The weather in Rawalpindi is highly variable due to its location. Rawalpindi faces very moderate type of climate having hot summers which stays usually for long, a monsoon and mild wet winters which stays for short period of time. The weather condition of Rawalpindi is usually classified similar to its twin city Islamabad but due to over urbanization of the city, it now has become notably different. Rawalpindi's weather has historically been known to change rather quickly due to its proximity to Himalayas and the Pir Panjal Range. These mountains not only influence the weather of the city, but also provide great recreation during summer season. In summers, June is the hottest month and january is the coldest month of the year. The average annual rainfall is 1,346.8 millimetres (53.02 in), most of which falls in the monsoon season. However, frontal cloud bands also bring significant rainfall in the winter. Throughout the year, Rawalpindi and Islamabad experience an average of about 98 thunderstorms, which is the highest frequency of thunderstorms in Punjab province. In fact, most rainfall in the city is accompanied by a thunderstorm with peak activity experienced in August.
