Things to Do in Pakistan in February
February weather, activities, events & insider tips
February Weather in Pakistan
Is February Right for You?
Advantages
- Perfect mountain weather in the north - Hunza Valley and Skardu sit around 15-20°C (59-68°F) during the day with crystal-clear skies, making this the absolute sweet spot for trekking before the spring melt turns trails muddy. You'll actually see K2 from Concordia without cloud cover, which happens maybe 40% of the year.
- Lahore and the Punjab plains are genuinely pleasant right now - daytime temps around 20-23°C (68-73°F) mean you can explore Badshahi Mosque and Lahore Fort without melting into the pavement. The brutal 45°C (113°F) summer heat is still four months away, and the winter fog that paralyzes the city in December-January has mostly cleared.
- Karachi's beaches are actually usable - the oppressive humidity drops to tolerable levels and you'll find locals at Hawke's Bay and Sandspit on weekends. Water temperature sits around 22°C (72°F), which is refreshing without being shocking. The monsoon chaos is half a year away.
- Citrus season peaks across Pakistan - you'll find blood oranges from Sargodha and kinoo mandarins piled high in every bazaar for 80-120 PKR per kg. The sweetness is ridiculous, and street vendors squeeze fresh juice for 50-80 PKR that puts anything bottled to shame.
Considerations
- Northern areas get seriously cold after sunset - temperatures in Gilgit-Baltistan drop to -5 to 5°C (23-41°F) at night, and most budget guesthouses don't have central heating. You'll be layering everything you brought and still waking up cold. Some high-altitude passes like Shandur remain snow-blocked until March.
- Weather variability makes packing annoying - you need gear for 10°C (50°F) mornings in Islamabad and 25°C (77°F) afternoons in Multan. That 15-degree swing means carrying both a fleece and t-shirts, which eats up luggage space. Rain can appear out of nowhere in the north, though it's brief.
- Tourist infrastructure in mountain areas runs at reduced capacity - many hotels in Hunza and Skardu operate skeleton crews in February since peak season doesn't start until March. Some restaurants close entirely, and tour operators might not have full fleets available. You'll find what you need, but choices narrow considerably.
Best Activities in February
Hunza Valley winter trekking and village exploration
February offers the clearest mountain views of the year in Hunza - Rakaposhi, Ultar Sar, and the Passu Cones stand out against impossibly blue skies. Day hikes to Eagle's Nest viewpoint or walks through apricot orchards (bare now, but still beautiful) work perfectly in 15-18°C (59-64°F) afternoon temps. Locals are less busy with farming and actually have time to chat over chai. The Attabad Lake looks surreal in winter light, and you'll have it mostly to yourself.
Lahore heritage walking tours and food streets
The Walled City becomes walkable in February - you can actually spend 4-5 hours exploring Shahi Hammam, Delhi Gate, and the spice markets without heat exhaustion. The 20-23°C (68-73°F) days mean Food Street near Badshahi Mosque fills up around 7pm with locals, and the vibe is fantastic. February also means haleem season - the slow-cooked wheat and meat stew appears on menus everywhere and locals take it seriously. The winter smog has mostly cleared, so photos of the fort actually turn out.
Skardu and Shigar Valley winter landscapes
Skardu in February is for photographers and serious mountain lovers - the valley sits under snow, Shangrila Resort's lake freezes partially, and the desert-mountain contrast is stark. Upper Kachura Lake reflects Kharpocho Fort perfectly on calm mornings. It's cold, genuinely cold at 5-12°C (41-54°F) during the day, but the light is extraordinary. You won't do serious treks, but jeep tours to Shigar Fort and the cold desert work well. Locals are preparing for spring planting and the pace is slow.
Karachi coastal areas and Clifton Beach promenade
Karachi becomes tolerable in February - the humidity drops to levels where you can walk along the Sea View promenade without drowning in sweat. Weekends see families at Hawke's Bay and French Beach, and the sunset views from Clifton are genuinely nice. Water sports operators at Sandspit offer jet skiing and banana boat rides, and the 22-25°C (72-77°F) temps mean you'll actually want to be outside. The city's street food scene peaks in winter - burns road and boat basin food streets get packed after 8pm.
Islamabad and Margalla Hills day hikes
The Margalla Hills trails are perfect in February - Trail 3 and Trail 5 offer 3-4 hour hikes with views over the capital, and morning temps around 12-15°C (54-59°F) make the climbs comfortable. Weekends see locals hiking in groups, and the tea stalls at viewpoints serve the kind of chai that makes the climb worth it. Daman-e-Koh viewpoint works for sunset, and the Faisal Mosque looks spectacular in the clear winter light. Air quality is actually decent this month, unlike the summer haze.
Multan shrine visits and pottery bazaar exploration
Multan's shrines and bazaars work beautifully in February - the 20-24°C (68-75°F) weather means you can spend hours at Shah Rukn-e-Alam's mausoleum and the blue-tiled Shams Tabriz shrine without wilting. Thursday evenings bring qawwali performances at several shrines, and the devotional music in those settings is powerful. The pottery bazaar near Bohar Gate sells the distinctive blue-glazed ceramics Multan is known for, and watching artisans work is fascinating. February also means orange season here, and the fruit is exceptional.
February Events & Festivals
Lahore Literary Festival
Usually held in late February, this has become South Asia's premier literary gathering with Pakistani and international authors, poets, and intellectuals. Sessions happen at Alhamra Arts Council and other venues across Lahore, covering everything from Urdu poetry to political commentary. It's free to attend most sessions, and the conversations give you insight into Pakistani intellectual life you won't find elsewhere. Book panels fill up fast.
Kashmir Day
February 5th is a national holiday commemorating solidarity with Kashmir. Expect government buildings and some businesses to close, and you'll see rallies and public gatherings in major cities, particularly Islamabad. It's not a tourist event but worth being aware of for planning purposes - banks and offices shut down, though restaurants and hotels stay open.