Skardu sits at about 2,230 m in a dry, wide valley. Summers are warm and dry; winters are cold and clear. The ranges below are approximate daytime temperatures for planning.
In this guide
Month by month
| Month | Typical daytime | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| December–February | Around -2–7 °C; nights well below freezing | Cold and clear; frozen lakes; flights sometimes cancelled |
| March | About 6–14 °C | Thawing; early blossom |
| April | About 12–20 °C | Blossom in villages; cool nights |
| May | About 18–25 °C | Pleasant; lakes and valleys open |
| June | About 23–30 °C | Warm; Deosai usually opens mid-month |
| July–August | About 26–32 °C | Hottest; Deosai at its best; busiest |
| September | About 20–26 °C | Clear and comfortable |
| October | About 12–19 °C | Autumn colour; cold nights |
| November | About 5–12 °C | Winter approaches |
Rain, snow and flights
Skardu gets little rain. Cloud, wind and snow are the main causes of flight delays, especially in winter and spring. Always keep a spare day.
Deosai conditions
Deosai is far colder than Skardu town and only opens when snow clears, usually mid-June to early autumn. See our Deosai guide.
What to pack
- Spring/autumn: fleece, warm jacket, hat and gloves for evenings.
- Summer: light clothes, sunscreen, sunglasses and a warm layer for Deosai.
- Winter: down jacket, thermals, waterproof boots.
More in what to pack, best time to visit the north and our Skardu page.
Month-by-month decision guide
- March–April: blossom and quiet, with cold nights; Deosai closed.
- May: comfortable and green; the sweet spot for lakes and valleys.
- June–August: warm days, open roads and the best Deosai window; book early.
- September–October: clear skies, comfortable temperatures and colour.
- November–February: cold, quiet and photogenic; plan for flight delays.
Flight and road reliability by season
Winter and early spring bring more flight disruptions; summer is generally more stable but not guaranteed. The Skardu Road can be affected by landslides in the monsoon. Always allow a spare day.
Clothing by activity
- Town and lakes: layers suited to the season.
- Deosai: windproof jacket, gloves, hat and sun protection.
- Winter: down jacket, thermals and waterproof boots.
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to visit Skardu?
May to October, with July to September ideal for Deosai.
Is Skardu very cold in winter?
Yes. Nights are well below freezing and flights are less reliable.
Does it rain in Skardu?
Rarely; the valley is dry.
When does snow melt around Skardu?
Town snow usually melts by March; higher areas stay snowy longer.
Is Skardu hot in summer?
Days can be warm, but evenings cool quickly and Deosai is cold.
