Fall in Skardu feels like a gentle shift from summer warmth to the crisp chill of early winter. You’ll usually see daytime temperatures between 14°C and 20°C in September and October, dropping to around 7°C by November. Clear skies and low rainfall create some of the year’s most comfortable days. The valleys light up with autumn colors, and the peaks stand out sharp against the dry, clear air.
Days get shorter than in summer, but early fall still brings about 8 hours of sunshine. As winter approaches, sunlight fades a bit. Because the climate stays dry, you won’t have to worry much about rain or snow getting in the way of your plans.
Mild temperatures, little rain, and steady daylight make fall a fantastic time to explore Skardu. If you’re trekking, snapping photos, or just taking in the calm, the weather usually plays along.
Overview of Fall Weather in Skardu
Skardu’s fall brings cooler days, crisp nights, and some of the driest weather you’ll get all year. Expect mild afternoons, barely any rain, and sunshine that makes sightseeing and traveling around pretty easy.
Typical Temperature Ranges
In September, daytime highs reach about 20°C (68°F), with nights cooling to 8–10°C (46–50°F). October sees highs closer to 14°C (57°F), and lows dip to 5°C (41°F).
You’ll probably find fall the most comfortable time to be outside. Summer’s heat is gone, but winter’s bite hasn’t arrived yet. Light layers work fine during the day, but you’ll want something warmer at night.
By November, things get colder fast. Highs hover near 7°C (44°F) and lows often slip below freezing. If you’re coming late in the season, pack for early winter.
Seasonal Weather Patterns
You’ll notice minimal rainfall in Skardu during fall. September averages about 15 mm (0.6 in) of rain, and October gets even less. November stays dry, just colder.
Skies often stay clear, so you get 7–8 hours of sunshine daily. That’s perfect for trekking or exploring valleys without worrying about rain.
Winds stay light and humidity stays low. With these conditions, visibility is usually excellent—great news if you’re into photography or just want those mountain views.
Daytime Versus Nighttime Conditions
Early fall days feel mild and pleasant, with comfortable warmth under the sun. Hiking and walking don’t feel as exhausting as they do in the heat of summer.
But nights? They cool off quickly. By October, evenings can get chilly even if the day was nice. In November, frost shows up, and you might wake up to ice.
Because the difference between day and night is so noticeable, pack layered clothing. A light jacket is fine for day, but you’ll need heavier coats, gloves, and scarves after sunset, especially later in the season.
Monthly Breakdown: September to November
As fall rolls on in Skardu, temperatures drop, skies clear up, and the air dries out. Daylight hours shrink, and what starts as a mild season in early autumn feels pretty close to winter by late November.
September Weather Highlights
September feels just about perfect. Highs usually land between 18–20°C (64–68°F), and nights cool to 7–9°C (45–48°F). The air is crisp, but not cold, so you can stay outside for hours.
Rainfall barely makes an appearance, averaging 15 mm (0.6 in). You’ll see mostly clear skies and about 8 hours of sunshine daily. Winds don’t pick up much, so the valleys stay calm.
Expect 11.9 to 12.4 hours of daylight—plenty for trekking, sightseeing, or boating on the lakes. September also kicks off the autumn colors, with orchards and hillsides turning vibrant, and you won’t see big crowds.
October Weather Trends
October brings a sharper chill. Highs hover around 13–14°C (55–57°F), and lows drop to 3–5°C (37–41°F). Mornings and evenings feel cooler, so layering becomes a must.
Rain stays low at about 14 mm (0.55 in). Sunshine sticks around for 7–8 hours a day, but daylight slips to about 11.3 hours. The air feels crisp and dry.
The weather stays steady, so outdoor travel is pretty reliable. Fields turn gold, trees show off their colors, and you’ll want to prep for colder nights, especially if you’re camping or up high.
November Weather Changes
November means early winter is here. Daytime highs only reach 6–7°C (43–45°F), and nighttime lows often fall below freezing, around -2 to 0°C (28–32°F). Frost is common in the mornings, and snow sometimes shows up in the upper valleys.
Rain and snow together add up to 20–25 mm (0.8–1 in), but storms don’t last long. Sunshine drops to 6 hours daily, and daylight shrinks to about 10.3 hours by the end of the month.
You’ll notice things feel quieter as visitors thin out in the cold. If you’re visiting, bring warm clothing, gloves, and insulated footwear. Roads usually stay open, but mountain passes can get icy or snowy.
Precipitation and Humidity in Fall
In Skardu, rainfall drops off after the summer monsoon, and humidity changes as cooler air takes over. You’ll see less rain, but early autumn can still feel a bit moist.
Average Rainfall by Month
Compared to summer, fall brings modest rain. September sometimes gets leftover monsoon showers, averaging 70–90 mm. October drops to 40–60 mm, and November falls again, averaging 30–55 mm.
Rain comes in short bursts, not long storms. Late November can bring snow at higher elevations, though in town you’ll mostly see light rain or drizzle.
Rainy days go down as well. September might see 4–6 wet days, while November drops to 2–3 days. That means clearer skies and steadier conditions for travel.
| Month | Avg. Rainfall (mm) | Rainy Days |
|---|---|---|
| September | 70–90 | 4–6 |
| October | 40–60 | 3–4 |
| November | 30–55 | 2–3 |
Humidity Levels During Fall
Humidity shifts as fall goes on. In September, relative humidity usually sits between 55–65% and can feel a bit damp in the morning. By October, it drops to about 45–55%, making the air drier and more comfortable.
November brings humidity down to 40–50%, especially when the sun’s out. Nights can feel a touch more humid since cool air traps moisture near the ground.
You probably won’t feel sticky or uncomfortable—just crisp, fresh air, especially late in the season. With low rain and moderate humidity, fall is great for being outside.
Sunshine Hours and Daylight Duration
As fall moves in, Skardu’s sunshine and daylight hours start to slip away. You’ll get less sunlight and shorter days, which does affect your plans for outdoor fun.
Average Daily Sunshine
September gives you about 347 hours of sunshine for the month, so nearly 11.5 hours per day. That’s plenty for long treks and exploring.
October sees sunshine drop to about 323 hours, or 10.5 hours per day. The sun sits lower, and shadows stretch out sooner in the afternoon.
By November, you’re down to around 260 hours for the month, so just over 8.5 hours per day. Cloud cover picks up a bit, and sunlight feels weaker, especially in valleys where mountains block the light early.
So, early fall feels bright and long, but late fall means you’ll need to plan your days to make the most of the light.
Length of Daylight
Daylight drops off steadily. In September, you’ll get about 12 hours 21 minutes of daylight—almost an even split.
October brings it down to about 11 hours 15 minutes. Evenings come earlier, and mornings take longer to brighten up. If you’re planning early hikes or drives, you’ll notice.
By November, daylight averages only 10 hours 17 minutes. The sun rises later and sets earlier, leaving you with longer nights and less time to be outside without artificial light.
These daylight changes are predictable, so you can plan your schedule without surprises.
Wind and Atmospheric Conditions
Skardu’s fall weather brings calm, shifting winds and stable air. Most days, visibility stays good, but the mountains and some seasonal moisture can play tricks on clarity now and then.
Prevailing Wind Patterns
Winds stay light to moderate in autumn. Most days, they blow at 5–12 km/h, which feels gentle compared to summer gusts.
The shape of the valleys really affects how the wind moves. Breezes can pick up in open stretches, while sheltered spots stay still.
Winds often change direction from day to night. During the day, upslope winds carry air uphill, and at night, cooler downslope winds slide back into the valley. This back-and-forth stands out most in September and October.
Keep in mind, sudden gusts can pop up near rivers and lakes. These local variations are common in the mountains and might affect trekking or boating.
Air Quality and Visibility
Air in Skardu during fall feels clean and crisp. With high elevation and little industry, you won’t run into much pollution. The air really does feel fresher than in most cities.
You can usually see distant peaks for kilometers on clear days. The Karakoram range looks especially sharp.
After rain or early snow, visibility can drop for a bit. Fog doesn’t show up much, but during cool nights in late October and November, it sometimes forms in low areas.
Dust isn’t a big deal in fall. Unpaved roads might kick up a little haze, but overall, you’ll get reliable visibility for travel and exploring.
Travel Tips for Visiting Skardu in Fall
Fall in Skardu means cool days, cold nights, and quick changes in weather. You’ll want to be ready for anything while making the most of the clear skies, colorful scenery, and fewer tourists.
Recommended Clothing and Gear
Daytime highs usually sit around 15–20°C, but nights can get close to freezing. Pack layers so you can adjust easily. A light shirt or sweater works during sunny afternoons, but you’ll need a warm jacket when the sun drops.
Bring insulated outerwear, wool socks, and thermal underlayers for the evenings. Gloves and a hat help, since wind can make it feel colder. Choose sturdy, waterproof shoes—trails are often damp in the mornings.
A small daypack is handy for carrying water, snacks, and extra layers. Sunglasses and sunscreen are still important because the sun’s strong at high altitudes. If you’re into photography, keep a lens cloth ready—dust and mist can surprise you.
Best Activities for Fall Weather
Fall really offers some of the best days for hiking and sightseeing, mostly because the skies stay pretty clear. You can head out to Shigar Valley, Khaplu, or just take shorter walks near Satpara Lake—and you won’t have to deal with those heavy summer crowds.
The golden poplar trees catch the light, and the crisp air makes every route feel extra scenic. It’s a bit magical, honestly.
Photographers get a treat in this season, since the light is softer and there’s barely any haze. If you’re into culture, you’ll find it much easier to wander around local forts and villages when the weather’s mild.
Camping works too, but you’ll want solid cold-weather gear—nights can get close to 0°C. Road trips out to Deosai Plains usually remain open in early fall, though it’s smart to check the conditions first.
This is also the time when stargazing just gets better, since the nights are longer and the skies clear up.