Travel Guide

Hunza Valley Weather Guide:
Best Time to Visit

Hunza Valley is situated in Gilgit-Baltistan of Pakistan and is one of the most beautiful and captured sites around the globe. Due to ethnic diversity, pleasant environment, an impressive view of different terrains including great mountains, Hunza has transformed to be a holidaymaker’s paradise particularly for those interested in natural sceneries and cultural tourists. Nevertheless, it is important in order to plan your travel optimally always to be aware of the weather conditions in the Hunza Valley and to decide on the most suitable period for visiting this place.

This article covers Hunza weather through all the main seasons, average temperatures and ideal times to go to one of Pakistan’s most valued assets.

Overview of Hunza Valley Weather

hunza valley weather
Due to its geographical condition of being situated at high altitude, Hunza Valley undergoes severe changes of weather all over the year. Hunza is located between the two ranges of the Karakoram, mountains and the climate in this region also changes with the season. Whether you like winter and the feeling of cold completely covered by glistening layers of snow or spring and colorful blooming meadows, Hunza valley has something interesting in any season.
Hunza Valley weather can be categorized into four main seasons:
Spring (March to May)
Summer (June to August)
Late summer; early fall (September through November).
Winter (December to February)

These three seasons are different from each other in their spirit and each is appropriate for visiting Hunza Valley depending on the type of activities you are interested in and the weather that is preferable.

Spring in Hunza Valley (March to May)

People generally consider it one of the most beautiful seasons of the year in Hunza Valley. As it is with majority of valleys, the place comes to life with development of flowers and enhanced vegetation cover as the winter is replaced by the summer. The climate at this time of the year is dry and warm, perfect for tourists’ activities such as; site seeing, nature walks, and cultural tours.

Hunza Valley temperature in spring is moderate with average day temperature varying between 10°C (50°F) to 20°C(68°F) and night temperature slightly above freezing point that is 0°C(32°F). The change of snow which covers many mountains in the valley melts during the course of the day to form water falls.
Spring is also the period of time for Hunza cherries, and the cherry blossom season happens in the middle of spring, that is, from late March to early April. In this particular season the beauty of pink and white blossom against the silver of the snow-clad peaks attracts tourists from far and near to Hunza.
Why Visit in Spring?
Fair weather and average temperatures
Best for; Nature lovers and photographers
Cherry blossom season can be described as enchanting.
Things to Do:
Enjoy the cherry blossoms
Trek to viewpoints of Rakaposhi and Ultar Sar
Explore Balti and Alit Fort both of which are important monuments of the history.

Summer in Hunza Valley (June to August)

Hunza Valley has more tourists’ attraction from June to August which is considered as the summer season.

It is all the more important to add that Summer is the best time to visit Hunza Valley and Hunza Valley is best for tourists. The climate of Hunza valley in July and August is hot and dry so it is suitable for adventure tour, hiking, exploring, and camping. Rich green grassing lands, blue watered lakes, and sunny blue skies make the environment alluring for tours to study the beauty of the valley.

The Hunza Valley has between 15°C (59°F) and 30°C (86°F) in summer most of the times; indeed, the summer is good for hiking as well as trekking. Yes, days can be hot, sometimes scorching: despite this though, evenings and nights can be chilly with temperatures that can drop down to 10° C or lower. All the famous roadways including the famous Karakoram Highway, linking Pakistan with China are fully operational during this season and tourists can plan for tourists’ destinations such as Khunjerab Pass, the world highest paved border crossing.

In case, you’re planning to visit Hunza Valley in July or August, let me remind you that it is the monsoon season for some parts of Pakistan. But usually, the Hunza Valley is very dry with little or no precipitation, which makes it a good place for spending summer holidays.

Why Visit in Summer?

hunza valley weather

They are popular in warm weather meaning they’re perfect for use during outdoor activities.
Fair weather provides good prospects of the Karakoram Range.
Most of these regions are best suited for adventurous people or those who like to go trekking.

Things to Do:
Passu Cones trek and Borith Lakeizzas.
Travel through the two ancient villages of Ganish and Karimabad.
Go hiking at the top of the Khunjerab Pass and watch wildlife including the Ibex and the snow leopard for example.

Autumn in Hunza Valley (September to November)

hunza valley weather

It is actually said that autumn season is one of the best seasons to visit Hunza Valley for the lovers of natural beauty. In this season the valley becomes spectacular since the foliage of trees turn to different hues of red, orange and yellow. Autumn is still quite warm, the intensity of tourists decreases after the summer, so the weather is perfect for traveling around.

The temperature in Hunza Valley during the autumn season is usually between 10°C (50°F)- 25°C (77°F) mid of the day, but becomes colder in the evening. The weather is perfect and there a great view of some of the nearby mountains, and the valley takes on a fairy tale like quality at this time.

It is also the time of the harvest when local farmers start to pick crops like apricots, apples and walnuts fertilization. Since the festive time relates to harvest, the guests can taste fresh local products and join the celebration.

Why Visit in Autumn?
Beautiful autumn colors and lots of visuals
Climate in the region is not very severe and there are not humongous numbers of visitors during this time.
It is the best time for photography and to be able to deeply understand the culture.
Things to Do:
Experience the striking autumn colors in the town of Karimabad and Duiker
Explore the historical fort in the ancient Hunza Valley
Try out apricots and cherries that are grown in the region freshly picked.

Winter in Hunza Valley (December to February)

hunza valley weather

Hunza in winter is something of an altogether different world altogether: mountains veiled in white, the lakes frozen, the air, icy cold. The best season of the valley is obviously winter for the skiing and snowboarding enthusiasts therefore, anyone desiring to see the beautiful place without the hustling bustling of tourists.

Hunza Valleys temperature during winter usually become very low, ranging of -10 degree Celsius in day time and 10 degrees Celsius in night time and below. Nevertheless, the valley is located in a freezing environment but this does not deter families and people from opening up their houses to visitors. This period is also good for absorbing the cultural flavor of the area as there are Winter festivals and Traditional cultural functions.

While the number of tourists is not as high during the winter as during the summer months, the tourists that visit during this season are rewarded with snowy views that allow for a look at Hunza that is seldom seen.

Why Visit in Winter?
Savor the terrific beauty of winter’s snowy scenery.
A great spot for winter sports fans.
Travel in a way that is not very crowded and has much less bustle.
Things to Do:
Ski or snowboard in the Karakoram Range
Visit the frozen Attabad Lake
Feel the multicultural welcome and feel the taste of winter celebrations.

Best Time to Visit Hunza Valley

Hunza Valley is one of the most beautiful places to travel to in the world and the best time to travel to this remarkable valley is either before June or after September. For those who enjoy the warmth with desire come out and walk take a hike, summer season runs from June up to August. It is a perfectly good time for adventures because all the tourist facilities in the valley are open and the valley itself is blossoming.

Hunza Valley could be best visited during the autumn which stretches from September to November though tourists may find it a little quieter compared to summer. Autumn provides the fall foliage and weather is still fine for outdoor activities thus making it suitable for a vacation.

For those who like snow and mountains, the best time to visit Hunza is during winter; from December to February, which is winter season in Hunza. Last of all, March to May is also favorable for tourists attending the cherry blossom season in the valley besides having moderate temperatures.

Conclusion

Temperature of Hunza Valley: It explained that Hunza Valley has quite a change in the temperature and it will go best for the tourists of all seasons. If you are interested in valleys of summer greenery, autumn colors, winter snow or spring flowers, Hunza will be unforgettable any time you come. Thus, appreciating the Hunza Valley weather and that marking time for the visit depending on your interests are key to a perfect magical tour in the region.

Pro Tip: But no matter when you go, be sure to dress for the chill because they even have summer nights! Packaging for a trip to Hunza Valley should also include a warm jacket, good shoes for walking and sun glasses.

Regardless in what capacities one wishes to visit Hunza Valley in order to enjoy spectacular views, cultural attractions, or adventure, this place will be of utmost interest to everyone.

 

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