Murree, the Queen of Hills, is a popular holiday destination in Pakistan that retains its charm all year long. Winter in Murree will let you see snow-laden hills with the chance to play in the snow and enjoy a chairlift ride when the snowflakes fall.
Wrapping up, gliding down the snowy slope, engaging in a snowball battle with your loved ones, and warming up with a hot-piping cup of tea is a pretty perfect way to imagine a trip to Murree during winter.
Whether you’re looking for activities to do in Murree when it transforms into a winter wonderland or wondering where to stay or what to pack, here’s a guide to help you make the most of your winter trip to Murree.
Things to Know Before You Go: Murree Winter Guide
Winter Weather in Murree
Murree sits at an altitude of 2,291 meters (7,516 feet) and has a subtropical highland climate. It means winter remains cold and snowy with temperatures of -1°C to 10°C during Murree snowfall months (January to February).
Snowfall in Murree arrives in January and lasts till late February. Unlike other areas in northern Pakistan, Murree receives less snowfall, with an annual average of 63 inches.
However, the amount of snowfall can vary from year to year. Expect extreme winter weather during the months of January and February.
So, if you are planning a winter trip to witness snow falling in Murree, don’t forget to check the Murree weather forecast.
To stay updated on the latest weather conditions, you can check the weather in Murree 7 day forecast, which gives you an idea of when to catch snowfall in this hill station and what additional luggage you need to carry.
Murree Weather during Snowfall Months:
Snow season in Murree officially starts in November, but unlike Naran Valley—where snowfall often begins in November— Murree usually doesn’t receive snowfall this early.
There are fewer chances of snowfall in Murree in December. Heavy snowfall occurs in Murree during the months of January and February.
The below table shows the minimum and maximum temperatures during the Murree snowfall months along with the expected snowfall in Murree in 2024:
| Month | Average Min. Temp | Average Max. Temp | Chances of Snowfall |
| November | 9° | 22° | No |
| December | 18° | 5° | No, but Fewer chances of light snowfall in last week of December |
| January | -1° | 10° | Heavy |
| February | 0° | 10° | Heavy snowfall in mid-February |
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What to Pack for Snowfall in Murree
The weather in Murree can get extremely cold, especially during snowfall months. So be sure to pack warm clothing and insulated boots to stay warm outdoors during your winter visit to Murree.
Invest in insulated jackets, waterproof coats and boats, warm innerwear, and accessories like shawls, beanies, scarves, gloves, and thick socks.
Pack a few comfortable layers too for relaxing, like a pullover and cardigan sweater, since you do not want to layer up in a puffer jacket all the time.
Here’s a list of clothes and essential accessories to pack for winter Murree trip:
| Base Layers | Mid Layer | Outer Layers | Shoes | Other Stuff |
| · Woolen socks · long sleeve · Thermal innerwear · Thermal leggings | · Full zip Fleece Jacket · Woolen sweater or Merino Wool jumper · Snow pants · Jeans · Sweatshirt | · Puffer Parka jacket · Sherpa lined mid length puffer coat · Beanies/knitted hats · Gloves · Woolen Scarves and stoles | Non-slip Waterproof boots | · Moisturizer and lip balm · Power bank · First-aid kit · Sunglasses · Camera · Extra batteries for camera · Sunscreen |
What to Wear in Murree in Cold Weather
When the temperature in Murree reaches an absolute zero temperature (0°), remember to dress properly in two to three layers.
- Wear a waterproof coat, shoes, snow pants, and gloves.
- Don’t forget to wear inner thermal wear that will keep sweat away, and cover your head with a woolen hat.
If you experience sub-zero temperatures (below freezing point), warm yourself up with three layers.
- Go for a wool inner, a fleece jacket as the middle layer, and an insulated hooded jacket for the outer layer.
Here’s a detail guide what to wear in Murree during snowfall months (Infographic):
Safety Measures for Traveling to Murree in Winter
While snow can transform any hill station into a winter wonderland, it also poses some safety risks.
So, when planning your winter trip to Murree to experience its snowy landscape, it is important to follow the safety measures to stay safe during snowfall.
You should keep an eye on the weather forecast before deciding your travel dates. Avoid driving on mountain roads if conditions are severe, as roads get blocked due to heavy snowfall.
Do check traffic updates before traveling. Visit the National Highway and Motorway Police (NHMP) official website or their X account, which provides information about closed roads and traffic updates.
Driving on snowy roads can be risky; be sure to use snow chains on your vehicle’s tires for better traction.
Snow makes the roads slippery, so drive carefully or hire an experienced driver who knows how to drive on snowy roads.
Things to Do In During Snowfall in Murree
Snowfall in Murree opens up plenty of winter activities for tourists and locals. From taking a scenic chairlift ride to building a snowman, there are a range of activities to enjoy in Murree.
If you are wondering what to do in Murree in winter, here’s a list of the best things to do in Murree in winter 2024.
Enjoy a Scenic walk with your loved ones
Winter is the magical time of the year in Murree when everything is covered in snow.
After spending a day indulging in adventurous activities, take a stroll along the famous Mall Road Murree with your family and admire the serenity of the snow.
Head to a local café after a walk for a hot-piping cup of tea and enjoy the winter evening with a little warmth around.
Book A Train Safari Ride
Kashmir Point is the highest point in Murree, where tourists can see the snowy mountains of Azad Jammu & Kashmir.
Visitors can also book a train safari ride for a unique winter experience as train tours around Kashmir Point.
Enjoy Juicy Burger at Café 12
Murree is a small hill station where you may not find well-known fast food chains.
However, if you head to Garyal Camp from Murree, you’ll come across Café 12—a cozy coffee shop known as one of the best places to eat while holidaying in Murree during winter.
This café boasts a great ambiance and serves juicy burgers, coffee, pizza, and steak.
Go on a Shopping Spree
Brightly colored shawls, hand-embroidered traditional dresses, and handicraft items are the initial draw when you head to Mall Road Murree, making it the best place to go shopping in Murree.
It boasts multiple shops and stalls where you can buy traditional clothes and shawls, and enjoy street food.
Mall Road is also a great place for a solo shopping spree, window shopping in Murree, or just for a simple leisurely walk.
Take a Chairlift Ride to See the Snowy Murree Hills
Pindi Point Murree and Patriata are famous places to visit in Murree, where you can take thrilling chairlift rides and see snow-laden hills and hiking trails from above.
Marveling at the awe-inspiring mountain scenery from a chairlift is a truly heavenly experience.
Fill Up Your Feed at Mall Road
Mall Road is famous not only for being the best place to eat and shop in Murree but also as a great photography spot for perfect snowy shots.
While you’re there, take a stroll along Mall Road, relax with your loved ones, enjoy some delicious food, browse the shops, and capture the snowy beauty of Murree.
Have A Snowball Fight And Build A Snowman
When it comes to fun winter activities in Murree, having a snowball fight and making a snowman are some of the first things that come to mind.
Find your place and scoop up the snow to build a snowman, play in the snow, roll up and down the snow, and throw snowballs at each other to create memories that you can cherish forever.
Tourists can also indulge in snow tube sliding on their visit to Nathia Gali, which is around 39 km away from Murree. Be sure to check Nathia Gali’s weather updates before heading out.
Places to Visit In and Around Murree during Snowfall Season
There are many places in and around Murree where you can witness its winter charms.
Here is a list of places you can visit in Murree and its nearby Galyat region to enjoy your winter vacations with magical snowfall:
- Kashmir Point
- GPO Chowk Murree
- Pindi Point
- Mall Road
- Nathia Gali
- Bhurban
- Garyal Camp
- Ayubia National Park
- Thandiani
- Mushkpuri Top
- Miranjani Top
Where to Stay in Murree for Snowfall Tour
Whether you are looking for budget-friendly hotels in Murree or want to splurge on the luxury experience, there is a wide range of accommodation options in Murree.
Luxury Hotels & Resorts in Murree
Cecil Hotel by Pearl Continental (Mount View Road), Hotel One Murree (Mall Road), and Ramada by Wyndham Murree (Lower Topa) are some higher-end options for staying at Murree.
These properties are equipped with modern amenities and provide enhancing views of the snow-laden hills of Murree.
Mid-range Hotels in Murree
If you are looking for hotels that provide comfortable stays with some of the best views, you can’t be wrong with Blue Pines Resort Hotel (Lawrence College Road) and Faletti’s Grand Hotel Murree (near THQ hospital), and the vibe by ambiance (Upper Jhika Gali Road).
Budget-friendly Hotels in Murree
If you want to keep things budget-friendly, there are many cheap hotels in Murree that are centrally located and provide convenient stays.
Move n Pick (near GPO) and Grand Taj Hotel (near Mall Road) are some budget hotels in Murree that provide a mix of comfort, value, and convenience while offering easy access to famous tourist spots.
Glamping Pods & Igloo
If the budget is your concern, TDCP glamping pods and camping village in Patriata are great accommodation options.
For extra-cool winter vacations in Murree, tourists can also try TDCP Bansra Gali Igloo Village, Murree.
Tips for Visiting Murree in Winter
Keep food supply and water in your vehicle.
Carry essential medicines for fever, cold, cough, and others.
Winter weather, especially during heavy snowfall, can be unpredictable, so be sure to pack plenty of warm clothes.
Don’t forget to carry a good camera to capture the beauty of Murree’s snowy landscape.
Use sunscreen to avoid getting tanned due to harsh sun rays.
Skin gets dry as the weather gets cold; be sure to bring moisturizer with you.
On clear days, snow reflects ultraviolet rays and causes harsh glare. Carry sunglasses to protect your eyes from the snow glare.
Do check the weather forecast and traffic updates before deciding your trip dates.
Chances are roads may get blocked due to snow and heavy traffic. Tourists must have a list of emergency numbers like district control room Murree, PDMA helpline, police, ambulance, and Tourism Helpline for help and assistance in case of emergency.
Emergency Numbers:
District Control Room Murree:
051-9269015, 051-9269016 and 051-9269018
PDMA (Provincial Disaster Management Authority) Helpline: 1129
Tourism Helpline: 1421
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FAQs
Which is Better, Murree or Nathia Gali?
Both places have their own charm. Nathia Gali is located not far from Murree and offers a wider range of winter activities along with some great sightseeing spots.
Murree, on the other hand, receives more tourists but has fewer options for winter activities.
Is it safe to Drive in Murree in Winter?
Driving in Murree in winter can be challenging because roads get slippery when it snows.
However, you can safely drive on snowy mountain roads by adopting precautionary measures.
For instance, drive slowly, use snow chains on tires, and ensure your vehicle is in proper working condition.
Also, don’t forget to check road conditions, traffic updates, and weather forecasts before you go to avoid getting stuck for several hours on the roads.
Is it Safe to Visit Murree in Winter?
Visiting Murree during snowfall is safe. Murree attracts more tourists than other places like Hunza and Skardu due to its proximity to Islamabad.
Tourists flock to Murree when it receives the season’s first snow. Keep in mind that winter months are the peak time for domestic tourism in Murree and the Galyat region.
In January and February, the chances of heavy snowfall increase, which can lead to blocked roads due to the influx of tourists.
In addition, heavy snowfall also results in road closure and sometimes unfortunate incidents.
As a small mountain resort, Murree cannot accommodate the thousands of tourists that visit, so it is recommended to book your stay in advance to avoid any inconvenience.
How Many Days are Sufficient to Visit Murree in Snowfall Season?
Murree is the most visited winter destination in Pakistan, where you can enjoy snowfall.
The ideal duration for holidaying in Murree during snowfall time is two to three days.
However, if you want to visit the surrounding area of the Galyat region, you can plan a 4-5 day trip.
What is the Best Time to Visit Murree in Winter?
The best time to admire the snow-covered landscape of Murree is in January and February. So, if you want to experience snowfall in Murree, plan your winter trip during these months.
When Does Snowfall Start in Murree?
Snowfall in Murree starts in January and lasts in February. During this time, snow falling Murree paints the landscape in picturesque white, and attracts thousands of tourists.
While traveling to Murree during these months can be challenging, it’s important to take precautions to ensure safety on the roads.
Have you ever visited Murree in snowfall? Share your thoughts and personal experiences with us in the comment below!
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