The weather in Pakistan is distinguished by a subtropical continental climate, and the country experiences extreme fluctuations in temperature both seasonally and daily due to variations in elevation across the country.
Broadly speaking, Pakistan is a hot country, especially in the central plains. The heat there is compounded by the Loo, a hot, dry wind from the west that blows during the pre-monsoon months of May and June. Although the southern coastal areas experience extreme heat, the temperature is moderated and cooled by sea breezes. The high altitudes of the mountainous northern region are prone to ice and sub-zero temperatures.
The length and onset of the seasons can vary throughout the country. The seasons generally consist of a cool, dry winter from December to February, a dry, hot spring from March to May, a summer monsoon from late June to September, and a retreating monsoon from October to November. The El Niño weather phenomenon, which happens every two to seven years, greatly influences Pakistan’s climate and often causes irregularities in temperature and flood frequency.
Apart from monsoons, other natural phenomena to be aware of are tropical storms and violent dust storms. Dust storms are most common in summer, while tropical storms peak in the pre-monsoon period of May to June and can also occur in October and November.
Heatstroke and dehydration are also concerns, especially for expats living in Pakistan’s central regions and those accustomed to cooler climates. Power cuts are common across Pakistan, particularly during peak summer demand, so air conditioning is not a reliable buffer against the heat. Expats should stay hydrated by drinking bottled water and try to avoid being outside during the hottest hours of the day.