What to wear for winter across Pakistan: a layering guide

Winter in Pakistan is not one climate. The plains are cool and foggy, Quetta is freezing at night, and the northern hills are well below zero. The right outfit depends on where you are.

How to layer

Three layers handle almost every winter day. A base layer sits against the skin, such as a cotton or thermal top. A middle layer traps warmth, and this is where a knit sweater or cardigan works best. An outer layer, such as a coat, blocks wind. You can take a layer off when you walk indoors, which is the point of layering.

The plains: Lahore, Faisalabad, Multan, Karachi

Winter days are mild and nights are cool. Lahore, Faisalabad and Multan have cold mornings with fog in December and January, and nights can drop to roughly 5 to 8 degrees Celsius. Karachi stays milder, usually the mildest of these cities. A knit cardigan or sweater is often enough in the day, and a light coat helps for evenings and early mornings.

Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Peshawar

These cities sit higher or closer to the hills and feel colder, especially at night in January, when lows are often around 2 to 4 degrees Celsius and can be lower. A sweater under a coat is a good everyday combination here.

Quetta and the high plateau

Quetta has hard winters. Nights regularly fall below freezing, and winds make it feel colder. Plan on a warm sweater under a thick coat, with a scarf and gloves.

The northern hills: Murree, Nathia Gali, Naran, Hunza, Skardu

It is below freezing through much of winter, and at times well below, in Skardu and the higher valleys. If you are travelling north, wear a base layer, a knit sweater and a heavy coat together, and bring a hat and gloves. Faux-fur collars and cuffs keep the wind off your neck and wrists.

A note about the numbers

The temperatures above are typical winter lows, given as a rough guide. Weather changes from year to year, so check the forecast before you travel.

Choosing a piece

Browse our cardigans, sweaters and coats. If you are not sure which suits where you live or where you are travelling, tell us the city and we will help. WhatsApp or Instagram @vel_nor7.

Updated 2026-10-07.