Spending Christmas in Karachi feels nothing like the classic winter scenes you might imagine. Instead of snow or icy winds, you’ll get mild days and cool, comfortable nights—perfect for being outside. Daytime temperatures hover around 27–28°C, and nights usually dip to about 14–16°C, with almost no rain in sight.
This warmth and dryness make Karachi a breeze to explore during the holidays. Skies stay clear and sunny, so you can stroll along the coast, hit up the markets, or gather with family—no need to bundle up or worry about rain.
Steady breezes drift in from the Arabian Sea, and December rarely brings any wild weather swings. Karachi feels calm and welcoming for holiday travelers.
Typical Weather Conditions Around Christmas in Karachi
Late December in Karachi brings warm days, cooler nights, and barely any rain. The tropical desert climate keeps things dry, while steady sunshine and light winds make outdoor plans easy.
Average Temperatures in December
Expect daytime highs around 26–28°C (78–82°F). Nights get cooler, usually settling at 15–17°C (59–63°F)—a nice break from the city’s hotter months.
December feels like one of the best times to visit. You won’t need heavy layers, but a light sweater or jacket at night? Yeah, that’s smart if you’re out late.
Temperature extremes don’t happen often. Lows rarely fall below 14°C (57°F), and highs almost never break 29°C (84°F). Karachi’s spot on the Arabian Sea helps keep things moderate.
Humidity and Wind Patterns
Relative humidity sits around 50–60% in December. It’s lower than the sticky monsoon season, so the air feels more pleasant.
Rain barely makes an appearance—just 1–2 mm for the whole month. You can count on dry days, and showers almost never mess up outdoor plans.
Winds stay light, averaging 1–2 m/s. Some days feel calm, while others get a slightly stronger sea breeze that cools off the afternoons.
Sunshine Hours and Daylight
December brings long stretches of clear skies. Karachi racks up about 270 hours of sunshine for the month, which means you’ll see 8–9 hours of bright sun daily.
Daylight lasts about 10.5 hours. Sunrise usually comes around 7:00 a.m., and sunset hits close to 5:30 p.m. That gives you plenty of daylight to explore or relax outside.
Clouds rarely stick around, and sunny days are the norm. Dry air and all that sunshine make Christmas one of the brightest, most reliable times for outdoor fun in Karachi.
Rainfall and Precipitation in December
December in Karachi is almost bone-dry. You can expect clear skies and steady weather, so outdoor plans are easy to make.
Frequency of Rain Events
Rain in December? It’s rare. Karachi usually gets only 1 wet day all month. A wet day means at least 1 mm of rain, and the odds stay at a tiny 1–2%.
This means rain almost never ruins your plans. Unlike the monsoon, which brings showers several times a week, December is pretty much dry.
If rain shows up, it’s usually a quick, light shower. The sun comes back out fast. Most travelers skip rain gear in December.
Rainfall Amounts Compared to Other Months
Total rainfall for December averages just 2–5 mm. For context, July and August can dump 80–100 mm or more during the monsoon.
December really stands out as the dry season. Summertime might have you reaching for umbrellas, but in December, you’ll rarely need more than light clothes.
Humidity stays lower, so the air feels nice. With hardly any rain, you don’t have to worry about flooding or muddy streets—problems that crop up in the wet season.
Influence of the Arabian Sea on Karachi’s Winter Weather
The Arabian Sea shapes Karachi’s winter in subtle but important ways. The sea keeps temperatures from dropping too much and brings steady breezes that nudge up humidity.
Moderating Effects on Temperature
Karachi sits in a tropical desert climate, but winters feel milder than inland Sindh. The Arabian Sea acts as a thermal buffer, holding onto heat from summer and releasing it slowly in winter.
So in December, you’ll see average highs near 26–28 °C, and nighttime lows around 12–14 °C. Without the sea, nights would probably get much colder.
You don’t get the wild cold swings you’d find in a true desert. Evenings stay comfortable, and mornings feel cool but not harsh. For visitors, this means you can skip the heavy winter coats.
Sea Breezes and Humidity
The Arabian Sea sends onshore breezes that carry a bit of moisture. In winter, these breezes are softer than in summer, but they still keep humidity up compared to inland cities.
Average December humidity sits at 48–50%—not bad for a coastal desert. Mornings might feel a touch damp, but afternoons dry out as the breeze picks up.
These breezes help clear dust and make the air feel fresher. They also make temperatures feel a little milder than what the thermometer says. For travelers, this means Karachi’s winter feels softer and more stable than the dry chill you’d get inland.
Climate Patterns and Historical Trends
December in Karachi usually brings mild, dry weather thanks to its subtropical desert climate. Nights cool off, rainfall stays low, and humidity drops compared to the sticky summer monsoon.
Long-Term Weather Records for December
Looking back, December stands out as one of Karachi’s cooler months. Daytime highs average about 28°C (82°F), while nighttime lows dip to 14°C (57°F). The mean temperature hovers near 21°C (70°F).
Rainfall barely registers, with just 10 mm for the month. Most years, skies remain clear, and you’ll rarely see any long-lasting rain. Humidity sits around 48%, which feels a lot drier than the summer. Winds usually blow at about 15 km/h, and visibility stays good at around 6 km.
These patterns repeat year after year. There might be small changes, but December’s climate is pretty steady. That makes planning outdoor activities or travel during Christmas a lot easier.
Unusual Weather Events During Christmas
December is almost always dry, but odd things happen now and then. Some years, a light shower might pop up around Christmas, though it rarely adds up to much. These are flukes, not the norm.
Occasionally, nights get colder than you’d expect, dropping close to 10°C (50°F). It’s not extreme, but it might catch you off guard if you’re used to warmer weather.
Sometimes, strong winds sweep in along the coast. Most of the time, winds are gentle, but gusts can pick up and change your evening plans near the sea.
Unusual weather in December doesn’t stick around. You’re unlikely to see heavy rain or bitter cold, but packing for cool nights and the odd breeze is a good idea.
Comparison with Other Seasons in Karachi
Karachi’s tropical desert climate brings sharp contrasts between its dry winter and the short, humid monsoon. December feels cooler and drier than the sticky, hot middle of the year.
Winter Versus Monsoon Period
In winter, especially at Christmas, you’ll get mild temperatures—average highs near 78°F (25°C) and lows around 56°F (13°C). The air feels dry, skies are clear, and rain is rare. Humidity stays low, so being outdoors is comfortable.
Come monsoon season (July to early September), things flip. Highs reach 90°F (32°C), and the humidity climbs, making it feel heavy and close. Rain peaks in July and August, with monthly totals up to 1.3 inches (33 mm). Showers are short but intense, and flooding can hit low areas.
The difference is clear: winter means cool evenings and steady breezes, while the monsoon brings sticky air, more clouds, and sudden downpours.
Temperature and Rainfall Differences
Around Christmas, the temperature range is tighter and cooler than the long, hot season. From April to June, highs push up to 93–94°F (34°C), and nights stay warm at 81–84°F (27–29°C). But in December, nights can drop below 60°F (16°C).
Rainfall tells the same story. Winter is Karachi’s rainless period, stretching from September to June, with monthly rainfall at just 0.0–0.2 inches. The monsoon months, though, bring nearly all the year’s rain.
| Season | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainfall (monthly) |
|---|---|---|---|
| December | 78°F | 56°F | 0.1–0.2″ |
| June–August | 88–94°F | 81–84°F | 1.0–1.3″ |
So, you’ll get dry, cool winters and humid, rainy summers—even if Karachi stays pretty warm all year.
Tips for Travelers Visiting Karachi at Christmas
Expect warm days, cooler nights, and mostly dry skies if you’re in Karachi for Christmas. Light clothes are perfect for daytime, but bring an extra layer for the evenings. The pleasant weather makes sightseeing and coastal trips a lot more fun.
Recommended Clothing and Packing Advice
Daytime highs usually hit 28°C, while nights can fall to 16°C. Pack light, breathable clothes for the day and a light jacket or sweater for after dark.
Cotton shirts, dresses, and trousers keep you comfortable in the dry air. Sandals or light sneakers are good for getting around. A thin scarf or shawl comes in handy for breezy evenings or if you’re visiting religious or cultural spots.
You can skip rain gear—December is dry. Instead, bring sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat to handle all the sunshine. A small backpack works well for water and essentials on day trips.
If you plan to visit indoor places with strong air conditioning, keep a light outer layer handy. It helps you stay comfortable when moving between warm outdoor air and chilly indoor spaces.
Popular Outdoor Activities in December
December’s mild weather makes exploring Karachi way more comfortable than those scorching summer months. You can just wander along Clifton Beach or drop by Quaid-e-Azam’s Mausoleum without sweating buckets.
Open-air markets feel much more inviting, too, since you don’t have to worry about the heat or sticky humidity. Parks like Bagh Ibne Qasim work great for a picnic or just a slow stroll.
Cooler evenings? Perfect for grabbing some street food around Burns Road and soaking up the vibe. People love boat rides and harbor tours this time of year, since the sea usually stays calm.
If you’re into history, it’s way easier to tour outdoor spots like Mohatta Palace with the temperature down. December also brings cultural events and festive gatherings, so you actually get to experience local traditions while the weather’s nice.