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ISLAMABAD, Dec 27 (APP): Pakistan’s picturesque northern valleys and hill stations are set to receive a generous spell of fresh snowfall just in time for New Year celebrations, offering thousands of winter vacationers the perfect backdrop for their holiday getaways.
As families take advantage of winter school holidays and office workers utilize their remaining annual leave before year-end expiry, tourists from across the country have flocked to scenic mountainous regions to experience snowfall along with celebrating the arrival of 2026.
The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has forecast widespread rain and snowfall that will blanket popular tourist destinations from December 30 through January 02, 2026, creating ideal conditions for those who have planned their vacations specifically to witness the magic of winter in destinations like Murree, Swat, Hunza, Naran, and Kashmir valleys at this time.
The National Weather Forecasting Centre, Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) announced that a westerly wave is likely to approach the western parts of Pakistan from the night of December 29, and is expected to strengthen from December 30.
This weather system is anticipated to grip most upper and central parts of the country on December 31, and will persist in upper regions until the morning of January 02, 2026.
The timing coincides perfectly with the peak winter tourism season, when hotels and guesthouses in northern areas are fully booked with families and office workers eager to make the most of their year-end vacations and welcome the new year amid snow-covered mountains and pristine valleys.
In Balochistan and Sindh, rain, wind, thunderstorms with snowfall over the hills are expected in Quetta, Ziarat, Chaman, Pishin, Qilla Abdullah, Qilla Saifullah, Noushki, Harnai, Zhob, Kalat, Barkhan, Sibi, Loralai, Musakhel, Turbat, Gawadar, Jiwani, Lasbella, Kech, Awaran, Chagi, Panjgur, Khuzdar, Washuk and Kharan from the night of December 29 to December 31 with occasional gaps.
In Sindh, isolated light rain and drizzle is expected in Karachi, Hyderabad, Dadu, Jacobabad, Kashmore, Larkana, Thatta, Badin and surrounding areas on December 30.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, home to some of Pakistan’s most beloved tourist valleys including Swat, Naran, and Kaghan, will witness rain, wind, thunderstorms with moderate to few heavy snowfalls in upper areas.
The affected regions include Chitral, Dir, Swat, Shangla, Kohistan, Battagram, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Haripur, Bunner, Bajaur, Mohmand, Khyber, Orakzai, Kurram, Waziristan, Peshawar, Charsadda, Nowshera, Swabi, Bannu, Karak, Dera Ismail Khan, Tank and Kohat from December 30 to January 01 with occasional gaps.
Tourists currently enjoying winter vacations in these scenic valleys can expect fresh snowfall that will transform the landscape into a winter wonderland, creating perfect opportunities for snow activities, photography, and memorable family moments.
The northern regions of Gilgit-Baltistan and Kashmir, which attract adventure seekers and nature lovers throughout the winter season, will experience rain, wind, thunderstorms with moderate snowfalls.
In Gilgit-Baltistan, the districts of Diamir, Astore, Ghizer, Skardu, Hunza, Gilgit, Guanche 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 and night of December 30 to the morning of January 02 with occasional gaps.
These breathtaking destinations, already bustling with holidaymakers who have taken time off from work to enjoy the year’s final days, promise memorable New Year experiences with fresh blankets of snow covering the majestic peaks and valleys.
In Punjab and Islamabad, rain, wind, thunderstorms with snowfall are likely in the ever-popular hill stations of Murree and Galliyat from the evening and night of December 30 to the morning of January 02 with occasional gaps.
These closest mountain retreats to the twin cities remain packed with tourists during winter vacations, offering families and working professionals convenient access to snowfall and winter activities as they utilize their year-end leaves. Isolated rain, wind and thunderstorms are expected in Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Potohar region, Sargodha, Faisalabad, Mandi Bahauddin, Sialkot, Narowal, Lahore, Sheikhupura and Gujrat on December 31 to January 01, while Mianwali, Bhakkar, Sargodha, Khushab, Noorpurthal, Layyah, Dera Ghazi Khan, Multan, Bahawalpur, Rahimyar Khan, Bahawalnagar, Muzaffargarh, Jhang and Sahiwal will receive precipitation on December 31.
While the forecast promises delightful winter experiences for vacationers, the Met Office has outlined several important advisories to ensure safe travel and enjoyable holidays.
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 possibility of landslides and avalanches in the hilly areas of upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan and Kashmir during this period.
Tourists currently in mountainous areas or planning to travel for winter vacations are strongly advised to remain extra cautious and avoid unnecessary travelling during severe weather conditions.
Families should ensure their vehicles are properly equipped with snow chains, carry warm clothing and emergency supplies, maintain fuel tanks, and keep emergency contact numbers readily available. Hotel bookings should be confirmed and local weather updates monitored regularly.
Those traveling with children should take extra care on slippery roads and snowy paths.
On a positive note, the fog conditions that have been affecting central and southern parts of Punjab and upper Sindh are likely to subside during the wet spell, providing relief to travelers on motorways and highways in these areas. However, daytime temperatures are likely to drop further as Pakistan enters 2026, particularly after the conclusion of the weather spell, enhancing the winter charm that draws tourists to these regions.
Tourists are advised to make the most of this natural winter spectacle while prioritizing safety, staying informed through official weather updates, and coordinating with local tourism authorities to ensure their winter vacations and New Year celebrations remain both memorable and secure.