Fall in Islamabad really brings a welcome break from the scorching summer. You’ll notice average daytime highs dropping from the low 30s °C in early September to the low 20s °C by late November. Nights cool off fast, sometimes dipping into single digits.
This shift makes autumn one of the best times to get outside and enjoy the city’s parks or hiking trails.
After the monsoon season, rainfall tapers off quickly, so you’ll see fewer wet days as the weeks go by. Early fall might still surprise you with a shower, but by November, dry weather usually wins out.
Clearer skies and shorter days create a crisp, almost refreshing vibe that feels nothing like the sticky, stormy summer.
With milder temperatures and less humidity, the air feels cleaner. A gentle breeze picks up as fall goes on, adding to that fresh feeling.
These changes affect daily life and can shape your travel plans. If you’re trying to compare seasons or wondering what to pack, knowing the fall weather details helps you get ready for your trip.
Overview of Fall Weather in Islamabad
Fall in Islamabad signals the end of the hot, humid stretch and the start of cooler, drier days. You’ll notice shorter daylight, less humidity, and a steady temperature drop. Rain becomes less common as the weeks pass.
Definition of the Fall Season
In Islamabad, fall usually runs from September through November. This stretch bridges the last of the monsoon rains and the approach of winter.
September still feels pretty warm, with daytime highs above 30°C (86°F). By November, highs settle closer to 22°C (71°F). Nights cool off even more, from about 23°C (74°F) in early September to around 7°C (44°F) by late November.
Daylight hours drop quickly. You lose almost three hours of sunlight between early September and late November. Sunrise comes later, and sunset creeps earlier, which can really change your outdoor plans.
Humidity falls fast too. Early fall can feel a bit muggy, but by late November, the air is much drier and way more comfortable for being outside.
General Climate Characteristics
Islamabad has a humid subtropical climate, and fall really shows off that shift between summer and winter. The city sits at about 1,900 feet (580 meters) above sea level, which helps keep things a bit cooler than in the lowlands.
After the summer monsoon, rainfall drops off sharply. In September, you might still get around 100 mm of rain, but by November, totals usually fall below 20 mm. Late fall often ends up as one of the driest times of year.
Winds stay light to moderate, averaging around 4–5 mph. Breezes usually come from the east, but the hills around the city can mix things up. In the evenings, you might notice a cooler breeze drifting in.
Less rain, lower humidity, and mild afternoons make fall a stable, predictable season—way less dramatic than summer or winter.
Typical Fall Weather Patterns
You’ll feel the cooling trend all season. Early September still clings to summer, with highs near 34°C (92°F). By late November, highs drop to about 22°C (71°F), and nights can get down to 7°C (44°F).
Cloud cover creeps up a bit as fall goes on. In early September, skies are mostly clear, but by November, you’ll see more overcast days—though still not as many as in winter.
Rain gets rare. The odds of a wet day drop from about a third in early September to under 10% by late November. When it does rain, it’s usually a quick, light shower—not a downpour.
Humidity falls off fast, moving from sticky in September to dry by late November. That makes it a lot nicer for outdoor plans, especially if you’re visiting.
So, Islamabad’s fall stands out with cooler nights, mild days, clearer skies, and little rain—some of the best weather you’ll get all year.
Average Temperatures During Fall
Autumn in Islamabad brings a steady drop in both daytime highs and nighttime lows. The season moves from lingering summer heat in September to much cooler days by late November. It’s one of the most noticeable transitions of the year.
Daytime and Nighttime Temperature Ranges
In early fall, you’ll see daytime highs around 92°F (33°C). By late November, those highs cool to about 71°F (22°C). September often feels like an extra month of summer, while late November offers mild, comfortable afternoons.
Nights change even more. Lows start near 74°F (23°C) in September but drop to about 44°F (7°C) by late November. That’s a 30°F swing, so evenings can feel surprisingly chilly after a hot day.
The gap between day and night temperatures grows as fall goes on. By November, you’ll want light layers for the day and something warmer after sunset. This range means you’ll need to plan ahead for outdoor activities.
Monthly Temperature Trends
Each fall month in Islamabad has its own temperature profile.
- September: Highs stick in the low 90s°F (32–34°C); nights stay warm and a bit humid.
- October: Daytime highs average in the low to mid-80s°F (28–29°C); nights cool off to the mid-50s°F (12–14°C).
- November: Highs land in the low 70s°F (21–23°C); nights can dip into the mid-40s°F (7–9°C).
This steady cooling means you’ll really feel the shift from late-summer heat to early-winter chill in just a few months. October usually feels the most balanced, with warm days and cool nights—a sweet spot for exploring outdoors.
Temperature Fluctuations and Extremes
Averages are helpful, but Islamabad’s weather does swing. In early September, highs can still touch 97°F (36°C), and by late November, lows might fall to 39°F (4°C). These extremes don’t last long, though.
October brings the sharpest cooling, with both days and nights dropping fast. The air turns from humid to crisp.
Compared to other seasons, fall rarely brings extreme heat or cold. Still, the big difference between mornings and afternoons can catch you off guard. Packing layers and checking the forecast will help you stay comfortable.
Rainfall and Precipitation Patterns
Rainfall in Islamabad drops off fast after the heavy summer monsoon months. You’ll get shorter showers, fewer rainy days, and lower humidity, but there’s still just enough rain to keep the air fresh and the city green.
Monthly Rainfall Amounts
Rainfall levels fall sharply after August. By September, Islamabad averages about 90–100 mm of rain—way less than the July peak of over 200 mm. In October, totals drop to around 40–50 mm.
November is the driest, often seeing just 15–35 mm. This month consistently ranks among the driest, so late fall is a great time for outdoor plans.
Totals can vary year to year, but the trend is clear. Once the monsoon leaves, showers become lighter and more scattered, not the heavy downpours you get in midsummer.
Frequency of Rainy Days
The number of rainy days drops with the rainfall. In September, you might get 6–8 days with measurable rain. By October, it’s down to about 3–4 days. November usually brings just 2–3 days of rain.
These numbers come from long-term local weather data. The pattern shows a steady move toward drier weather as fall goes on.
When rain does fall, it’s usually a short burst, not a long storm. That makes it easier to plan outdoor events or sightseeing.
Humidity Levels in Fall
Humidity shifts a lot during fall. September can still feel pretty humid, with average relative humidity around 65–70%. By October, humidity drops to about 55–60%, making things more comfortable.
November is usually the driest, with humidity averaging 50% or less. The drop in both rain and humidity makes the air feel lighter and clearer than in summer.
Travelers will notice the difference. Mornings feel crisp, afternoons are warm but not sticky, and evenings are cool and dry. These conditions make fall one of the best times to enjoy the outdoors in Islamabad.
Sunshine, Wind, and Visibility
During the fall months in Islamabad, you’ll notice shorter days, lighter winds, and clearer skies compared to the muggy monsoon season. These changes make it more comfortable to spend time outside, with steady daylight and generally good visibility.
Average Sunshine Hours
In September, you get about 12.3 hours of daylight each day, with sunshine lasting close to 8–9 hours. By November, daylight drops to around 10.5 hours, and sunshine averages about 7 hours daily.
The daylight decrease happens gradually, so you still have plenty of time for exploring. Skies are often clearer as monsoon clouds fade, letting in more direct sun.
The UV index drops compared to summer, so the risk of sunburn is lower by midday. Still, you should use basic sun protection, especially in September when UV levels stay moderate.
Here’s a quick look at daylight changes:
| Month | Daylight Hours | Sunshine Hours |
|---|---|---|
| September | 12.3 | 8–9 |
| October | 11.4 | 7–8 |
| November | 10.5 | 6–7 |
Wind Speed and Direction
Winds stay light to moderate in Islamabad during fall, averaging 6–10 km/h. You’ll feel the breeze most in the afternoons, while mornings and evenings tend to be calmer.
Wind direction shifts a bit as the season moves on. In September, breezes often come from the southeast, bringing leftover humidity. By October and November, winds turn more north or northwest, carrying in drier, cooler air.
These gentle winds help keep dust down and make it more pleasant to walk around town or hit the markets. It’s a nice change from spring, when gusty winds can be a hassle.
Visibility Conditions in Fall
Visibility improves steadily after monsoon season ends. In September, a bit of haze may linger, but by October and November, you’ll usually get 10 km or more of clear views.
The drier air in late autumn means less cloud cover, so you can see the Margalla Hills and the valleys around Islamabad much more clearly. It’s a great time for photography or just soaking in the scenery.
Morning fog can pop up in November, especially in low spots, but it usually burns off by mid-morning. Unlike winter, when fog can hang around, fall fog is light and clears up pretty fast.
Most travelers find visibility in fall reliable enough for road trips and outdoor adventures without much worry.
Travel Considerations for Fall Visitors
Fall in Islamabad brings cooler weather, less rain, and shorter days. You’ll want to plan your trip with these in mind—what to pack, when to go, and which activities work best.
Best Times to Visit Islamabad in Fall
Fall in Islamabad runs from September through November. Early September stays warm, with highs above 85°F (29°C), while late November cools to around 70°F (21°C) during the day and 44°F (7°C) at night.
Rain drops off fast. September might bring over 4 inches of rain, but by late November, it’s usually less than 1 inch. October and early November offer the best mix of mild temperatures and low humidity.
If you like longer days, aim for September when the sun sets after 6:30 PM. By late November, sunset is before 5:00 PM, so your sightseeing window is shorter.
Tip: For the nicest weather and fewer rainy days, visit between mid-October and mid-November.
Recommended Clothing and Packing Tips
In September, you’ll want light layers, but by November, you’ll probably reach for warmer clothes. Early in the season, a short-sleeve shirt and a light jacket usually do the trick.
Later on, you’ll feel more comfortable with a sweater or a medium-weight coat when evenings get chilly.
Don’t forget to pack comfortable walking shoes. A lot of the best spots mean you’ll be strolling through parks, markets, or sometimes up a hill or two.
If you’re planning to visit religious or cultural places, it’s smart to bring modest clothes that cover your arms and legs.
You probably won’t see much rain compared to summer, but a compact umbrella or a light rain jacket can still come in handy in September.
By the time November rolls around, dry weather usually means you can leave the rain gear at home.
Here’s a quick packing guide:
| Month | Daywear | Evening Wear | Extras |
|---|---|---|---|
| September | Light shirts | Light jacket | Umbrella |
| October | Long sleeves | Sweater/jacket | Comfortable shoes |
| November | Warm layers | Coat/sweater | Scarf, closed shoes |
Outdoor Activities and Attractions
Honestly, fall might be the best time to get outside in Islamabad. The air feels cooler, so hiking the Margalla Hills becomes a lot more pleasant.
Those trails open up to some pretty amazing views of the city.
Parks like Fatima Jinnah Park and Lake View Park work great for picnics or just hanging out with family.
If you’re into boating, Rawal Lake is especially nice in October when the weather is just right.
You’ll find cultural visits a lot easier in the fall. Wandering through markets like Jinnah Super or checking out Faisal Mosque doesn’t wear you out like it does in the summer heat.
Day trips? Absolutely. Places like Taxila’s archaeological ruins or Murree Hills stay easy to reach and actually feel pleasant in fall weather.
October’s clear skies make for some pretty good photo ops too.
Comparing Fall Weather to Other Seasons
Fall in Islamabad bridges the gap between the hot, sticky summer and the cold, dry winter.
You’ll notice the temperature, rain, and humidity all shifting, and it really gives the season its own vibe.
Differences from Summer and Winter
In summer, daily highs can hit 100°F (38°C), and the humidity just makes everything feel hotter.
Fall cools down steadily, dropping from the low 90s°F (33°C) in early September to the low 70s°F (22°C) by late November.
Nights start to cool off quickly too. Early fall evenings might stay in the mid-70s°F (24°C), but by late November, you’re looking at mid-40s°F (7°C).
Winter comes in with a sharper chill. January lows drop near 38°F (3°C), and daytime highs rarely go above the low 60s°F (16°C).
Fall days get shorter by over two hours, and by winter, you’ll notice some of the shortest daylight stretches all year.
Humidity makes a big difference. Summer feels muggy, with dew points above 70°F (21°C).
By fall, that muggy feeling disappears, and the air turns drier and way more comfortable.
Winter air dries out even more, so you’ll get those crisp mornings and cool evenings.
| Season | Avg High | Avg Low | Humidity | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | 95–100°F | 75°F | Very humid | Longest |
| Fall | 92→71°F | 74→44°F | Decreasing | Shortening |
| Winter | 62°F | 38°F | Dry | Shortest |
Seasonal Changes in Precipitation and Temperature
Rainfall in Islamabad usually follows a monsoonal pattern. In summer, July tends to bring the heaviest rains, with monthly averages topping 10 inches (250 mm).
By September, rainfall drops off pretty quickly. Through fall, the average 31‑day total shrinks from about 4 inches (100 mm) to less than 1 inch (25 mm) by November.
You’ll notice far fewer wet days as fall goes on. Early in the season, maybe one in three days brings measurable rain, but by late fall, your chances dip below 10%.
Winter turns into the driest period. November and December log the lowest rainfall totals of the year.
Temperature shifts play a big role too. Fall bridges that gap between the extreme heat of summer and the cold of winter.
You’ll see average highs drop by about 21°F and lows fall around 30°F through the season.
This gradual cooling makes fall one of the more comfortable times to get outside. It’s a nice break from the intense summer heat or those chilly winter days, isn’t it?