Winter in Karachi feels pretty mild compared to a lot of other places. Daytime temperatures usually hover comfortably in the upper 60s to upper 70s Fahrenheit (about 20–26°C).
At night, things cool off, but it’s rare for temperatures to drop below the low 50s Fahrenheit (around 10–12°C). You probably won’t need heavy layers for most evenings.
What you’ll notice most is just how dry the air gets. Rain is rare during winter, and the skies stay clear most days, so there’s plenty of sunshine to go around.
The calm weather makes it easy to spend time outside. Whether you’re wandering the city or just hanging out by the coast, winter is a great time to be outdoors.
If you’re curious about how winter affects daily life here, it helps to check out patterns in temperature, rainfall, cloud cover, and daylight. Each of these shapes how you plan your day, from early walks to evening strolls along the Arabian Sea.
Overview of Karachi’s Winter Climate
Winter in Karachi, Pakistan brings mild temperatures and not much rain. You’ll notice a shift in wind and humidity compared to the rest of the year.
The season stays dry and steady, with cooler nights and warm, comfortable days thanks to the city’s spot by the sea.
Geographical Influences on Weather
Karachi sits right along the Arabian Sea in southern Pakistan, and that really shapes its winter weather. The sea keeps daytime highs pretty steady, usually between 73°F and 81°F (23°C–27°C).
At night, temperatures drop to about 55°F–59°F (13°C–15°C). This coastal influence keeps things from getting too cold, unlike what you’d find inland.
Since Karachi is in a desert zone, rain almost never happens. In winter, there’s only about a 1% chance per day of measurable rain, and the monthly average is less than 0.2 inches.
Cloud cover is low too, only about 17% of the time. So you get long stretches of dry, sunny weather.
Winds shift as winter goes on. From December to mid-January, they blow mostly from the north, then swing westward through February.
Average wind speeds are about 7–9 mph, just enough to add a bit of chill to the evenings. The Arabian Sea’s surface water cools down a bit too, from 78°F to 74°F, which helps keep the air mild.
Comparison to Other Seasons
When you look at winter versus Karachi’s summer, the difference jumps out. In June, daily highs can hit 94°F (34°C), while winter highs rarely go over 81°F (27°C).
January nights can drop near 49°F (9°C), making it the coldest time of year for the city.
Humidity also changes a lot by season. In winter, only about 9–14% of days feel humid, which is a relief. In July and August, though, humidity can reach 100%, making the heat feel much worse.
Rainfall patterns really show the contrast. Winter barely brings any rain, but during the monsoon in July and August, Karachi gets almost all of its annual 145 mm (5.7 inches) of rain.
That’s why winter feels so much more stable and predictable compared to the sticky, rainy monsoon or the scorching pre-monsoon summer.
Typical Winter Temperatures in Karachi
Winter in Karachi means mild days and cooler nights, thanks to dry winds from the continent and the city’s spot along the Arabian Sea.
You’ll get warm afternoons, some chilly evenings, and the occasional cold snap that feels unusual for Karachi’s usual heat.
Average High and Low Temperatures
In winter, Karachi’s daytime highs usually land between 24°C and 27°C (75°F–81°F). That’s pretty comfortable, especially if you’ve dealt with the city’s summers.
At night, temperatures often drop to 10°C–15°C (50°F–59°F). Away from the coast, nights can feel even cooler because of the dry winds.
Here’s a quick summary of typical averages:
| Month | Avg High °C (°F) | Avg Low °C (°F) |
|---|---|---|
| Dec | 26 (79) | 13 (55) |
| Jan | 25 (77) | 11 (52) |
| Feb | 27 (81) | 15 (59) |
Humidity stays low, so the air feels crisp, not muggy. Outdoor activities during the day are a pleasure in this climate.
Coldest and Warmest Winter Days
January is usually Karachi’s coldest month. At night, temperatures sometimes slip below 10°C (50°F), and on rare occasions, records show lows near 0°C (32°F).
These cold snaps happen when winds from the north, called “Quetta waves,” sweep in.
On the flip side, winter can surprise you with warm days. The highest January temperature ever hit about 33°C (91°F), and February has seen spikes near 36°C (97°F).
These hot spells don’t last long, but they’re a reminder that Karachi’s climate mixes desert and coastal influences. It’s smart to be ready for both a mild chill and the occasional warm day.
Hourly Temperature Patterns
Karachi’s winter mornings start out cool, usually around 12°C–15°C (54°F–59°F). By late morning, the sun gets to work, and midday highs reach the mid-20s Celsius.
Afternoons stay steady and comfortable until sunset. Once the sun goes down, temperatures settle back into the teens, so nights feel noticeably cooler.
This daily swing is pretty reliable because of the clear skies and dry air. The sharpest temperature drops come after midnight, especially when the wind’s out of the northeast.
With little cloud cover, heat escapes fast, giving you those crisp nights that really contrast the warm afternoons.
Precipitation Patterns During Winter
Winter in Karachi, Pakistan comes with very little rain and lots of dry weather. You’ll probably only see the occasional light shower, and it almost never interrupts daily life.
Rainfall Frequency and Amounts
Rainfall in Karachi during winter is pretty scarce. From December to February, the city averages less than 10–15 mm of rain per month, and you can go weeks without any measurable precipitation.
January usually brings the least rain, with just a few isolated showers. February sometimes sees a little more, but even then, rain is light and doesn’t last long.
Winter showers in Karachi usually come from passing western disturbances. These systems are weak and don’t stick around, so you almost never see long wet spells.
If you’re planning a trip, outdoor activities are rarely canceled by rain. Locals don’t have to worry about flooding or puddles during winter.
Probability of Wet Days
The odds of a wet day in winter are very low. In Karachi, most days from December to February are totally dry, with a less than 5–10% chance of measurable rain on any given day.
When showers do happen, they’re usually brief and over within a few hours. You’re way more likely to see clear skies than clouds or drizzle.
This makes winter a great time for outdoor events, since there’s little risk of rain messing up your plans.
Even on the rare rainy day, the showers don’t last long, and the city dries out quickly.
Cloud Cover and Sunshine Hours
Karachi’s winter skies are milder than the thick, hazy ones you get in summer. You’ll see fewer rainy days, but cloud cover and sunshine can change week to week, which affects how bright or overcast the city feels.
Average Cloudiness Levels
Winter brings moderate cloud cover to Karachi. December and January often start with overcast mornings, but the skies usually clear up as the day goes on.
Cloud cover typically sits between 20% and 40%, so expect a mix of sunny and partly cloudy days.
Unlike the monsoon, winter clouds aren’t tied to heavy rain. They usually just make things hazy, especially when there’s some coastal humidity.
This haze can cut visibility in the morning, but it rarely sticks around all day.
Cloudiness is more common near the Arabian Sea coast than inland. If you’re staying in central Karachi, you’ll probably get clearer skies than folks near the beach, where sea breezes bring in more moisture and haze.
Sunniest Winter Days
Even in winter, Karachi gets plenty of bright days. On average, the city enjoys 7 to 8 hours of sunshine per day in December and January, which is sunnier than a lot of other cities at this latitude.
The clearest skies often show up in late December and early February. Afternoons are usually the brightest time of day.
For outdoor plans, aim for 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. to catch the most daylight. The sun’s not as harsh as in summer, so you can actually enjoy being outside.
This mix of mild temperatures and steady sunshine makes winter one of the best times to get out and explore Karachi, Pakistan.
Daylight Duration and Sun Position
Winter in Karachi means shorter days and the sun sits lower in the sky. You’ll notice less daylight, cooler mornings, and evenings that come earlier, all of which shape the city’s vibe during this season.
Length of Days in Winter
In winter, Karachi gets about 10.5 to 11 hours of daylight per day. December has the shortest days, just around 10 hours and 40 minutes, while by February, days stretch to nearly 11.3 hours.
With less daylight, you spend more time in cooler conditions, especially early and late in the day. Midday still feels warm because of the sea, but the sun doesn’t stay up for long.
Compared to summer, when days can last almost 13.5 hours, winter feels noticeably shorter. This means fewer hours of strong sunlight for sightseeing or walks by the coast.
It helps to keep track of daylight hours. If you want to enjoy the seaside, you’ll need to head out earlier since evenings get dark fast.
Sunrise and Sunset Times
In winter, sunrise in Karachi usually happens between 7:00 AM and 7:15 AM, and sunset falls between 5:45 PM and 6:15 PM. December sunsets are the earliest, sometimes before 6:00 PM, while by February, the sun goes down closer to 6:15 PM.
The sun’s lower angle gives you softer light and longer shadows. Mornings and late afternoons are especially nice for walks or sightseeing, since the light isn’t as harsh.
If you’re into photography, winter’s a great time. The lower sun gives you warmer colors and clearer skies, especially in the early morning.
Planning your day around these times helps you make the most of the short daylight, whether you’re out for fun or running errands.
Other Winter Weather Characteristics
During winter in Karachi, the air stays pretty dry with moderate humidity. Breezes from the Arabian Sea shape the local wind, especially in the evenings and early mornings when it’s coolest.
Humidity Levels
Winter humidity in Karachi usually lands in a moderate range, especially compared to the sticky summer air. Average values sit between 50% and 65%, which most people find comfortable.
The drier air makes cool nights feel crisp, especially when temperatures dip to around 10°C (50°F) in January.
You might notice mornings feel a bit more humid because cool air holds onto moisture. But it’s nothing like the heavy humidity of the monsoon.
Karachi’s coastal location means there’s always some moisture in the air, but winter winds help keep things from getting too damp.
Since rain is rare in winter, you won’t get that muggy feeling that sometimes follows a storm. Instead, you get comfortable air that’s great for being outside, whether you’re at Clifton Beach or exploring the city’s markets.
Wind Patterns
In winter, winds in Karachi usually blow in from the northeast and north. They bring cooler, drier air into the city.
Later in the day, these winds often change direction. Sea breezes from the southwest start to roll in and help cool things off.
The mix of land and sea keeps Karachi’s climate steady. You won’t see any wild temperature swings here.
Most days, wind speeds stay light to moderate, around 7 to 12 miles per hour. That’s just enough breeze to keep the air fresh.
The wind makes sure the air doesn’t feel stuffy, but it’s never so strong that it gets annoying.
Breezes also take the edge off the daytime heat, which can still reach 25–27°C (77–81°F).
If you’re visiting, you’ll probably enjoy those pleasant afternoons with the gentle coastal breeze.
When the sun sets and the land breeze picks up, the evenings can get a bit cooler. Tossing a light jacket in your bag is a smart move if you’re planning to be outside after dark.