Climate and monthly weather forecast
Murghab, Tajikistan

Sitting high on the Pamir plateau, Murghab possesses a Tundra climate (ET) according to the Köppen climate classification. This is characterized by long, cold winters and short, cool summers. With its continental location in Eastern Tajikistan, the weather patterns in Murghab follow this typical pattern found in high-altitude, desolate locations.

A noticeable pattern in Murghab is the range of temperatures throughout the year. In the cold season, from November to March, the average high temperatures plunge from -4°C (24.8°F) to as low as -14°C (6.8°F) in the depths of January, while average low temperatures hit the lowest mark in January at -24°C (-11.2°F). During the warmer months, from May to September, the temperatures have some relief with average highs oscillating from 6°C (42.8°F) to 15°C (59°F) and lows from -5°C (23°F) up to just 2°C (35.6°F).

Regarding precipitation, Murghab experiences a relatively low amount of rainfall with a slightly increased amount during warmer periods but remains fairly stable throughout the year. The highest rainfall of 45mm (1.77") occurs in May, while the least amount of rainfall of 11mm (0.43") can be noticed in September. The number of rainfall days also seems to peek in May with 11 days and drop to its lowest to 4.6 days in November.

The relative humidity stays stable throughout the year with the highest average of 60.2% in February and the lowest of 43.1% in June. The daylight hours range from 9.6 hours in December to 14.8 hours in June. Correspondingly, sunshine hours vary between 5 hours in darker months of winter and height of 10 hours during bright summer months, while UV index reaches its peak at 12 during warmer months from May to August.

Considering the overall weather conditions, the suitable time to visit Murghab would be from May to August. During this period, the weather is relatively milder, with temperatures ranging from 6°C (42.8°F) to 15°C (59°F). The Sunshine hours reach their peak, averaging around 10 hours a day, providing visitors ample daylight for outdoor activities, although the UV index also peeks at this time with a value of 12. Additionally, although rainfall increases slightly during this period, the number of rainy days remains relatively low, ensuring drier conditions.

January is typically the harshest month to visit Murghab due to the frigid temperatures that can go as low as -24°C (-11.2°F). The daylight hours are limited with an average of 9.9 hours a day and the sunshine is diminished to 5 hours, making the days short and often gloomy. Despite the relative humidity reaching a higher average of 59.5% in January, the weather is not complementary for outdoor activities or traveling. As a result, the period from December to March, winter months, might be less appealing to visitors.

Spring in Murghab lasts from March to May, with temperatures gradually improving from a chilly -5°C (23°F) in March to a cooler 6°C (42.8°F) in May. It should be noticed that the start of spring is still quite cold with the average low temperature at -14°C (6.8°F) in March. Rainfall begins to increase during this period, peaking at 45mm (1.77") in May, which also marks the highest number of rainfall days in the year with 11 days. Humidity significantly fluctuates across spring, beginning at 56% in March before dropping to 50.1% in May.

Summer, from June to August, offers the most favorable conditions in Murghab. With temperatures rising from 11°C (51.8°F) in June to 15°C (59°F) in July and August, the weather becomes relatively cool. The lowest temperatures also demonstrate a positive shift, from -1°C (30.2°F) in June up to 2°C (35.6°F) in July and August, the maximum throughout the year. Although the rainfall decreases to 22mm (0.87") in July and further down to 20mm (0.79") in August, the humidity hits the lowest average of 43.1% in June before slowly rising to 44.8% in August. These three months experience the longest daylight hours up to 14.8 hours in June and also enjoy the maximum sunshine of 10 hours and peak UV index of 12.

In Murghab, autumn lasts from September to November. The average high temperatures show a declining trend from 11°C (51.8°F) in September to -4°C (24.8°F) in November, demonstrating the onset of the cold season. The days shorten with daylight hours falling from 12.4 hours in September to 10.1 in November. The relative humidity begins to increase from 43.5% in September reaching up to 49.7% in November. Interestingly, this period experiences a dip in rainfall, with the lowest rainfall of 11mm (0.43") recorded in September.

Winter in Murghab, from December to February, is intensely cold with temperatures falling to bone-chilling lows of -10°C (14°F) to -14°C (6.8°F). The scenario is further intensified by the minimum daylight hours that range between 9.6 and 10.8 hours during this period. The low amount of sunlight, only about five hours, further adds to the starkness of the winter months. While rainfall tends to increase slightly from 29mm (1.14") in December to 34mm (1.34") in February, the number of days with rainfall stays fairly low ranging from 4.6 to 7.7 days, not providing much relief from the extreme freezing conditions. This period also witnesses an upsurge in relative humidity reaching up to 60.2% in February.

Murghab, Tajikistan greets the New Year with one of the coldest months of the year. The mercury often dips to a chilling -24°C (-11.2°F) and rarely rises above -14°C (6.8°F). The short daylight duration of just under 10 hours sets a somber mood, while humidity levels linger above the midway mark on the scale. Weather in January »

February continues endorsing winter's sovereignty in Murghab. The freezing temperatures remain largely unchanged, with only slight warming in daytime highs. Akin to the preceding month, rainfall and sunlight hours are moderate. Shorter and colder nights dominate the scene, creating frosty spectacles that define the locale's identity in this season. Weather in February »

As March gets underway, Murghab experiences a noticeable ascent in temperatures. Nevertheless, the weather conditions are far from mild, signifying a prolonged winter season typical of this Tajikistani town. The daylight hours begin to extend, giving the town a welcomed dose of extra sunshine. Weather in March »

April in Murghab undergoes a metamorphosis as winter gradually relinquishes its stronghold to spring. The low negative temperatures start to moderate, filling the air with renewed energy. Alongside these warmer conditions, the town also benefits from extended daylight hours. Weather in April »

May announces the onset of mild weather in Murghab. The arrival of this month is often synonymous with diminishing snow cover and budding plant life. The sun shines brighter than ever, warming the town significantly more than the receding winter months. Weather in May »

June is characterized by a more decisive shift towards a warmer climate in Murghab. The transformation from spring to summer is visible and more pronounced than the previous seasonal transition. Light rains coupled with decreased humidity contribute to a pleasant atmosphere, ideal for outdoor activities. Weather in June »

July presents itself as the warmest month in Murghab, with temperatures peaking at 15°C (59°F). The weather turned pleasant encourages residents and tourists alike to indulge in various outdoor pursuits. The cooling downpours become rarer, adding to the comfort. Weather in July »

August's weather in Murghab displays similarities with July, indicating a consistent summer pattern. The warmth of the summer sun continues to bathe the city, without causing discomfort. Rarity of rainfall, prominence of sunshine, and restrained humidity make August a pleasing phase in Murghab's annual climate cycle. Weather in August »

September in Murghab signals a gradual descent towards chillier days ahead. The dip in temperatures is accompanied by a decreased overall rainfall of 11mm (0.43"). Nevertheless, the abundance of sunshine continues to offer pleasant daytime weather. Weather in September »

When it comes to October, the weather in Murghab takes a chilly turn. Defining the essence of autumn, temperatures continue their downward trend, and the days gradually become shorter. A notable shift from September is observed in the increased rainfall. Weather in October »

In November, the residents of Murghab brace themselves for the harsh winter. A marked reduction in temperatures serve as a precursor to the impending biting cold. Despite the coolness, the town basks in generous sunshine for an average of six hours per day. Weather in November »

December commences with a frigid and frosty setting in Murghab. Residents experience daily average highs around -10°C (14°F) and nightly lows plunging to a freezing -19°C (-2.2°F). Short daylight hours and a considerable decline in UV exposure echo the heart of winter. Weather in December »