The climate of Iran
Iran, covering a geographical area of about 1.648 million square kilometres, boasts a diverse landscape including deserts, mountains, and plateaus. Its climate encompasses a variety of weather conditions ranging from arid desert hot (BWh), cold semi-arid (BSk), warm temperate with dry, hot summer (CSa), and tropical and subtropical steppe (BSh). The climatic variations result in contrasting weather conditions throughout the year. The arid desert regions, with a mean annual temperature exceeding 18°C (64.4°F), become particularly hot in the summer months, while the cold semi-arid regions situated away from the sea experience a colder climate. The warm temperate areas face dry and hot summers with a coldest month's temperature falling between -3°C (26.6°F) to 18°C (64.4°F). Lastly, the tropical and subtropical steppe regions undergo a transitional weather pattern with variable rainfall and temperature.
The Best Time to Visit Iran
The best time to visit
Iran varies depending on the specific region and one's personal preference for weather conditions. Generally, the most agreeable period is during spring, from late
March to
May, when temperatures range from 15°C (59°F) to 30°C (86°F). This period allows travellers to witness Iran's mesmerising landscapes without the discomfort of extreme weather conditions. In addition, autumn, from
September to early
November, also offers a pleasant climate for exploring the nation's diverse beauty, with temperatures hovering between 15°C (59°F) and 30°C (86°F).
The Worst Time to Visit Iran
The worst time to visit
Iran tends to be the peak summer months, particularly in the desert regions, where temperatures can soar above 40°C (104°F). Similarly, the cold semi-arid regions can be inhospitable during winter, with temperatures plunging below freezing. Therefore, it is less advisable to visit Iran from
June to
August due to the intense heat, or from
December to
February because of the cold winter.
Spring Weather in Iran
In
Iran, spring, from late
March to
May, typically provides comfortable weather conditions across the country. Average temperatures during this season usually range from 15°C (59°F) to 30°C (86°F). The desert regions become increasingly warm but are still bearable, while the semi-arid regions shake off the winter cold. The warm temperate regions begin experiencing the onset of dry, hot weather, whereas the steppe regions continue to enjoy mild temperatures.
Summer Weather in Iran
Summer, from
June to
August, sees a significant rise in temperature across
Iran. The desert regions can become extremely hot, with average temperatures often exceeding 40°C (104°F). The cold semi-arid regions also become warmer, with temperatures ranging from 25°C (77°F) to 40°C (104°F). In the warm temperate regions, summer proves to be dry and hot, and the steppe regions, while not as hot as the desert, still experience significant heat with temperatures often exceeding 35°C (95°F).
Autumn Weather in Iran
Autumn, from
September to early
November, brings a decline in temperature, making it another favourable period for visiting
Iran. During this season, temperatures usually hover between 15°C (59°F) and 30°C (86°F). The arid desert regions become less intense, offering an agreeable climate, while the cold semi-arid regions start experiencing a decrease in temperature. The warm temperate regions transition from dry, hot summer conditions to milder weather, and the steppe regions maintain mild and relatively dry conditions.
Winter Weather in Iran
Winter in
Iran, from
December to
February, results in a significant drop in temperature. The desert regions can become quite cold during the nights, with temperatures dropping close to 0°C (32°F), while daytime temperatures stay moderately warm around 15°C (59°F). In contrast, the cold semi-arid regions experience freezing temperatures, often plummeting below 0°C (32°F). The warm temperate regions experience mild winters with the coldest month's temperature ranging from -3°C (26.6°F) to 18°C (64.4°F), and the steppe regions experience cooler, wetter winters.
Weather in January
January marks the middle of winter in
Iran, with substantial variations in temperature and precipitation across the country. The arid desert regions, such as the Dasht-e Kavir and the Dasht-e Lut, experience a sharp contrast in daytime and nighttime temperatures.
Weather in January » Weather in February
As
Iran transitions from the heart of winter into the early inklings of spring,
February brings about discernible changes in weather across the country. The arid desert regions like Dasht-e Kavir and Dasht-e Lut continue to experience a sharp contrast between daytime and nighttime temperatures.
Weather in February »Weather in March
March signals the arrival of spring in
Iran, bringing with it a discernible shift in weather patterns across the diverse regions of the country. The arid desert regions such as Dasht-e Kavir and Dasht-e Lut experience increasing daytime temperatures, averaging between 20°C (68°F) to 25°C (77°F).
Weather in March » Weather in April
As spring deepens in
April,
Iran experiences further warming across its diverse climatic regions. The arid desert regions such as Dasht-e Kavir and Dasht-e Lut, undergo a significant rise in daytime temperatures, which can easily reach up to 30°C (86°F).
Weather in April »Weather in May
May marks the advent of the summer season in
Iran, ushering in rising temperatures across its diverse landscapes. The arid desert regions, such as the Dasht-e Kavir and Dasht-e Lut, experience a substantial increase in daytime temperatures, which often exceed 35°C (95°F).
Weather in May » Weather in June
June, in
Iran, is characterized by the dominance of summer, leading to heightened temperatures across the country's distinct climatic regions. The arid desert regions, such as the Dasht-e Kavir and Dasht-e Lut, bear the brunt of the heat.
Weather in June » Weather in July
July in
Iran is typically the peak of the summer season, with temperatures soaring across all of its diverse climate regions. In the arid desert regions, including the Dasht-e Kavir and Dasht-e Lut, the heat intensifies further. Daytime temperatures can reach a sweltering 45°C (113°F), and even nighttime temperatures remain high, generally around 25°C (77°F). The cold semi-arid regions, home to cities like Tabriz and Ardabil, also experience the heat of the summer.
Weather in July » Weather in August
August in
Iran marks the conclusion of the peak summer season, though high temperatures persist across its diverse climatic regions. In the arid desert regions, such as Dasht-e Kavir and Dasht-e Lut, daytime temperatures continue to hover around a sweltering 40°C (104°F) to 45°C (113°F), while nighttime temperatures remain high, generally staying above 20°C (68°F). The cold semi-arid regions, including cities like Tabriz and Ardabil, endure the residual heat of the summer, with average temperatures typically ranging from 25°C (77°F) to 35°C (95°F).
Weather in August » Weather in September
September in
Iran denotes the arrival of the autumn season, with a discernible easing of temperatures across the country's varied climatic regions. In the arid desert regions, such as the Dasht-e Kavir and Dasht-e Lut, daytime temperatures begin to drop, averaging between 35°C (95°F) to 40°C (104°F).
Weather in September » Weather in October
October in
Iran signifies the full onset of the autumn season, characterized by a further drop in temperatures across the different climatic regions. In the arid desert regions, including the Dasht-e Kavir and Dasht-e Lut, daytime temperatures now average between 25°C (77°F) to 30°C (86°F).
Weather in October » Weather in November
November in
Iran represents the late autumn season, where temperatures continue their downward trend across the country's various climatic zones. In the arid desert regions, including the Dasht-e Kavir and Dasht-e Lut, daytime temperatures typically range between 20°C (68°F) to 25°C (77°F).
Weather in November » Weather in December
December in
Iran ushers in the onset of the winter season, accompanied by a notable dip in temperatures across the country's diverse climatic regions. In the arid desert regions, such as the Dasht-e Kavir and Dasht-e Lut, daytime temperatures typically average between 15°C (59°F) to 20°C (68°F).
Weather in December »