Things to Do in Pakistan in May
May weather, activities, events & insider tips
May Weather in Pakistan
Is May Right for You?
Advantages
- Northern mountain regions hit peak season with perfect trekking weather - Hunza Valley averages 18-25°C (64-77°F) with clear skies and wildflowers carpeting the meadows, while the lowlands swelter
- Tourist crowds thin out significantly as international visitors avoid the heat - you'll have major sites like Badshahi Mosque and Lahore Fort practically to yourself during midday hours, though domestic tourism picks up on weekends
- Fresh fruit season explodes across the country - roadside stalls overflow with mangoes (particularly the prized Sindhri variety), lychees, and early cherries from Gilgit-Baltistan at prices that drop weekly as supply increases
- Mountain passes fully open for the season - Khunjerab Pass to China and Shandur Top become accessible, and tour operators run their full schedules to Fairy Meadows, Nanga Parbat Base Camp, and the Kalash Valleys without weather delays
Considerations
- Lowland cities like Karachi, Lahore, and Multan experience genuinely oppressive heat with temperatures regularly hitting 40-45°C (104-113°F) - outdoor sightseeing becomes uncomfortable between 11am-5pm and you'll need to structure your days around the heat
- Pre-monsoon humidity builds throughout the month, particularly in Sindh and southern Punjab, creating that sticky, energy-draining combination where 35°C (95°F) feels worse than the dry 40°C (104°F) you'll find in Balochistan
- Ramadan occasionally falls in May (not in 2026, but worth checking future years) which means restricted restaurant hours, closed cafes during daylight, and modified touring schedules that can complicate travel planning for first-timers
Best Activities in May
Hunza Valley Multi-Day Treks
May is absolutely THE month for trekking in Hunza - snow has cleared from lower elevation trails but hasn't melted enough to make river crossings dangerous. Temperatures sit in that perfect 15-22°C (59-72°F) range during the day, and the apricot blossoms have given way to cherry trees in full bloom. The trail to Ultar Meadow, routes around Passu Glacier, and day hikes from Karimabad offer crystal-clear mountain views that get hazy by July. You'll encounter other trekkers but nothing like the September-October rush.
Early Morning Heritage Walks in Lahore
The only civilized way to experience Lahore's Mughal architecture in May is getting up before sunrise. Starting at 6am when temperatures hover around 25°C (77°F), you can actually enjoy walking through the Walled City, exploring the narrow streets around Delhi Gate, and climbing the stairs at Badshahi Mosque without feeling like you're melting. The light at dawn makes for spectacular photography of the red sandstone, and you'll see the city waking up - street food vendors setting up, shopkeepers hosing down their storefronts. By 10am you'll want to retreat to air-conditioned museums or your hotel.
Skardu and Upper Shigar Valley Exploration
May marks the opening of reliable access to Skardu as the Skardu Road clears and flights run consistently. The valley sits at 2,500 m (8,200 ft) so temperatures stay comfortable at 12-20°C (54-68°F) even as the lowlands bake. This is prime time for visiting Satpara Lake before summer crowds, exploring the ancient Shigar Fort, and organizing treks to Deosai Plains which fully opens by late May. The landscape transitions from brown to green as glacial melt feeds the irrigation channels, and Upper Kachura Lake reflects the surrounding peaks perfectly on calm mornings.
Karachi Food Tours After Sunset
Karachi becomes genuinely pleasant once the sun sets around 7pm and the sea breeze kicks in from the Arabian Sea. May is peak season for seafood as the fishing fleets bring in prawns, crab, and fresh fish daily. Evening food tours through Burns Road, Boat Basin, or the newer food streets in DHA let you sample Karachi's incredible range - from Sindhi biryani to BBQ at student-packed joints to the city's famous nihari eaten with fresh naan at midnight. The heat actually works in your favor here as it keeps food stalls operating later into the night.
Kalash Valley Cultural Immersion
The Kalash Valleys of Bumburet, Rumbur, and Birir sit at elevations where May weather stays pleasant at 18-26°C (64-79°F). The valleys turn green after spring rains, walnut trees provide shade, and the Chilimjusht Festival typically falls in mid-May celebrating the return of shepherds from winter pastures. You can stay in traditional Kalash guesthouses, observe unique cultural practices that predate Islam in the region, and trek between valleys on footpaths that follow irrigation channels. The relative isolation means you need to commit 3-4 days minimum to make the journey worthwhile.
Islamabad and Margalla Hills Hiking
Islamabad's location at 540 m (1,770 ft) elevation keeps it slightly cooler than Lahore or Karachi, and early morning hikes in the Margalla Hills offer genuine escape from city heat. Trails like Trail 3 and Trail 5 take you through pine forests where temperatures drop 5-7°C (9-13°F) from the city below. Start at sunrise around 5:30am and you'll finish by 9am before serious heat builds. The hills also provide access to Daman-e-Koh viewpoint and Pir Sohawa, where you can have breakfast overlooking the entire capital city layout.
May Events & Festivals
Chilimjusht Festival
The Kalash people celebrate this spring festival in mid-May when shepherds return from winter pastures. Women wear traditional black robes with elaborate headdresses, there's traditional dancing in village squares, and offerings are made at outdoor altars. It's smaller than the August Uchal festival but more authentic as you'll see mainly locals participating rather than crowds of domestic tourists. Timing varies by a few days each year based on lunar calendar.
Mango Season Opening
Not a formal festival but a genuine cultural moment - late May marks the arrival of early mango varieties in Sindh markets, particularly around Mirpur Khas. You'll see trucks loaded with crates heading north, prices displayed on hand-painted boards, and serious negotiations happening over quality and ripeness. The prized Sindhri variety starts appearing in the final week of May. Markets in Karachi's Empress Market and Lahore's Anarkali Bazaar transform into mango-focused affairs.