Winter, from December to February, is one of the two good seasons to travel around Punjab, and for the south of the province it is the only comfortable one. The best places to visit in Punjab in winter are Cholistan and the Multan-Bahawalpur belt, too hot to enjoy for most of the year and pleasant by day in winter, while central and northern Punjab spend the same months under fog and smog. Picking the right part of the province matters more than the month.
This covers where winter actually suits: the desert and south Punjab, the Salt Range, and the one big event of the season, plus where to avoid if fog and haze bother you.
| At a glance | |
|---|---|
| Season | December to February |
| Best for warmth | Bahawalpur, Multan and Cholistan, daytime highs around 20 to 24°C |
| Best for scenery | The Salt Range: Kallar Kahar, Katas Raj, Khewra |
| Worst for haze | Lahore and central Punjab, affected by fog and smog through December and January |
| Main event | Cholistan Desert Jeep Rally, usually held in February |
| Nights | Cold everywhere; single figures Celsius in the desert, colder in the Salt Range |
Why winter suits the south of Punjab
Bahawalpur and Multan sit in a zone that is genuinely difficult to visit in summer, with daytime temperatures regularly above 40°C from April to September. In winter the same cities see highs around 20 to 24°C by day, with cooler nights down to single figures, which is the main reason travellers head south specifically in this season. This is also the season the Cholistan desert is actually walkable and driveable in daylight without serious heat risk.
Cholistan and the desert forts
Cholistan is at its best from November to February, when the desert heat has broken and the days are mild. The main draws are the chain of forts, most famously Derawar, and the desert landscape itself, best seen on an organised jeep trip rather than a self-drive unless your vehicle and driver are experienced on sand tracks. Nights in the open desert get cold, so pack accordingly even though the days feel like a mild Punjab autumn.
South Punjab's cities: Bahawalpur and Multan
Both cities are comfortable for walking and sightseeing in winter, unlike in the hotter months. Bahawalpur's Noor Mahal and other Nawab-era buildings, and Multan's shrines and old city, are all better visited on a cool winter morning than in the heat of May or June. See our guides to places to visit in Bahawalpur and places to visit in Punjab, Pakistan for the wider list of sites.
The Salt Range: cooler, and worth the layer
The Salt Range around Kallar Kahar, Chakwal and the Khewra Salt Mine sits at a higher, cooler elevation than the plains, so winter days are mild rather than warm and nights can be genuinely cold. It suits travellers who want scenery and a change of temperature rather than desert heat. Kallar Kahar lake, the Katas Raj temple complex and Khewra Salt Mine (which keeps a fairly constant temperature underground regardless of the season) are the three main stops. Our Salt Range road trip guide covers the route in more detail.
What to avoid in winter: fog and smog in the north
Lahore and much of central and northern Punjab are affected by dense fog and, increasingly, smog through December and January, which can delay flights, slow motorway traffic and make the air quality genuinely unpleasant, especially for children, older travellers or anyone with a respiratory condition. If your dates are flexible, this is a reason to weight a winter trip towards the south of the province or the Salt Range rather than Lahore itself, or to keep a Lahore visit brief and time it for a clear day.
Cholistan Desert Jeep Rally
The Cholistan Desert Jeep Rally is the province's best-known winter event, run by the Tourism Department of Punjab out of Bahawalpur, Bahawalnagar and Rahim Yar Khan districts. In 2026 it ran from 11 to 15 February, but the exact dates move from year to year, so check the current schedule on the Punjab tourism department's site before planning a trip around it. It draws large crowds and fills hotels in Bahawalpur, so book well ahead if you want to attend.
Who winter in Punjab suits
Winter suits travellers heading to the desert, the south, or the Salt Range, and anyone who prefers cooler daytime temperatures for walking around forts and old cities. It suits families less well if fog delays are a concern for flights through Lahore, and it is not the season for northern Punjab's hill stations, which are better in spring, summer or the cooler edges of autumn instead. For a broader look at timing across the province, see our guide to the best hill stations in Punjab for the seasons that suit those separately.
Frequently asked questions
Is winter a good time to visit Cholistan desert?
Yes, it is the best season. Daytime temperatures are mild rather than dangerously hot, though nights are cold, so pack warm layers even for a desert trip.
Does fog affect travel in Punjab in winter?
Yes, particularly in central and northern Punjab, including Lahore and the motorway corridor, from December into January. It can delay flights and slow road journeys.
When is the Cholistan Desert Jeep Rally held?
Usually in February, though the exact dates change each year. The 2026 rally ran from 11 to 15 February; check the Punjab tourism department's site for the current year's schedule.
Is south Punjab too cold to visit in winter?
No. Bahawalpur and Multan typically see daytime highs of 20 to 24°C in December and January, comfortable for sightseeing, with cooler nights.
Is the Salt Range colder than south Punjab in winter?
Yes. Its higher elevation makes days milder and nights colder than the plains around Bahawalpur and Multan, so pack an extra layer if you are visiting Kallar Kahar or Khewra.
