Weather in Peshawar

About Peshawar

Peshawar's ancient bazaars preserve Khyber Pass trade routes—the old city's lanes overflow with Pashtun merchants, Afghan traders, and nomadic peoples. The Peshawar Museum contains Gandhara Buddhist sculptures; centuries of Silk Road commerce echo in the bazaar's architecture and merchandise. The city remains culturally rich despite security concerns.

Country

Pakistan

Best months to visit

February, March, April, October, November, December

Currency

PKR

Language

Urdu, Pashto, English

Things to do in Peshawar

Walking the historic bazaars (Chowk Yadgar, Qissakhwani) for spices and silks Visiting Peshawar Museum's Gandhara Buddhist sculpture collection Trekking to Khyber Pass viewpoint (requires security clearance) overlooking Afghanistan Eating Afghan and Pashtun cuisine—kebabs, bolani, and peshawari naan Shopping for gemstones and lapis lazuli in the gem and spice bazaars Attending Friday camel auctions (Peshawar Camel Market) outside city centre

Weather by month

Click any month for detailed weather information and travel tips.

January

17C

Cool, with occasional showers.

Recommended

February

21C

Mild and comfortable, with occasional showers.

Recommended

March

25C

Warm and pleasant, with occasional showers.

Recommended

April

31C

Hot and humid, with occasional showers.

May

36C

Very hot, with occasional showers.

June

39C

Very hot, with occasional showers.

July

36C

Very hot, with regular rainfall.

August

35C

Very hot, with regular rainfall.

September

35C

Very hot, with occasional showers.

Recommended

October

31C

Hot and humid, with occasional showers.

Recommended

November

24C

Mild and comfortable, and mostly sunny skies.

Recommended

December

19C

Mild and comfortable, and mostly sunny skies.

Peshawar is one of South Asia's oldest living cities, a frontier town on the edge of the Khyber Pass with a history stretching back over 2,000 years along the Silk Road. Its old city's covered bazaars — selling everything from copperware to dried fruit — and Mughal-era mosques give a strong sense of the city's role as a historic crossroads between South and Central Asia.

Best areas to stay in Peshawar

Old City / Qissa Khwani Bazaar

The historic walled city's covered bazaars, famous for storytellers, spices and copperware.

University Town

A leafier, more modern area with hotels and restaurants, popular with visiting researchers and NGOs.

Cantt (Cantonment)

The colonial-era administrative area with wide tree-lined roads and government buildings.

Khyber Pass approach

The dramatic mountain road towards the Afghan border, with viewpoints over the historic frontier.

Getting to Peshawar

✈

Flights

Bacha Khan International Airport has domestic flights from Islamabad, Lahore and Karachi.

⏱

From London

~1 hour by air from Islamabad, or around 2 hours by road.

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Getting around

Rickshaws and taxis are the main way to get around; the old city's bazaars are best explored on foot.

Frequently asked questions

What are the main sights in Peshawar?

The Qissa Khwani Bazaar (Storytellers' Market), Mahabat Khan Mosque, Peshawar Museum, and the dramatic views from the start of the Khyber Pass are highlights.

Is Peshawar safe for tourists?

Security has improved considerably, but Peshawar is closer to the Afghan border than other major Pakistani cities, so checking current travel advice before visiting is essential.

Can tourists visit the Khyber Pass?

Access can require special permits and is sometimes restricted; check locally as rules change, and a local guide is strongly recommended if permitted.

What is Peshawar known for food-wise?

Peshawar is famous for its chapli kebabs (spiced minced meat patties) and namkeen (salted) green tea, both distinct from food found further south.

When is the best time to visit Peshawar?

October to March offers cooler, more comfortable weather for exploring the old city's bazaars on foot.

Traveler reviews

★★★★★

Qissa Khwani Bazaar felt like stepping back centuries — the smell of chapli kebabs cooking on open grills everywhere. A city that doesn't get nearly enough attention.

Yusuf B. · November 2023

★★★★☆

Mahabat Khan Mosque's courtyard was beautifully peaceful compared to the bustle outside. Felt like a genuinely different region of Pakistan to Lahore or Islamabad.

Grace L. · February 2024

★★★★☆

The copper and brass markets in the old city are mesmerising, and the green tea with cardamom became an addiction by the end of our stay.

Nadia S. · October 2023