Climate and monthly weather forecast
Zaranj, Afghanistan

Located in the southwestern part of Afghanistan, Zaranj experiences a BWh climate based on the Köppen climate classification. Characteristically, this denotes a subtropical desert climate. This dry environment is a result of the region's geographical position and means that it sees soaring temperatures and minimal rainfall year-round.

In this hotspot, the monthly average temperatures show significant fluctuation. Peaks occur from May to September with temperatures extending from 37.3°C (99.1°F) to 42.8°C (109°F), while the least warm months fall from December to February with averages ranging from 14.3°C (57.7°F) to 18.7°C (65.7°F). The nights also present a diverse thermal profile. Through the winter months of December, January, and February, temperatures plummet and hover around the freezing point from 0.1°C (32.2°F) to 2.9°C (37.2°F). Meanwhile, the sweltering summer nights, mainly from June to August, present figures situated from 24.9°C (76.8°F) to 27.3°C (81.1°F).

The presence of water vapor in the air noted as relative humidity undergoes less variation compared to temperature changes. It can be observed that during cooler periods of the year, from November to March, the relative humidity peaks around 49% to 55% while in scorching months of the year, from June to August, it bottoms out from 28% to 29%.

A defining feature of Zaranj's climate is the virtually non-existent rainfall. The sporadic rainfall mostly presents itself from December to March, albeit in scarce quantities. A maximum of 20mm (0.79") is observed in January, quickly declining to ranges close to zero from April to November. This trend does not significantly change in the number of rainy days either, with averages heading close to none for most parts of the year.

Zaranj also experiences significant daylight variations throughout the year. The summer solstice in June bestows 14.1 hours of daylight, decreasing to the annual minimum of 10.2 hours in December.

Taking into consideration the extreme summer temperatures and near-zero rainfall, the optimal time to visit Zaranj extends from March to May. During this period, average temperatures remain a comfortable 25°C (77°F) to 37.3°C (99.1°F), while the nights are cooler, dropping between 7.7°C (45.9°F) and 20°C (68°F). Relative humidity sits between 40% and 50% making the air less dry compared to the summer months. Apart from moderate weather conditions, advantages from 12 to 13.7 hours of daylight can also be harnessed during these spring months.

The months from June to August are less favorable for visiting due to soaring temperatures that range from 41.3°C (106.3°F) to 42.8°C (109°F). Alongside this, serenity is not much offered by the nighttime as it hardly provides any respite with temperatures hanging around a high 24.9°C (76.8°F) to 27.3°C (81.1°F). These months also witness the driest conditions with relative humidity levels as low as 28%-29% and no anticipated rainfall.

From March to May, Zaranj transitions towards warmer temperatures. Commencing at a comfortable 25°C (77°F) in March, the heat elevates to 37.3°C (99.1°F) by May. Correspondingly, night temperatures also climb from 7.7°C (45.9°F) to 20°C (68°F). Beyond gradual increase in temperatures, the spring season witnesses an overall low rainfall amounting to a paltry 14mm (0.55") across these months.

Residing in a subtropical desert, Zaranj’s summer from June to August is strenuous. Temperatures rocket upwards, from 41.3°C (106.3°F) to 42.8°C (109°F). A notable characteristic of this season is the lack of rainfall, with recorded precipitation levels being zero. Air humidity dips to its lowest, riding between 28% and 29%, implying arid conditions.

Autumn, from September to November, sees a steady decline in temperatures for Zaranj. September remains warm with an average of 37°C (98.6°F), but by November, temperatures consistently fall to a more moderate 23.1°C (73.6°F). Correspondingly, night temperatures see a healthy drop from 18.5°C (65.3°F) to 4.8°C (40.6°F). Yet again, rainfall remains scarce, with total precipitation from September to November measuring a marginal 1mm (0.04").

Winter months in Zaranj from December to February are relatively mild. Temperatures during these months occur within a narrow bracket from 14.3°C (57.7°F) to 18.7°C (65.7°F), while night temperatures hover closely around freezing point from 0.1°C (32.2°F) to 2.9°C (37.2°F). Relative humidity also peaks during these months, remaining between 49% and 55%. Although these months see increased precipitation, the rainfall levels still are humble, accumulating only to 35mm (1.38"). The shorter daylight hours ranging from 10.2 to 11.1 hours are also a key consideration for the season.

The start of the year brings chilly temperatures to Zaranj, Afghanistan, as January holds the crown for one of the coldest months of the year. The city experiences a notable contrast in its daily temperatures, reaching peaks of 14.3°C (57.7°F) and plummeting to lows of a brisk 0.1°C (32.2°F). Weather in January »

As we transition into February, the city begins to warm up slightly. While February brings warmer days, the nights remain relatively cool compared to the rest of the year. February is drier than January, with less rainfall and a decrease in overall humidity. Weather in February »

March signals the arrival of spring in Zaranj, with longer daylight hours and temperatures beginning to rise more significantly. A high of 25°C (77°F) is usually experienced in the day, while the low remains a comfortable 7.7°C (45.9°F). Weather in March »

April in Zaranj sees a considerable upswing in temperatures, marking the true onset of the warm season. The daytime temperatures are significantly warmer when compared to March, and even the nights turn pleasantly warm. The city nearly halts any rainfall, making this the beginning of the dry spell that Zaranj is known for. Weather in April »

May ushers in an era of significant heat in Zaranj, with temperatures pushing towards the upper end of the scale. The city turns extremely dry, with little to no rain predicted for the month. It is in fact, May that marks the onset of summer and hardy desert weather that Zaranj is famous for. Weather in May »

By June, Zaranj finds itself in the grip of an intense summer, with temperatures reaching a scorching peak of 42.8°C (109°F). Balancing these scorching daylights, are cooler nights that average around 25.2°C (77.4°F). This month continues the ongoing dry spell, with no rainfall recorded. Weather in June »

July maintains the intense heat, making it one of the hottest months in Zaranj, with temperatures peaking at approximately 42.5°C (108.5°F). Despite nights being warmer than the preceding month, an appreciable contrast between day and night temperatures exists. Weather in July »

August is another month of high temperatures in Zaranj, as the intense summer heat persists. Even though daytime temperatures remain extraordinarily high, the closing of the month sees a slight dip in night temperatures. Despite being in the heart of the parched summer season, rainfall remains a rarity. Weather in August »

September begins the transition from the boiling heat of summer to the milder warmth of autumn. The decrease in daytime temperatures is noticeable when compared to the preceding month. Moreover, the city remains dry, continuing the extended run of no rainfall. Weather in September »

In October, Zaranj witnesses a marked reduction in temperature, signaling the onset of the cooler autumn season. There is an evident decrease in temperatures compared to September. Predictably, the arid conditions continue with negligible rainfall. Weather in October »

November enhances the cooler trend, with temperatures dropping further compared to the month of October. Zaranj does experience a minor bump in rainfall measurements, though it's not substantial. The days get shorter, indicated by the dwindling daylight hours. Weather in November »

December brings crisp, chilly weather to Zaranj, making it one of the coldest months of the year. The daily temperatures plunge to a minimum of 0.7°C (33.3°F), marking a stark contrast with the intense heat experienced earlier in the year. Weather in December »