The climate of Mazari Sharif
Situated in the BSk Köppen climate zone, the city of
Mazari Sharif,
Afghanistan, experiences a mid-latitude steppe climate. This climate classification is predominantly arid, and the city experiences very little rainfall throughout the year.
Throughout the months, the temperatures in Mazari Sharif show noticeable variations. A transition from a chilly average low of -2.1°C (28.2°F) in
January to a peak average high of 38.9°C (102°F) in
July can be observed. Similarly, the lowest average high of 8°C (46.4°F) in January gradually escalates reaching a peak in July, before descending again.
As far as humidity is considered, it follows an inverse pattern compared to the temperature. January sees the highest relative humidity of 79%, dropping down to a low of 24% from July to
August, before again a rise in the latter part of the year.
Regarding rainfall, Mazari Sharif mostly experiences arid conditions with barely any rainfall from
June to
September, a mere 0mm (0") to 0mm (0") recorded during these months. In contrast,
March witnesses the highest rainfall of 44mm (1.73"), significantly more rainfall than in other months. No snowfall is experienced from March to
November, while January and
February see 4 and 3 snowfall days respectively.
The best time to visit Mazari Sharif
For tourists looking to experience the best of
Mazari Sharif, the period from
April to
June is highly recommended. During this season, temperatures range from a comfortable 16.3°C (61.3°F) to 37°C (98.6°F), with a relatively lower humidity ratio between 44% to 72%. Along with the favorable weather, the number of daylight hours ranges from 13.1 hours to 14.1 hours, providing ample time for outdoor activities and sightseeing. Also, during this period, UV index is between 5 and 11, which means ample sun protection measures must be taken.
The worst time to visit Mazari Sharif
It is advised to avoid visiting
Mazari Sharif between
November and
February. During this season, temperatures can drop to as low as -2.1°C (28.2°F), with short daylight hours ranging from 9.7 hours to 10.2 hours. Additionally, this period also witnesses an increase in the relative humidity from 62% to 79%, contributing to perceived cold. It is also noteworthy that the UV index drops to as low as 2 during these months, indicating shorter sunlight hours.
Spring weather in Mazari Sharif
Spring, from
March to
May, brings a pleasant change in the weather in
Mazari Sharif. The temperatures show a steady rise from 6.5°C (43.7°F) to 11.3°C (52.3°F), with average highs between 16.3°C (61.3°F) and 31.2°C (88.2°F). The rainfall is slightly higher with an average of 35mm (1.38") to 44mm (1.73") in March and
April, dropping sharply to 11mm (0.43") in May. The number of daylight hours increases progressively from 12 hours to 14.1 hours.
Summer weather in Mazari Sharif
Summers in
Mazari Sharif, ranging from
June to
August, can get exceptionally hot, with temperatures soaring up to 38.9°C (102°F). Despite the heat, this period is dry, with practically no rainfall between 0mm (0") to 0mm (0"). The humidity is also at its lowest, between 24% to 27%, indicating arid conditions. However, the number of daylight hours reaches its peak from 14.1 hours to 14.6 hours, providing long sunny days.
Autumn weather in Mazari Sharif
Autumn witnesses a decrease in temperatures, from a high of 31.9°C (89.4°F) in
September to 16.4°C (61.5°F) in
November. Along with decreasing temperatures, the rainfall also sees an increase, from 0mm (0") in September to 14mm (0.55") in November. The daylight hours steadily decrease from 12.4 hours in September to 10.2 hours in November.
Winter weather in Mazari Sharif
Winters in
Mazari Sharif are characterized by cold temperatures, with averages ranging from -2.1°C (28.2°F) in
January to 3.2°C (37.8°F) in
December. Rainfall sees a slight rise to 22mm (0.87") in December, but significantly decreases to 29mm (1.14") in January. Snowfall only occurs in January and
February, accounting for 4 and 3 days respectively. Daylight is also minimal, with only 9.7 hours to 10 hours of daily sunshine.
Weather in January
Weather in February
As the calendar moves to
February, the weather conditions indicate a slight warming trend compared to
January. The rise in temperature is evident in the absence of snowfall days, falling from 4 days in January to just 3. It records rainfall distributed over 7 days, amounting to 35mm (1.38") in total.
Weather in February »Weather in March
March introduces spring in
Mazari Sharif, with temperatures increasing progressively from the winter season. A noticeable difference lies in the frequency of rainfall, with the most raining days, 10, compared to the rest of the year.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April continues the warming trend in
Mazari Sharif; moreover, it signifies a major shift from the rainy season of
March. This month signifies a considerable decrease in total rainfall, from 44mm (1.73") in March to 28mm (1.1"). The shift from the wet season is accompanied by a fall in humidity, delivering a more comfortable climate.
Weather in April » Weather in May
May welcomes the arrival of summer in
Mazari Sharif. A striking feature of May is its soaring temperature, reaching as high as 31.2°C (88.2°F). This considerable rise in temperature is reflected in the decline of rainfall, restriced to just 11mm (0.43") and distributed over 4 days.
Weather in May » Weather in June
June brings unequivocally summer conditions and is the driest month, with a bare minimum of 0mm (0") of rainfall. The days turn longest in terms to daylight and maximum sunlight exposure. Despite the almost non-existent rainfall, do not be fooled by the dry conditions as the phenomenon of "dry heat" is in full swing.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July signifies peak summer in
Mazari Sharif, offering the highest temperatures one can expect. July's record temperatures, high of 38.9°C (102°F) and low of 25.9°C (78.6°F), make it undeniably the warmest month. The scorching sun and the negligible rainfall lead to a relative humidity as minimal as 25%.
Weather in July » Weather in August
Despite a slight drop in temperature from its peak in
July,
August still represents an extension of the hot summer days. No rainfall can be expected during this month, maintaining similar conditions from July. The days become noticeably shorter, leading to a slight decline in the UV index.
Weather in August »Weather in September
As
September ushers in, there is a drop in temperature marking the beginning of autumn. Extremely slight rainfall of just 0mm (0") signifies the continuation of dry weather from the summer months. The daylight hours shorten further, leading to a substantial decrease in the UV index to 8.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October continues the autumn season in
Mazari Sharif, with a noticeable dip in temperatures. Reflecting the transition from dry to rainy season, October witnesses a slight increase in rainfall, totalling 4mm (0.16"). From the peak hours in the summer, daylight hours decrease significantly, consistent with the usual pattern of autumn.
Weather in October » Weather in November
November is characterized by a sharp fall in temperature, approaching near winter conditions. A notable feature is the increase in rainfall, rising to 14mm (0.55") from 4mm (0.16") in
October. There is a significant rise in relative humidity to 62% which complements the higher rainfall.
Weather in November » Weather in December
December sees winter in full swing in
Mazari Sharif, with temperatures reaching a high of 10.8°C (51.4°F) and falling to as low as 0°C (32°F). Along with the dip in temperatures, this month signals a return of snowfall, expected on 2 days.
Weather in December » [Resources]