Peshawar has a hot, dry climate with very hot summers and short, cool winters. Daytime highs run from about 18 degrees in January to nearly 39 in June on climate averages, and real afternoons in May to July often go well above that. The comfortable months for walking the old city are roughly mid-October to mid-March, with late October and November the easiest.
The table below gives typical figures by month, followed by what each season feels like on the ground. It is a weather guide; for the wider question of when to plan a trip, see our best time to visit Peshawar.
| At a glance | |
|---|---|
| Elevation | About 330 metres |
| Hottest month | June (record high about 48 degrees) |
| Coldest month | January (record low about minus 4, in 1970) |
| Wettest month | March on average; August also wet |
| Annual rainfall | About 400 mm |
| Most comfortable | Mid-October to mid-March |
Peshawar temperature and rainfall by month
These are long-term averages from a climate dataset. Individual years vary, and the average maximum understates heatwave afternoons: another source gives summer mean maximums above 40 degrees, so read the summer highs below as the mild end.
| Month | Average low | Average high | Rain |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 5 | 18 | 30 mm |
| February | 8 | 20 | 45 mm |
| March | 12 | 25 | 75 mm |
| April | 17 | 30 | 50 mm |
| May | 22 | 36 | 25 mm |
| June | 26 | 39 | 8 mm |
| July | 27 | 37 | 45 mm |
| August | 26 | 35 | 70 mm |
| September | 24 | 34 | 22 mm |
| October | 17 | 31 | 11 mm |
| November | 11 | 24 | 13 mm |
| December | 6 | 20 | 25 mm |
Temperatures are in degrees Celsius.
Winter: December to February
Days are mild and often sunny, with highs of 18 to 20 degrees, but nights fall to 5 to 8 degrees and fog is common from November to February. Rain is light, with February a bit wetter. Frost is possible on the coldest nights.
This is the season for the food the city is known for: heavy, hot dishes at breakfast and dinner suit the weather. Bring a proper jacket for evenings and for early starts.
Spring: March to April
March is the wettest month on average, with western weather systems bringing showers from February to April. Highs rise from 25 to 30 degrees. It is a good time for the old city and the parks, with the caveat that an unsettled day can mean wet lanes and slow travel.
Summer: May to September
May and June are the fierce months. Averages of 36 to 39 degrees hide afternoons that can reach the mid-40s, and the all-time record is about 48 degrees, set in June. From July the humid monsoon influence arrives: rain is patchy but can be heavy, and July and August are wetter than June even though they are slightly cooler.
If you must visit in summer, do your walking before 10 in the morning and after the heat drops in the evening, keep water with you, and plan indoor stops such as the museum in the middle of the day. Our Peshawar Museum guide is a good midday option.
Autumn: October to November
October is the reliable month: about 17 to 31 degrees and among the driest of the year. November cools quickly, with highs around 24 degrees, and by the end of the month you want a light jacket for the mornings and evenings. This is the best stretch for a first visit.
Air quality and dust
Weather is not the only factor in how a day in Peshawar feels. The city was ranked among the world's most polluted in the 2024 World Air Quality Report, and pollution tends to be worst in the cooler, still months up to about February. If anyone in your group has asthma or a chest condition, it is worth checking a live air-quality reading before a long walk through the lanes.
Should the weather decide your trip?
For most people, yes, more than for other cities in the country. A June afternoon in the old city is hard work, and a rainy March day can spoil a walking plan. Aim for late October to early December, or February to mid-March if you accept some rain.
Weather is not the only limit on a Peshawar trip. Check local news and current police advice before travelling, and keep to daylight and busy central areas; our Peshawar safety guide explains the current picture, including that the UK government advises against all travel to the city. For planning across the country, see when to go, or browse our experiences.
Frequently asked questions
What is the hottest month in Peshawar?
June, with average highs of about 39 degrees and afternoons that can reach the mid-40s. The record high is about 48 degrees.
What is the coldest month in Peshawar?
January, with highs around 18 degrees and lows around 5. Fog is common in winter, and the record low is about minus 4.
Does it snow in Peshawar?
We found no record of regular snowfall in the city. Winter here means cool days, cold nights, fog and the occasional frost; snow is a hills matter.
When does it rain in Peshawar?
Rainfall is about 400 mm a year. March is the wettest month on average, with August also wet from the monsoon, and October and November are the driest.
What is the best month to visit Peshawar?
Late October and November, followed by February and early March. They avoid both the summer heat and most of the rain.
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