The climate of Tehran
Tehran, the capital city of
Iran, is classified by the Köppen climate system as having a Mediterranean climate with hot summers. While this classification might suggest a generally mild and predictable weather system, Tehran's geographical position in the Iranian plateau, surrounded by mountains, contributes to dramatic weather differences throughout the year. It is characterized by long, hot and dry summers, while winters are short, cold, and somewhat wet.
In terms of temperature fluctuation, the city experiences a wide range between the monthly average minimum temperatures and maximum temperatures throughout the year. The minimum temperatures can dip to around -2.3°C (27.9°F) during the winter months, while the average maximum temperatures can rise to up to 33.8°C (92.8°F) in the peak of summer.
Changes in humidity also fluctuate significantly, with the lowest relative humidity of 19% typically in
July, and the highest of 52% in
February. Rainfall patterns are similarly diverse, with
January receiving the most rain at 30mm (1.18") and July with minimal rainfall at 7mm (0.28"). A unique feature in Tehran’s climate is the occurrence of snowfall, with January receiving 27mm (1.06") on average, fading gradually towards the end of winter.
The best time to visit Tehran
Tehran’s climate offers favorable periods for visitors with diverse interests. For those who enjoy warmer temperatures and longer daylight hours,
June to
September are the ideal months. During these months, city's temperatures hover around 27.8°C (82°F) to 33.8°C (92.8°F) during the day and drop to a mild 18.6°C (65.5°F) to 24.3°C (75.7°F) at night.
For visitors with a preference for a bit cooler weather, spring and autumn offer moderate temperatures between 12.8°C (55°F) and 20.7°C (69.3°F). Accompanied by a relatively low rainfall ranging from 20mm (0.79") to 30mm (1.18"), and consistent sunshine of about 11.2 to 11.6 hours, these seasons allow a pleasant exploration of the city’s many outdoor attractions.
The worst time to visit Tehran
The cold winter months from
December to
February are typically the least suitable for travelers. Temperatures during these months can drop from 5.8°C (42.4°F) to -2.3°C (27.9°F), and daylight hours are among the shortest. These months also experience the majority of the city's rainfall, with averages from 21mm (0.83") to 28mm (1.1"), and snowfall can be expected. Visitors not accustomed to colder weather or unprepared for snowy conditions might find outdoor activities rather challenging during this period.
Spring weather in Tehran
Springtime in
Tehran is generally mild and pleasant. From
March to
May, the city witnesses a steady rise in temperatures from approximately 12.8°C (55°F) to 25°C (77°F). The relative humidity decreases progressively from 43% to 29%, and rainfall averages between 30mm (1.18") and 38mm (1.5")m. These conditions, combined with an increase in daylight hours from 12 to 14.1, and longer sunshine durations from 9.3 hours to 11.8 hours, make spring a beautiful season in Tehran.
Summer weather in Tehran
Summers in
Tehran are characterized by hot, dry days from
June to
August. Daytime temperatures can reach up to 33.8°C (92.8°F) in peak summer months, with the lowest night temperatures around 20.8°C (69.4°F) to 24.3°C (75.7°F). Relative humidity drops to its yearly lowest point of approximately 19%. Rainfall amounts decrease substantially during this season, down to only 7mm (0.28") to 14mm (0.55").
Autumn weather in Tehran
Autumn in
Tehran, spanning
September to
November, sees a gradual cooling in temperature from around 27.8°C (82°F) to 11.7°C (53.1°F). The rainfall rate increases after the dry summer, escalating from 6mm (0.24") to 22mm (0.87") towards late autumn. Meanwhile, daylight hours decrease from 12.4 to 10.3 hours while the sunshine duration drops to an average of 7.2 hours per day.
Winter weather in Tehran
Winters in
Tehran are relatively cold and humid, spanning the months
December to
February. Average daily temperatures fluctuate from 5.8°C (42.4°F) to -2.3°C (27.9°F), and with an increase in the relative humidity from 48% to 52%. The season also witnesses an uptick in the city's rainfall to about 19mm (0.75") to 28mm (1.1") and a drop in daylight hours from 9.8 to 10.1 hours. The winter season also introduces snowfall, which can average from 5mm (0.2") to 27mm (1.06") a month.
Weather in January
In
January,
Tehran witnesses the harshness of winter. The temperature dips down to the lowest point of the year with nightly lows reaching down to as cold as -2.3°C (27.9°F). The city also experiences the winter's respectably heavy snowfall, painting the cityscape in a veil of white.
Weather in January »Weather in February
As
February sets in,
Tehran begins to thaw from the coldest month of
January, but it is still very much a wintertime season. The substantial snowfall of January gradually decreases with February's arrival, easing out the city from its winter wonderland phase.
Weather in February »Weather in March
March brings a distinct shift in
Tehran's climate as it steps away from the grips of winter and heads towards spring. Temperatures begin to climb noticeably, transforming the city's atmosphere into a pleasant one. The snowfall of the previous months vanishes completely, and rainfall takes its place with 30mm (1.18") of precipitation spread across nearly 12 days.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
The heart of spring takes over in
April, with temperatures further increasing, reaching highs of 18.1°C (64.6°F). A significant feature of April is its rainfall as it receives the maximum rainfall of the year at 38mm (1.5"), spread across roughly 14 days.
Weather in April »Weather in May
May greets
Tehran with the full force of spring and the early onset of summer. While showers persist, they are significantly less than in
April, indicating the reducing course of spring. The noticeably longer daylight allows for a smoother transition into summer, with longer, warmer, and brighter days.
Weather in May » Weather in June
As summer officially begins,
June sees daytime temperatures soaring up to a scorching 31°C (87.8°F) in
Tehran. The city dries up in June, with a drop in the downpour to only 14mm (0.55") of rain over the whole month. The extended daylight hours serve to heat up the city further, leading to hot, dry days typical of a desert summer.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July in
Tehran is characterized by sweltering heat and extreme dryness. The hotspot is the temperature, which reaches a peak daytime high of 33.8°C (92.8°F). Rainfall is sparse, with precipitation measuring a meager 9mm (0.35") over the course of the month.
Weather in July » Weather in August
August continues the trend of high summer heat in
Tehran, albeit with a marginal decrease compared to
July. The negligible amount of rainfall at 7mm (0.28"), coupled with the low humidity, makes for dry, arid conditions. Despite the decrease in temperature, August remains a significantly hot month.
Weather in August » Weather in September
September starts the shift from
Tehran's torrid summer to its more temperate autumn. Weather conditions begin to visibly differ as the thermometer readings show a noticeable decline from
August. The rainfall remains minimal, showing no rush to usher in the autumn rain just yet.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October in
Tehran is a distinctive autumn month, offering a blend of moderate temperatures and increased rainfall. Weather patterns seem to mellow down with the city seeing a further drop in temperatures from
September. The tapering daylight hours signal the advent of winter.
Weather in October » Weather in November
As the winter draws near,
November in
Tehran sees temperatures sliding further. The weather continues to transition and takes the city closer to winter, characterized by shifting temperatures and the onset of frostier conditions.
Weather in November »Weather in December
December in
Tehran brings in the winter, with temperatures continuing to drop significantly. The city experiences chilly weather, as per winter's norm, and the first snowfall of the season starts to cover the terrain. As the daylight continues to decrease, the long nights add to the overall cold vibe of the city.
Weather in December » [Resources]