PMD forecasts widespread rain, snowfall from Dec 30 through January 02 covering major tourist destinations
Pakistan’s picturesque northern valleys and hill stations are set to receive a heavy spell of fresh snowfall just in time for New Year celebrations, offering thousands of winter vacationers the perfect backdrop for their holiday getaways, Associated Press of Pakistan reported.
As families take advantage of winter school holidays and office workers utilise their remaining annual leave before year-end expiry, tourists from across the country have flocked to scenic mountainous regions to experience snowfall while celebrating the arrival of 2026.
The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has forecast widespread rain and snowfall from December 30 through January 02, 2026, covering major tourist destinations including Murree, Swat, Hunza, Naran and the Kashmir valleys — ideal conditions for those who planned their vacations to witness the magic of winter.
The National Weather Forecasting Centre said a westerly wave is expected to enter western parts of Pakistan from the night of December 29 and intensify from December 30. The system is anticipated to affect most upper and central parts of the country on December 31 and persist in northern regions until the morning of January 02, 2026.
The timing coincides with peak winter tourism, when hotels and guesthouses in northern areas are fully booked with families and professionals eager to welcome the new year amid snow-covered mountains and pristine valleys.
In Balochistan, rain, wind and thunderstorms with snowfall over the hills are expected in Quetta, Ziarat, Chaman, Pishin, Qilla Abdullah, Qilla Saifullah, Noshki, Harnai, Zhob, Kalat, Barkhan, Sibi, Loralai, Musakhel, Turbat, Gwadar, Jiwani, Lasbela, Kech, Awaran, Chagai, Panjgur, Khuzdar, Washuk and Kharan from the night of December 29 to December 31, with occasional breaks.
In Sindh, isolated light rain and drizzle are likely in Karachi, Hyderabad, Dadu, Jacobabad, Kashmore, Larkana, Thatta and Badin on December 30.
Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, home to popular tourist valleys such as Swat, Naran and Kaghan, will experience rain, wind, thunderstorms and moderate to heavy snowfall in upper areas, affecting Chitral, Dir, Swat, Shangla, Kohistan, Battagram, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Haripur, Buner, Bajaur, Mohmand, Khyber, Orakzai, Kurram, Waziristan, Peshawar, Charsadda, Nowshera, Swabi, Bannu, Karak, Dera Ismail Khan, Tank and Kohat from December 30 to January 01.
The northern regions of Gilgit-Baltistan and Kashmir will also witness rain, wind, thunderstorms and moderate snowfall. In Gilgit-Baltistan, Diamir, Astore, Ghizer, Skardu, Hunza, Gilgit, Ghanche and Shigar will be affected, while in Kashmir, Neelum Valley, Muzaffarabad, Poonch, Hattian, Bagh, Haveli, Sudhanoti, Kotli, Bhimber and Mirpur will receive precipitation from the evening of December 30 to the morning of January 02.
In Punjab and Islamabad, rain, wind and thunderstorms with snowfall are expected in Murree and the Galliyat region from the evening of December 30 to the morning of January 02. Isolated rain is also forecast in Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Potohar region, Sargodha, Faisalabad, Mandi Bahauddin, Sialkot, Narowal, Lahore, Sheikhupura and Gujrat from December 31 to January 01, while Mianwali, Bhakkar, Khushab, Noorpur Thal, Layyah, Dera Ghazi Khan, Multan, Bahawalpur, Rahim Yar Khan, Bahawalnagar, Muzaffargarh, Jhang and Sahiwal will receive rain on December 31.
Tourists currently enjoying winter vacations in these scenic regions can expect fresh snowfall that will transform the landscape into a winter wonderland, creating ideal opportunities for snow activities, photography and memorable family moments.
However, the Met Office has also issued advisories. Snowfall may cause road closures and slippery conditions in Naran, Kaghan, Dir, Swat, Kohistan, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Shangla, Astore, Hunza, Skardu, Murree, Galliyat, Neelum Valley, Bagh, Poonch and Haveli from the night of December 30 to the morning of January 02. There is also a risk of landslides and avalanches in upper Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan and Kashmir.
Tourists are strongly advised to remain cautious, avoid unnecessary travel during severe weather, equip vehicles with snow chains, carry warm clothing and emergency supplies, maintain fuel levels and keep emergency contact numbers readily available. Families travelling with children should take extra care on slippery roads and snowy paths.
On a positive note, fog conditions affecting central and southern Punjab and upper Sindh are expected to ease during the wet spell, improving visibility on major highways. However, daytime temperatures are likely to drop further as Pakistan enters 2026, enhancing the winter charm that continues to draw visitors to these breathtaking regions.
Tourists are encouraged to enjoy this natural winter spectacle responsibly by staying informed through official weather updates and coordinating with local tourism authorities to ensure their New Year holidays remain both memorable and safe.
