Islamabad, Pakistan: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2022]
This article contains affiliate links to Amazon and other vendors. We may earn commission from purchases made through these links.
Traveling to Islamabad, Pakistan? If you're planning to go to Islamabad, here is some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.
Contents
- When to go to Islamabad
- Important essentials for Islamabad
- Activities for Islamabad
- Islamabad in January: weather and what to pack
- Islamabad in February: weather and what to pack
- Islamabad in March: weather and what to pack
- Islamabad in April: weather and what to pack
- Islamabad in May: weather and what to pack
- Islamabad in June: weather and what to pack
- Islamabad in July: weather and what to pack
- Islamabad in August: weather and what to pack
- Islamabad in September: weather and what to pack
- Islamabad in October: weather and what to pack
- Islamabad in November: weather and what to pack
- Islamabad in December: weather and what to pack

About your travel guide
Hi! I'm Dev. I've traveled all over the world and in my travels, I have made many packing lists. In this series, my team and I have compiled the most useful information, as well as things we couldn't live without, to help you plan your trip.
When to go to Islamabad, Pakistan
Based on the climate and weather in Islamabad, the best time to go is October. See below for details.
Important essentials for Islamabad, Pakistan
Here are some general tips on what to wear in Islamabad, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.
COVID-19 ESSENTIALS FOR 2022
-
Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is an easy-to-carry plane-friendly product.
-
Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
-
N95 masks to use in crowded airports
These N95 masks provide the best level of protection available.
-
Kids' KN95 masks
N95 masks are not available for kids. These are a good alternative (and can also be used by adults if N95 masks are not available).
Travel insurance
If you or a companion get COVID-19, your amazing trip can be ruined. Good travel insurance can help. See plans
-
A vaccine card protector
Vaccine cards often wear out. An unreadable vaccination card can have severe consequences. This vaccine card protector helps avoid that.
General health necessities
Virus/bacteria filtering water bottle
Some rural areas may have unreliable tap water, so it's useful to bring a contaminant filtering water bottle.
-
Travel first aid kit
This one is a great choice.
-
Emergency motion sickness relief
Don't forget these
-
For families with young children
-
Airplane or car necessities
-
Voice and data SIM card
A SIM card that works in Islamabad. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.
-
Power bank for devices
A portable power bank, like this one
-
Money/passport pouch
A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.
-
Plug adapter
A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and D. This one should work in most locations, but check with your hotel.
What to wear/what to pack for Islamabad, Pakistan by month
Already know when you're traveling?
January
If you vacation in Islamabad during January, you might notice that it is cool. Temperatures tend to hover around the high 50s F (mid 10s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 40s F (single digits C). Humidity is generally between 40 and 50% during the day. In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain about a third of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Light jacket or fleece
-
Dresses
-
Extra socks
-
Light and heavy skirts
-
Pants or jeans
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
Standard footwear
-
A rain jacket to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We like these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These can be a lifesaver in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is an excellent option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags remain dry. We recommend:
If you go to the Golra Pakistan Railways Heritage Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:
-
Comfy walking shoes
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
February
February in Islamabad is cool. Temperatures average in the low 60s F (high 10s C) during the day. It rains regularly.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
Light and heavy skirts
-
Extra socks
-
Standard footwear
-
Pants or jeans
-
Light jacket or fleece
-
Dresses
-
A rain jacket to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These will be vital in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a great option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags remain dry. We like:
If you go to the Golra Pakistan Railways Heritage Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:
-
Comfy walking shoes
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
March
March in Islamabad is balmy. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the low 60s F (high 10s C) to low 60s F (low 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Dresses
-
Extra socks
-
Light and heavy skirts
-
Standard footwear
-
Pants or jeans
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
Light jacket or fleece
-
A rain coat to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These can be essential in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is a perfect choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings remain dry. We like:
If you go to the Golra Pakistan Railways Heritage Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:
-
Comfy walking shoes
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
April
April here is hot. Temperatures average in the low 80s F (high 20s C) during the day. It rains 5-10 days this month.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses to provide UV protection and help you stay cool.
-
Sunglasses
-
Skirts
-
Insulated water bottle
Our favorite also filters harmful contaminants:
-
Bug repellent
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Breatheable shirts
A good breatheable shirt can keep you comfortable and protect you from the sun:
-
A rain poncho to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These will be a lifesaver in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is a perfect choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags stay dry. We suggest:
If you go to the Golra Pakistan Railways Heritage Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:
-
Comfy walking shoes
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
May
If you visit Islamabad during May, you are likely to notice that it can be very hot. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 90s F (low 30s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 70s F (low 20s C). Humidity is generally between 20 and 30% during the day. In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain about a third of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses can provide UV protection and help you stay cool.
-
Breatheable shirts
A cooling shirt can cool you down quickly and guard against skin damage:
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Insulated water bottle
Our fave also filters contaminants:
-
Sunglasses
-
Skirts
-
Bug repellent
-
A rain poncho to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants are a lifesaver in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is a great one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings stay dry. We recommend:
If you go to the Golra Pakistan Railways Heritage Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:
-
Comfy walking shoes
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
June
June for Islamabad is sizzling and very dry. Temperatures average in the high 90s F (mid 30s C) during the day. It rains about a third of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
UV protecting legwear
These will keep your legs safe from UV rays while also cool. Our favorites:
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Thin short sleeve shirts
Remember to pack extra, as these often get wet or dirty.
-
High-SPF sunscreen lotion
-
Light dresses
These Columbia dresses are created for cooling and offer UV protection.
-
Cooling tank or crop tops
These are engineered to cool you:
-
Light linen shorts
-
Sunglasses
-
Bug repellent
Bug bite relief
-
Insulated water bottle
-
Skirts
-
Lightweight 'harem' pants
-
Personal cooling fan
-
A rain poncho to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These can be essential in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a great one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings stay dry. We suggest:
If you go to the Golra Pakistan Railways Heritage Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:
-
Comfy walking shoes
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
July
July in this region is constantly hot and somewhat stormy. Temperatures average in the low 80s F (low 30s C) during the day. It rains about half of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Bug repellent
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Skirts
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses include UV protection and cool you.
-
Breatheable shirts
A good breatheable shirt can keep you cool and protect you from the sun:
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Insulated water bottle
Our pick also filters contaminants:
-
Sunglasses
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
A rain poncho to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants can be vital in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is an excellent option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings don't get wet. We suggest:
If you go to the Golra Pakistan Railways Heritage Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:
-
Comfy walking shoes
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
August
August in Islamabad is constantly hot and somewhat stormy. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the high 80s F (low 30s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Bug repellent
-
Insulated water bottle
Our pick also removes dangerous contaminants:
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Breatheable shirts
A good breatheable shirt can cool you down quickly and guard against skin damage:
-
Skirts
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses offer UV protection and keep you cool.
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Sunglasses
-
Waterproof sandals
-
A rain poncho to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We like these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants can be vital in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a great choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things stay dry. We like:
If you go to the Golra Pakistan Railways Heritage Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:
-
Comfy walking shoes
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
September
September in Islamabad is consistently hot. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the high 80s F (low 30s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses offer UV protection and help you stay cool.
-
Insulated water bottle
Our first choice also removes contaminants:
-
Breatheable shirts
A breathing shirt can cool you down quickly and guard against UV rays:
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Skirts
-
Bug repellent
-
Sunglasses
-
A rain coat to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We like these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants will be essential in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is a perfect choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases remain dry. We suggest:
If you go to the Golra Pakistan Railways Heritage Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:
-
Comfy walking shoes
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
October
If you are traveling to Islamabad in October, you will notice that it is hot and dry with little rain. Daytime temperatures are in the low 80s F (high 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Sunglasses
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Bug repellent
-
Breatheable shirts
A cooling shirt can make you comfortable and guard against skin damage:
-
Insulated water bottle
Our favorite also filters dangerous contaminants:
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Skirts
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses offer UV protection and keep you cool.
-
Rain poncho
A durable rain poncho to wear over your coat saves you time and money by protecting your main coat. We like this one.
-
Rainy weather makes rubber rain boots a necessity. These boots are well-suited for stormy weather:
-
An umbrella
This excellent one is made for stormy weather.
-
Waterproof luggage cover
So your things remain dry. The finest suitcases can let moisture in. We suggest:
-
Rain pants
These pants can be essential in a rainstorm.
If you go to the Golra Pakistan Railways Heritage Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:
-
Comfy walking shoes
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
November
If you visit Islamabad during November, you are likely to notice that it is mild and dry with little rain. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 70s F (low 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 50s F (single digits C). Humidity is generally between 40 and 50% during the day.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Light skirts
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Sandals
-
Extra socks
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Bug repellent
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
If you go to the Golra Pakistan Railways Heritage Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:
-
Comfy walking shoes
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
December
December in Islamabad is relatively cool. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the low 40s F (single digits C). With the colder weather comes lower humidity, which is in the 40% to 50% range on average.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Pants or jeans
-
Light jacket or fleece
-
Standard footwear
-
Extra socks
-
Light and heavy skirts
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
Dresses
-
A rain jacket to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants are vital in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is an excellent one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings remain dry. We recommend:
If you go to the Golra Pakistan Railways Heritage Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:
-
Comfy walking shoes
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
Check out our guides for these other locations: Ha Long Bay, Vietnam, Isla Naburot, Philippines, Melksham, England, United Kingdom, San Ramon, California, United States of America, Wapusk National Park, Manitoba, Canada, Cancuén, Guatemala, Monguí, Colombia, Coleambally, New South Wales, Australia, Lahore, Pakistan, Salò, Italy, and Malbork, Poland.