Good Time to Visit

Weather

The best time to visit southern Pakistan is during winter (between November and March), when the days are warm and dry. April to July is extremely hot (although is much cooler in the north of the country), and the monsoon occurs from July to September. The majority of the rain falls on the hills.

Visitors are advised to bring lightweight clothing, with warmer clothing for upland areas in the winter. Rainwear is recommended for the monsoon season.

More information on Pakistani weather may be found in Climate in Pakistan.

Festivals

Religious festivals follow the Islamic calendar and are dependent on the sighting of the new crescent moon. Ramadan, the ninth month of the Muslim calendar, is characterised by daytime fasting for 29 or 30 days and is followed by the festival of Eid al-Fitr. In a second festival, Eid ul-Azha, an animal is sacrificed in remembrance of the actions of Prophet Abraham, and the meat is shared with friends, family and the less fortunate. Both Eid festivals are public holidays, serving as opportunities for people to visit family and friends, and for children to receive new clothes, presents and sweets. Shia Muslims mark the Day of Ashoura on the 9th and 10th days of the first month (Muharram) to commemorate the martyrdom of Husayn bin Ali, (the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad).

Hindus, Buddhists, Sikhs and Christians in Pakistan also celebrate their own festivals and holidays. Sikhs come from across the world to visit several holy sites in Punjab, including the shrine of Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism, at Hassan Abdal in the Attock District, and his birthplace, at Nankana Sahib. There are also several regional and local festivals, such as the Punjabi festival of Basant, which marks the start of spring and is celebrated by kite flying.

On August 14, the people of Pakistan celebrate the day Pakistan gained its independence from the British Raj for an independent state for Muslims. There are many of celebrations all over the country, and parades are held in the capital city (Islamabad). At night, firework displays may be seen in many cities. Other national celebrations include Pakistan Day on 23 March and Allama Iqbal Day on 9 November.

Public Holidays

The following table shows the public holidays celebrated in Pakistan: