Iran, located in the Middle East, is a country of remarkable geographical and climatic diversity. Covering over 1.6 million square kilometers, Iran is bordered by several countries including Iraq, Turkey, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan, Afghanistan, and Pakistan. It also has coastlines along the Caspian Sea to the north and the Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman to the south. This diverse geography contributes to Iran’s varied climate, which includes hot deserts, mountainous regions, and subtropical areas.
Iran’s landscape is dominated by two major mountain ranges: the Zagros Mountains in the west and the Alborz Mountains in the north. The interior consists of arid plateaus and deserts, like the Dasht-e Kavir and Dasht-e Lut, while the northern coastal regions along the Caspian Sea are lush and subtropical. Due to this topographical variety, Iran experiences a wide range of weather patterns, from scorching hot summers in the central desert to cold, snowy winters in the mountainous regions.
Iran Weather by Month
January
General Overview
- Average temperature: -5 to 15°C (23 to 59°F) depending on the region
- Rainfall: Snow in the mountains, rain in coastal and northern areas
January is winter in Iran, and the country experiences cold temperatures, particularly in the mountainous and northern regions. Snowfall is common in areas like Tehran, Isfahan, and the Alborz Mountains, while the southern coast remains milder.
Regional Differences
- Northern Iran (Caspian region): Cool and rainy, with temperatures around 5-10°C (41-50°F)
- Zagros and Alborz Mountains: Cold with heavy snowfall, temperatures as low as -5°C (23°F)
- Central Iran (Tehran, Isfahan): Cold with occasional rain and snow, temperatures ranging from 0-10°C (32-50°F)
- Southern Iran (Persian Gulf coast): Mild and dry, with temperatures around 15-20°C (59-68°F)
January is ideal for winter sports enthusiasts heading to the ski resorts in the Alborz Mountains, while southern regions like Bandar Abbas and Kish Island offer milder conditions.
February
General Overview
- Average temperature: -5 to 18°C (23 to 64°F)
- Rainfall: Snow in the mountains and rain in the northern and western regions
February remains cold in most parts of Iran, especially in the mountainous regions where snow continues to fall. Rainfall is still frequent in the Caspian and western regions, while the southern coast enjoys mild and pleasant weather.
Regional Differences
- Northern Iran: Cool and rainy, temperatures around 5-12°C (41-54°F)
- Alborz and Zagros Mountains: Cold with ongoing snowfall, temperatures between -5 to 5°C (23-41°F)
- Central Iran: Cool with sporadic rain and snow, temperatures from 3-10°C (37-50°F)
- Southern Iran: Mild, with temperatures ranging from 15-22°C (59-72°F)
February is another good month for winter sports in the north, while the southern regions remain pleasant for outdoor activities and exploring historical sites.
March
General Overview
- Average temperature: 5 to 20°C (41 to 68°F)
- Rainfall: Rainy in the north and west, snow starts to melt in the mountains
March marks the transition from winter to spring, and the weather begins to warm up, particularly in central and southern regions. Rainfall continues in the northern parts of the country, while the snow in the mountains starts to melt.
Regional Differences
- Northern Iran: Rainy and cool, temperatures around 10-15°C (50-59°F)
- Mountain regions: Cold, but the snow begins to melt, with temperatures between 0-8°C (32-46°F)
- Central Iran: Pleasant, with temperatures around 10-18°C (50-64°F)
- Southern Iran: Warm and dry, with temperatures from 18-25°C (64-77°F)
March is the beginning of the Persian New Year (Nowruz), a major holiday in Iran. It’s a great time to visit as the country is in a festive mood, and the weather is becoming more favorable for travel.
April
General Overview
- Average temperature: 10 to 25°C (50 to 77°F)
- Rainfall: Decreasing rainfall in most regions, milder weather across the country
April is the start of spring in Iran, and the weather becomes more comfortable throughout the country. Rainfall begins to taper off in most regions, and the mountains experience the last of their snow melt. It’s a beautiful time to see the blooming flowers and lush landscapes, particularly in northern and western Iran.
Regional Differences
- Northern Iran: Rainy, with mild temperatures around 15-20°C (59-68°F)
- Mountain regions: Warming up, with snow melting and temperatures from 5-15°C (41-59°F)
- Central Iran: Warm and sunny, temperatures ranging from 15-25°C (59-77°F)
- Southern Iran: Hot, with temperatures around 25-30°C (77-86°F)
April is an ideal time for travel across most parts of Iran, especially in the historic cities of Shiraz and Isfahan, where the weather is warm and the landscapes are lush.
May
General Overview
- Average temperature: 15 to 30°C (59 to 86°F)
- Rainfall: Drying up in most areas, warm temperatures becoming widespread
By May, the weather across Iran is generally warm, and the rainfall in the northern and western parts has significantly decreased. The coastal regions of the Caspian remain lush and green, while the central and southern parts of the country start to heat up.
Regional Differences
- Northern Iran: Pleasant, with occasional showers and temperatures around 20-25°C (68-77°F)
- Mountain regions: Mild and sunny, with temperatures around 10-20°C (50-68°F)
- Central Iran: Warm, with temperatures between 20-30°C (68-86°F)
- Southern Iran: Hot, with temperatures ranging from 28-35°C (82-95°F)
May is a great time to explore Iran’s major cities and cultural landmarks, as the weather is warm but not yet unbearably hot in the southern regions.
June
General Overview
- Average temperature: 20 to 35°C (68 to 95°F)
- Rainfall: Very little rain, especially in central and southern regions
June marks the beginning of summer in Iran, and temperatures rise across the country, particularly in the southern desert regions. The mountainous areas remain cooler and offer a refreshing escape from the heat of the lowlands.
Regional Differences
- Northern Iran: Warm with occasional rain, temperatures around 25-30°C (77-86°F)
- Mountain regions: Warm and sunny, with temperatures around 15-25°C (59-77°F)
- Central Iran: Hot, with temperatures around 30-35°C (86-95°F)
- Southern Iran: Very hot, with temperatures ranging from 35-40°C (95-104°F)
June is ideal for mountain hiking and exploring the cooler regions, but travelers heading to the southern deserts should be prepared for intense heat.
July
General Overview
- Average temperature: 25 to 40°C (77 to 104°F)
- Rainfall: Dry across most regions, very hot in southern and central parts
July is one of the hottest months in Iran, with temperatures soaring in the central deserts and southern regions. Rainfall is rare, and the intense summer heat dominates much of the country, particularly in the south.
Regional Differences
- Northern Iran: Warm and humid, with temperatures around 30°C (86°F)
- Mountain regions: Pleasant, with temperatures around 20-30°C (68-86°F)
- Central Iran: Very hot, with temperatures between 35-40°C (95-104°F)
- Southern Iran: Extremely hot, with temperatures around 40-45°C (104-113°F)
July is best suited for visiting the cooler northern or mountainous regions, where the heat is less oppressive. The coastal regions of the Caspian Sea offer cooler and more humid conditions.
August
General Overview
- Average temperature: 25 to 40°C (77 to 104°F)
- Rainfall: Continued dry weather, extreme heat in the south
August remains very hot across much of Iran, especially in the central and southern regions. The weather is dry, and temperatures can exceed 40°C (104°F) in the southern deserts and cities like Bandar Abbas.
Regional Differences
- Northern Iran: Warm and occasionally humid, temperatures around 30°C (86°F)
- Mountain regions: Warm and sunny, with temperatures around 20-30°C (68-86°F)
- Central Iran: Hot, with temperatures around 35-40°C (95-104°F)
- Southern Iran: Extremely hot, with temperatures between 40-45°C (104-113°F)
For travelers, August is better suited to visiting the high-altitude regions, such as the Alborz or Zagros Mountains, or the more temperate northern coast.
September
General Overview
- Average temperature: 20 to 35°C (68 to 95°F)
- Rainfall: Dry in most parts, but cooling down, especially in the northern and central regions
In September, the intense summer heat begins to subside, particularly in the central and northern regions. The south remains hot, but the temperatures are less extreme than in July and August. Rainfall is still minimal, except for occasional showers in the north.
Regional Differences
- Northern Iran: Cooling slightly, with temperatures around 25-30°C (77-86°F)
- Mountain regions: Mild and pleasant, with temperatures around 15-25°C (59-77°F)
- Central Iran: Warm and dry, with temperatures around 30-35°C (86-95°F)
- Southern Iran: Hot, with temperatures around 35-40°C (95-104°F)
September is a good time to visit the central and northern parts of Iran, where the temperatures are more manageable and outdoor activities become more comfortable.
October
General Overview
- Average temperature: 15 to 30°C (59 to 86°F)
- Rainfall: Increasing rain in northern regions, pleasant temperatures elsewhere
October is the beginning of autumn in Iran, with cooling temperatures and increasing rainfall in the northern regions. Central and southern Iran remain warm, but the oppressive summer heat has eased, making it a good time to explore cities and cultural sites.
Regional Differences
- Northern Iran: Rainy and cool, with temperatures around 20-25°C (68-77°F)
- Mountain regions: Cooling, with temperatures between 10-20°C (50-68°F)
- Central Iran: Warm and dry, with temperatures around 25-30°C (77-86°F)
- Southern Iran: Warm, with temperatures around 30-35°C (86-95°F)
October is an excellent time for traveling across most of Iran, with pleasant weather for sightseeing and exploring outdoor attractions.
November
General Overview
- Average temperature: 10 to 25°C (50 to 77°F)
- Rainfall: Rain increases in the north and west, cooler weather across the country
November brings cooler temperatures across Iran as winter approaches. Rainfall increases in the northern and western regions, while the central and southern parts of the country experience mild weather.
Regional Differences
- Northern Iran: Rainy and cool, with temperatures around 15-20°C (59-68°F)
- Mountain regions: Cold, with occasional snowfall, temperatures around 5-15°C (41-59°F)
- Central Iran: Mild, with temperatures around 15-25°C (59-77°F)
- Southern Iran: Warm, with temperatures around 25-30°C (77-86°F)
November is a good month for visiting Iran’s southern and central regions, where the temperatures are comfortable, and rainfall is less of a concern.
December
General Overview
- Average temperature: 5 to 20°C (41 to 68°F)
- Rainfall: Snow in the mountains, rain in northern and western regions
December marks the beginning of winter in Iran, and temperatures drop significantly in the northern and mountainous regions. Snowfall is common in the mountains, and rain becomes more frequent in the northern coastal areas.
Regional Differences
- Northern Iran: Cool and rainy, with temperatures around 10-15°C (50-59°F)
- Mountain regions: Cold and snowy, with temperatures around -5 to 5°C (23-41°F)
- Central Iran: Cool, with temperatures around 5-15°C (41-59°F)
- Southern Iran: Mild, with temperatures around 15-20°C (59-68°F)
December is ideal for skiing in Iran’s northern mountain ranges, while the southern regions remain mild and pleasant for travel.
Summary of Iran’s Climate by Region
Northern Iran (Caspian Coast)
- Best months: April to June (mild temperatures, lush landscapes)
- Wet season: October to March (heavy rainfall and cooler temperatures)
Central Iran (Tehran, Isfahan, Yazd)
- Best months: April, May, September, and October (pleasant temperatures)
- Hottest months: June to August (very hot, especially in desert areas)
Southern Iran (Persian Gulf Coast)
- Best months: November to March (mild and dry)
- Hottest months: June to August (extremely hot and dry)
Mountain Regions (Alborz, Zagros)
- Best months: May to September (mild and sunny)
- Ski season: December to March (snowy and cold)
Iran’s vast geographical diversity results in a wide range of climates across its regions. From the hot deserts in the south to the snow-capped mountains in the north, each season offers unique experiences for travelers. Whether it’s skiing in the winter, exploring historical cities in the spring, or escaping the heat in the mountains during the summer, Iran offers a rich variety of weather patterns to suit different preferences throughout the year.
