Last updated: January 18, 2025
Punjab, Pakistan, exhibits a diverse climate categorized by the Koppen-Geiger system into Cwa, BWh, BSh, and Cfa classifications. The region experiences a substantial temperature range, with winter minima plunging to a frigid -7°C (20°F) in January, while summers can soar to a blistering high of 49°C (121°F) in June. The average temperature throughout the year hovers around a comfortable 25°C (77°F), highlighting the region's climatic variability and its potential impacts on agriculture, health, and overall livelihood in Punjab.
In Punjab, Pakistan, temperature patterns exhibit a pronounced seasonal cycle characterized by significant fluctuations between the colder and warmer months. January marks the depths of winter, with daytime highs reaching a mild 27°C (81°F) following frigid nights dipping to -7°C (20°F). As February approaches, temperatures begin to rise, and by March, the region transitions into spring, with average highs soaring to 44°C (111°F). The onset of summer in April and May brings peak temperatures, with May records hitting a sweltering 49°C (120°F). June maintains this intense heat before a slight relief in July and August, where temperatures moderate but remain largely elevated. The seasonal shift towards autumn in September and October results in cooler averages and diminishing highs, eventually leading back into the chill of winter by December, highlighting Punjab's distinctive climatic extremes throughout the year.
Multan experiences a significant temperature range, with a minimum of 3°C (38°F) in January and peaking at 47°C (117°F) in May, as detailed in the monthly temperatures in Multan. In contrast, Murree offers a colder climate, recording a chilly minimum of -7°C (20°F) in January and a maximum of 37°C (99°F) in June, which can be explored further in the monthly temperatures in Murree. Similarly, Lahore sees its temperatures vary from a low of 2°C (36°F) in January to a scorching high of 47°C (118°F) in June, as outlined in the monthly temperatures in Lahore.
Precipitation in Punjab, Pakistan, demonstrates a clear seasonal distribution, with distinct wet and dry periods throughout the year. The cooler months of January and February receive an average of 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain each, maintaining relatively consistent moisture levels. As spring emerges in March, rainfall increases to 57 mm (2.2 in), setting the stage for the summer monsoon season. The month of April witnesses a drop to 35 mm (1.4 in), while May experiences the beginning of a decline in precipitation with only 26 mm (1.0 in) before the monsoon rains arrive.
During the monsoon months of July and August, Punjab sees its highest rainfall, with 120 mm (4.7 in) and 103 mm (4.1 in), respectively, accompanied by numerous rainy days—13 in July and 12 in August. Following this peak, September brings a decrease to 68 mm (2.7 in), and by October, rainfall further diminishes to 15 mm (0.6 in). The late autumn and winter months are marked by minimal precipitation, with November and December averaging 21 mm (0.8 in) and 15 mm (0.6 in), respectively, emphasizing the region's marked shift from the wet monsoon season to drier conditions.
In Punjab, Pakistan, the duration of sunshine shows a notable seasonal trend, reflecting a gradual increase from winter to summer. January begins the year with 219 hours of sunshine, gradually escalating to 273 hours in February as days grow longer. As spring unfolds, March experiences a significant boost, reaching 320 hours, and April further enhances this trend, peaking at 339 hours. This steady ascent culminates in May, when sunshine hours soar to 371 hours, setting the stage for the summer months.
The pinnacle of sunshine occurs in June, with a remarkable 365 hours of bright daylight, followed closely by July at 359 hours and August at 350 hours. These months represent the region's sunniest period, providing ample solar energy. However, as the year progresses into autumn, the hours of sunshine begin to wane, with September showing 325 hours and October slightly less at 318 hours. By November and December, the sunshine returns to lower levels, with 273 hours and 275 hours, respectively. This cyclical pattern of sunshine duration highlights both the vigorous growth of daylight during the summer and the contrast of shorter days as winter approaches, influencing both local climate conditions and cultural practices.
The UV Index in Punjab, Pakistan, showcases significant seasonal variations, highlighting the need for sun protection throughout the year. Starting with January, the UV Index registers a moderate level of 5, allowing for 30 minutes of sun exposure without immediate risk of harm. As the months progress into February, the UV Index rises to 7, indicating a high exposure risk with a reduced burn time of 25 minutes. The arrival of spring brings even more intensity, with March peaking at a very high UV Index of 10 and a burn time dropping to just 15 minutes.
The summer months present extreme UV conditions, with April and May reaching an index of 11 and 12, respectively, mandating protective measures within just 10 minutes of exposure. June continues this trend, while July and August also maintain a 12 rating, underlining the importance of sun safety during these months. As summer wanes into autumn, the UV Index gradually decreases, with September at 10 and October at 9, allowing for slightly longer exposure times of 15 minutes. By November and December, the index returns to more moderate levels of 6 and 5, offering a brief respite before the cycle begins anew. This analysis underscores the critical importance of awareness and protection strategies, especially during peak UV periods from March to August.
UV Risk Categories
Daylight duration in Punjab, Pakistan, reflects a clear seasonal cycle, with increasingly longer days as the year progresses from winter to summer. In January, residents experience approximately 10 hours of daylight, which gradually increases to 11 hours in February. March maintains this duration, but as spring unfolds into April, daylight extends to 12 hours, paving the way for the warm months ahead. By May, the duration reaches 13 hours, and as June arrives, the days peak at 14 hours, providing ample time for outdoor activities and agricultural pursuits.
Following the summer solstice, daylight duration begins to decline, with July and August still offering 13 hours of sunlight, though the trend toward shorter days resumes in September, decreasing to 12 hours. October sees a further reduction to 11 hours, while November and December both return to 10 hours. This rhythmic fluctuation in daylight hours highlights the unique climatic patterns of Punjab, influencing not only daily life but also the agricultural cycles that depend on sunlight for growth throughout the year.
Bahawalpur, Pakistan experiences a hot desert climate characterized by extreme temperatures and minimal rainfall. January sees temperatures ranging from a chilly 4°C (39°F) to a warm 25°C (77°F), while May and June can peak at around 47°C (117°F). The region receives most of its rainfall during the summer months, with September being the wettest at 40 mm (1.6 in). Abundant sunshine is a hallmark of the climate, reaching up to 368 hours in May. For more detailed information, visit Bahawalpur climate.
Bhera, Pakistan experiences a continental climate with hot summers and mild winters. Temperatures can soar to 48°C (118°F) in June, while January sees cooler temperatures, with averages around 12°C (54°F). The region receives the majority of its rainfall during the monsoon months, particularly in July and August, with precipitation reaching up to 120 mm (4.7 in). Sunshine is abundant throughout the year, peaking at 373 hours in May. For more detailed information, visit Bhera climate.
Dera Ghazi Khan experiences a hot semi-arid climate, characterized by extreme temperatures, particularly in the summer months. January sees cooler temperatures with a minimum of 4°C (40°F) and a maximum of 25°C (78°F), while May and June can reach scorching highs of up to 47°C (117°F) and 47°C (118°F), respectively. Rainfall is scarce, peaking in July and August with about 40 mm (1.6 in) and 52 mm (2.0 in), often accompanied by a considerable amount of sunshine, particularly in May with 368 hours. These variations make it essential for residents and visitors to prepare for both intense heat and occasional rainfall throughout the year. For more details, visit Dera Ghazi Khan climate.
The climate in Jhelum, Pakistan, showcases significant temperature variation throughout the year, with January temperatures ranging from a low of 3°C to a high of 24°C, peaking in May and June with maximums reaching up to 46°C. Precipitation is highest during the summer months of July and August, averaging 186 mm and 181 mm respectively, while winter months see considerably less rainfall. The region enjoys plenty of sunshine, particularly from May to August, with sunlight hours exceeding 350 each month. For more detailed information, visit Jhelum climate.
Kallar Kahar, Pakistan experiences a diverse climate characterized by hot summers and mild winters. January marks the coolest month with temperatures ranging from 3°C (37°F) to 22°C (72°F), while June sees a maximum of 45°C (113°F) along with significant rainfall, peaking in July at 176 mm (6.9 in). Sunshine is plentiful, especially in May, which boasts 376 hours of sun. The region receives its highest precipitation from March to August, making this period crucial for the local ecosystem. For more details, visit the Kallar Kahar climate.
Kasur, Pakistan experiences a diverse climate characterized by hot summers and mild winters. January marks the coldest month with temperatures ranging from 1°C to 23°C, while May and June see soaring highs up to 46°C. The region receives most of its rainfall during the monsoon months of July and August, accumulating 138 mm and 88 mm respectively. Sunshine is abundant, peaking in May with 367 hours, although it progressively decreases towards the end of the year. For more detailed climate information, visit Kasur climate.
Khewra, Pakistan experiences a diverse climate characterized by hot summers and mild winters. Temperatures soar from an average of 11°C (52°F) in January to a peak of 31°C (88°F) in June, with July and August seeing averages around 30°C (86°F). Precipitation is significant, particularly in July and August, when monthly rainfall can exceed 180 mm (7.1 in), while sunshine is abundant, peaking at 376 hours in May. For more detailed climate information, visit Khewra climate.
Lahore, Pakistan experiences a semi-arid climate with hot summers and mild winters. Temperature extremes range from a chilly 2°C (36°F) in January to soaring highs of 47°C (118°F) in June. Precipitation peaks during the summer months, particularly in July with approximately 136 mm (5.4 in), while winter months receive less rainfall, averaging around 35 mm (1.4 in) in January. The city enjoys ample sunshine, reaching its maximum in May with about 367 hours. For a comprehensive overview, visit Lahore climate.
The climate in Mangla, Pakistan is characterized by hot summers and mild winters. Temperatures soar from an average of 12°C (54°F) in January to a peak of 34°C (93°F) in June, often reaching maxima above 46°C (115°F) in May and June. Precipitation is relatively low, with July experiencing the highest rainfall at 94 mm (3.7 in), while December sees minimal rainfall at 17 mm (0.7 in). The region enjoys ample sunshine, peaking at 371 hours in May. For more detailed information, visit Mangla climate.
The climate in Multan, Pakistan, features hot summers with maximum temperatures reaching up to 47°C (117°F) in May and June, while winter temperatures can drop to a minimum of 3°C (38°F) in January. Rainfall is relatively low, with the wettest months being July and August, which both receive approximately 46 mm (1.8 in) of precipitation. Multan enjoys abundant sunshine, particularly in May, averaging around 367 hours for the month. The overall climate is characterized by significant temperature variations between seasons, making it essential to consider weather patterns when planning visits. For more information, visit Multan climate.
Murree, Pakistan experiences a diverse climate throughout the year, with winter temperatures ranging from -7°C (20°F) in January to 17°C (63°F) in July. Summers are warm, with average highs reaching 37°C (99°F) in June and abundant rainfall, particularly in July, which receives about 260 mm (10.2 in) of precipitation. The region enjoys significant sunshine, especially in May and June, with around 382 and 383 hours, respectively. Visitors can expect a refreshing climate with a blend of cool winters and pleasant summers, making it a popular destination year-round. For more details, visit Murree climate.
Nankana Sahib, Pakistan, experiences a diverse climate with hot summers and mild winters. January temperatures range from a brisk 2°C (36°F) to a pleasant 24°C (75°F), while May and June witness soaring highs of up to 47°C (117°F). Rainfall peaks in July with 116 mm (4.6 in), contrasting sharply with the drier months of October and November, which see minimal precipitation of just 9 mm (0.3 in). With an abundance of sunshine, particularly in May (368 hours), the region enjoys a bright and warm climate throughout the year. For more detailed information, visit Nankana Sahib climate.
The climate in Rawalpindi, Pakistan, exhibits significant temperature variation throughout the year, with January temperatures ranging from 2°C (35°F) to 22°C (72°F) and peaking in June and July, when maximums can reach about 47°C (116°F). The region experiences a marked monsoon influence, with July and August receiving the highest precipitation levels of 146 mm (5.7 in) and 182 mm (7.2 in), respectively, contributing to the overall annual rainfall. Sunshine is abundant, peaking in May with 380 hours, which supports the hot weather conditions. With mild winters and scorching summers, Rawalpindi's climate exemplifies a typical continental pattern. For more details, visit Rawalpindi climate.
Sialkot, Pakistan experiences a diverse climate with distinct seasonal variations. Winters from January to February are mild, with average temperatures ranging from 12°C (54°F) to 16°C (60°F) and moderate rainfall. The summer months of May to July are particularly hot, with temperatures peaking at 45°C (114°F) in May, accompanied by the highest precipitation, especially in July with 272 mm (10.7 in). The city enjoys ample sunshine throughout the year, with May receiving the most sunlight at 377 hours. For more details, visit Sialkot climate.
In conclusion, the climatic patterns of Punjab, Pakistan, characterized by temperature variations, precipitation, UV Index fluctuations, and daylight duration, demonstrate the region's rich and dynamic environment. The distinct seasonal shifts—from the crisp winters with limited daylight to sweltering summers boasting peak UV levels and extended sunshine—highlight the interplay of meteorological factors that govern daily life and agricultural practices. Understanding these trends is essential for residents and policymakers alike, as they navigate the challenges of climate variability, resource management, and health risks associated with sun exposure. As Punjab continues to adapt to these climatic variations, fostering awareness and implementing sustainable practices will be crucial in safeguarding both its environment and the livelihoods of its people.