Snowfall in Murree: A Practical Guide for Winter 2026–27

When does it snow in Murree? Past entry rules, police safety advice, what to pack and how to book a confirmed hotel before a snow trip this winter.

When does it snow in Murree?

Every winter thousands of families drive up from Islamabad, Rawalpindi and across Punjab to see snow in Murree. On a good day it is one of the easiest snow trips in Pakistan. On a bad day the roads fill up faster than they can be cleared, and the authorities close the entry points. This guide covers what usually happens and what the rules looked like last winter. It also explains how to book a stay that will still count if officials start checking reservations. Rules change from season to season and sometimes from day to day. Treat everything here as background, and check the official advisories listed at the end on the day you travel. Looking for sightseeing ideas? See Best Things to Do in Murree, Ranked for a First Visit. To compare neighbourhoods, read Where to Stay Around Murree. Snow in Murree is never guaranteed, and the timing moves from year to year. The Express Tribune, reporting on Murree's tourism trade, described the snowfall season as traditionally beginning around 20 December, with a peak from about 20 December to mid-January. Snow can carry on into February. The district administration also sets an official season for its winter arrangements. For 2025–26, ProPakistani reported it as 15 December to 25 February. For the coming 2026–27 winter, the Express Tribune (2 November 2026) reported 15 December to 15 February. As a rough guide, "Murree weather in December" means the start of the snow window, often around the school winter holidays. "Murree weather in January" is typically the most reliable time for snow, and also the busiest. Forecasts matter more than averages. The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) issues the warnings that the district administration acts on. What last winter looked like: The 2025–26 season showed how much one winter can vary. The Express Tribune reported that the first snow came 10 to 12 days later than usual and that the overall season was light, which hurt local businesses. A single storm can still be severe, though. On 23 January 2026, Dawn reported about 15 inches of snow in Murree, and the Express Tribune reported more than 5,000 tourist vehicles stranded.

Is Murree open during snowfall? What the rules have looked like

"Is Murree open?" is the most common winter question, and the honest answer is that it depends on the day. These are the measures authorities used last winter. None of them should be taken as a standing rule for 2026–27. Entry stops and the confirmed-booking rule (January 2026): • 23 January 2026: As heavy snow fell, the authorities stopped further tourist vehicles from entering Murree. Punjab's Information Minister said hotels were full and asked people to avoid travelling there (Daily Pakistan, Express Tribune, Dawn). • 28 January 2026: ProPakistani and TechJuice reported that authorities in Murree would only let tourists in if they could show a confirmed hotel booking. Local residents could still move freely. • November 2025: ProPakistani reported that entry from the motorway and GT Road would be regulated, vehicles counted, and routes closed temporarily once a set limit was reached. Residents with local ID cards would be exempt. In practice, during heavy snow you should expect to be asked where you are staying, and you may be turned back without proof of a booking. Keep your confirmation ready. Road closures on the Murree Expressway: The Murree Expressway (N-75) was closed to Murree-bound traffic at least twice last winter. ProPakistani reported a closure from the Phulgran toll plaza after the National Highways and Motorway Police (NHMP) issued an alert on 31 December 2025. Dawn reported another closure on 23 January 2026. ARY News reported on 27 January 2026 that the Expressway and other entry routes had reopened. What has been announced for 2026–27 so far: On 2 November 2026 the Express Tribune reported a "Mission Safe Winter" plan from the district administration, the NDMA and Rescue 1122. It includes 19 tourist facilitation centres on the main routes, Safe City camera monitoring, snow-clearing machinery at key points, and price monitoring of hotels and petrol stations by the Punjab Enforcement and Regulatory Authority (PERA). The report did not mention a booking requirement for this season. Don't assume one applies or doesn't apply until officials announce it.

Remembering January 2022

Many families planning a snow trip remember January 2022. During a severe snowstorm on 7–8 January, visitors were trapped in their cars overnight on the roads around Murree, and at least 22 people died. Reports put the toll at 22 or 23. An official inquiry cited failures at several levels of the administration. It found the deaths were most likely caused by carbon monoxide poisoning inside vehicles that were stuck in snow. Officials were later removed from their posts. Since then, authorities have introduced measures such as counting vehicles, closing entry points when limits are reached, and warning drivers to keep a window open when the heater runs. Following them is the best way to respect the people who were lost.

Police safety advice for driving to Murree in snow

Murree Police issued travel advisories in December 2025 and January 2026. Their main points were: • Fit snow chains before you go. In January 2026 police said not to enter Murree without them. Four-wheel-drive vehicles were recommended. • Fill the fuel tank, and check brakes, wipers, heater and defogger before leaving. • Avoid driving after dark, when black ice forms and rescue work is harder. • Drive slowly and leave a large gap. The January 2026 advisory said at least 50 metres. • If the heater is running, keep a window slightly open. • Don't park on main roads, slopes or the roadside, and don't stop for photos. Use designated parking only. Officials warned that illegally parked cars could be impounded. • Carry warm clothes, blankets, water and dry food in the car. • Follow traffic wardens and checkpoints. Emergency numbers published in these advisories: Police helpline 15, Rescue 1122, NHMP (motorways and highways) 130, and the Murree Traffic Control Room 051-9269200, as published by APP in January 2026.

How to plan and book a confirmed stay

1. Watch the forecast, not the calendar. Check PMD and PDMA Punjab warnings a few days ahead and again on the morning you leave. 2. Book before you drive, not on arrival. Last winter's reports describe hotels filling up during storms. A confirmed reservation also covers you if entry checks are brought in. 3. Keep proof in two forms. Save the confirmation on your phone and keep a printed copy, because mobile signal can be patchy in bad weather. 4. Check the booking details. Before you pay, read the hotel's cancellation terms, parking availability, heating and access road. Steep side lanes can be hard to drive in snow. 5. Plan to arrive in daylight. Leave early so you reach your hotel well before sunset. 6. Build in a spare day. If roads close, you may not be able to leave on schedule. Planning a snow trip? Book before you drive. Find and book Murree and Galiyat stays on impt.pk, and keep your confirmation on your phone and on paper.

Where to base yourself, in brief

Our Where to Stay Around Murree guide compares the areas in detail. For a snow trip, the main points are: • Mall Road and central Murree: closest to the main sights and the busiest area. Check parking before you book, because roadside parking has been banned during snowfall. • Bhurban: quieter and away from the central crowds. Confirm how the access road is cleared. • Patriata: further out. Check whether winter facilities are open before you go. • Nathia Gali and the Galiyat: across the provincial line in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, so check KP advisories too. The Galiyat often get more snow than Murree. ProPakistani reported 1 to 1.5 feet there on 28 January 2026, against about 8 inches in parts of Murree. See our Nathia Gali area guide.

What to pack for a Murree snow trip

• Snow chains, plus gloves for fitting them • Waterproof boots and warm layers, with a hat, scarf and gloves for everyone • Blankets in the car • Drinking water and dry snacks • Any regular medicines and a basic first-aid kit • A phone charger and power bank • A printed hotel confirmation and your CNIC (or passport) • Cash, in case card machines or ATMs aren't working

If the roads close: your options

• Don't try to get round a closure. Turn back at checkpoints and follow police instructions. • Stay put if you are already in Murree. Remain at your hotel until the authorities say the roads are clear. Look for the official facilitation centres on the main routes for help and guidance. • Wait in Islamabad or Rawalpindi. Snow trips often work best when you leave the day after a storm, once roads have been cleared and reopened. • Move your dates. Snow often falls again in the same season. Our winter in the north guide covers other options, but check those roads too, because heavy storms close routes across the region.

Official sources to check before you leave

• Pakistan Meteorological Department (P MD): forecasts and snow warnings

Questions, answered

When is the best time to see snowfall in Murree?

Snow usually falls from late December to February, and January is typically the most reliable month. For 2026–27, the Express Tribune reported the official winter season as 15 December to 15 February. Snow isn't guaranteed, so watch PMD forecasts.

Is Murree open for tourists during snowfall?

It depends on the day. In January 2026 authorities stopped tourist entry during heavy snow, closed the Murree Expressway, and were reported to require a confirmed hotel booking for entry. Check NHMP (130), Murree Police and PDMA Punjab before you travel.

Do I need a hotel booking to enter Murree?

On 28 January 2026 it was reported that tourists would only be allowed in if they could show a confirmed hotel booking. No such rule had been reported for 2026–27 as of 8 November 2026. Booking ahead and carrying proof is still the safest plan.

Are snow chains required in Murree?

In January 2026 Murree Police advised drivers not to enter Murree without snow chains, and recommended four-wheel-drive vehicles. Fit chains before the snow line and carry them even if the roads look clear.

What emergency numbers should I save for a Murree trip?

Police 15, Rescue 1122, NHMP 130, and the Murree Traffic Control Room 051-9269200, as published in January 2026. Check that the numbers are still current before you go.

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