 ($7-12 USD) for half-day experiences. Book guided tours 3-5 days ahead for weekend availability. Look for operators who provide trail knowledge and bird-watching expertise. Current guided options available in booking section.

Skardu and Deosai Plateau Winter Tours

February is the only month to experience Deosai Plateau's winter wonderland - completely snow-covered at 4,114 m (13,497 ft) elevation with temperatures from -5 to 5°C (23-41°F). Road access requires specialized vehicles and experienced drivers, but rewards with untouched snow landscapes and complete solitude.

Booking Tip: Book winter Skardu tours 3-4 weeks ahead as only specialized operators run February trips. Expect PKR 35,000-60,000 ($120-200 USD) for 4-5 day packages including specialized cold-weather transport, heated accommodation, and professional guides. Verify operators have winter driving experience and emergency equipment.

Karachi Coastal Food Tours

February's mild 18-26°C (64-79°F) temperatures make Karachi's street food scene accessible without summer's oppressive heat and humidity. Evening food walks through Burns Road and Boat Basin become comfortable experiences, while seaside dining at Clifton Beach offers pleasant ocean breezes.

Booking Tip: Food tours typically cost PKR 4,000-7,000 ($13-24 USD) for 3-4 hour evening experiences covering 6-8 food stops. Book 1 week ahead for weekend tours. Choose operators who include transportation between food districts and have English-speaking guides familiar with spice levels for international palates. See current food tour options below.

Punjab Rural Village Cultural Tours

February coincides with mustard flower season across Punjab's rural areas, creating spectacular yellow landscapes perfect for cultural immersion tours. Comfortable 12-23°C (54-73°F) temperatures make full-day village visits pleasant, while farmers are actively harvesting winter crops, offering authentic agricultural experiences.

Booking Tip: Village cultural tours range PKR 6,000-12,000 ($20-40 USD) for full-day experiences including meals with local families and transportation from major cities. Book 10-14 days ahead to arrange proper village coordination. Look for operators who work directly with farming communities and provide cultural context beyond surface-level interactions.

February Events & Festivals

Throughout February

Basant Kite Flying Festival Preparations

Throughout February, Punjab comes alive with kite flying as communities prepare for Basant season. While official large-scale Basant is restricted, small community gatherings still happen, especially in rural areas and private compounds. The sky fills with colorful kites during weekends, creating spectacular photography opportunities.

Mid to Late February

Pakistan Day Parade Rehearsals

Military and cultural rehearsals for the March 23rd Pakistan Day parade begin in mid-February in Islamabad. While the actual parade is in March, visitors can sometimes observe practice sessions at Parade Ground, offering insight into Pakistan's military traditions and cultural performances.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Layered clothing system essential - temperatures can swing 15°C (27°F) between day and night, pack thermal base layers, fleece mid-layers, and waterproof outer shells

Serious winter boots if visiting northern areas - temperatures drop to -10°C (14°F) in Gilgit-Baltistan, waterproof boots rated to -20°C (-4°F) minimum

High SPF sunscreen (50+) - UV index reaches 8 even in winter, plus snow reflection in mountains doubles exposure risk

Quality down jacket for mountain regions - essential for elevations above 2,000 m (6,562 ft) where temperatures plummet after sunset

Lightweight scarf for urban areas - useful for both warmth during cool mornings and cultural sensitivity when visiting mosques

Waterproof daypack cover - while rainfall is minimal at 7.6 mm (0.3 inches), mountain weather changes rapidly

Portable phone charger - cold weather drains batteries faster, especially important during long day trips in remote areas

Cash in small bills - rural areas and mountain regions operate primarily on cash, ATMs become scarce outside major cities

Prescription altitude sickness medication - if planning Hunza or Skardu trips above 3,000 m (9,843 ft), consult doctor before travel

Quality camera lens cloth - dust and temperature changes create condensation issues, especially when moving between heated vehicles and cold outdoor locations

Insider Knowledge

Book domestic flights early February for northern regions - PIA flights to Skardu and Gilgit get heavily booked by locals visiting family, and weather delays are common requiring flexible schedules

Carry photocopies of passport and visa separately - police checkpoints increase in northern areas during winter months for security, having copies speeds up the process significantly

Learn basic Urdu greetings like 'Assalam-o-Alaikum' and 'Shukriya' - February's smaller tourist crowds mean more authentic interactions with locals who especially appreciate language effort during cooler social months

Join Friday prayers as cultural observer if welcomed - February's comfortable temperatures make mosque visits more pleasant, and many mosques welcome respectful non-Muslim observers during regular prayer times

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating northern Pakistan's cold - tourists pack for 'warm South Asian weather' and find themselves freezing in -10°C (14°F) Hunza nights, requiring emergency gear purchases at inflated prices

Booking budget guesthouses without heating in mountain areas - February requires proper heating systems, not just blankets, especially in Gilgit-Baltistan where indoor temperatures can drop below freezing

Planning tight itineraries for mountain travel - February weather can close mountain passes unexpectedly, forcing 1-2 day delays that ruin fixed flight schedules back to Islamabad