The climate of Kunduz
Located in the northern part of
Afghanistan,
Kunduz experiences a mid-latitude steppe climate, classified as BSk by the Köppen climate classification. This classification identifies a region with a cold semi-arid climate where evaporation often exceeds precipitation.
Throughout the year, the weather in Kunduz is marked by significant variations in its climatological parameters. This includes changes in rainfall, temperature, humidity, and daylight hours. Changes in temperature range from a chilly 1.8°C (35.2°F) to a scorching 38.6°C (101.5°F) while precipitation varies from 0mm (0") to 35mm (1.38") on average per month. Also, the city's relative humidity swings from a low of 15% to a high of 65% within the year, and the daylight hours fluctuate from 9.7 hours to 14.6 hours.
Unique weather patterns include months of
June,
July, and
August experiencing no significant rainfall.
February and
March also bring noticeable snowfall with 86mm (3.39") and 32mm (1.26") respectively. Kunduz also experiences its highest temperatures from June to August, soaring to above 35°C (95°F) making these months particularly hot.
The best time to visit Kunduz
The most favorable time to visit
Kunduz lies in the spring months of
March,
April, and
May. During this period, the city experiences moderate temperatures ranging from 10.7°C (51.3°F) to 30.8°C (87.4°F), and reasonable rainfall amounts between 28mm (1.1") and 35mm (1.38"). Additionally, daylight hours progressively increase from 12 hours to 14.1 hours, allowing for extended outdoor activities.
The worst time to visit Kunduz
Visiting
Kunduz becomes less appealing during the summer from
June to
August. The city is marked with scorching temperatures that often exceed 35°C (95°F), accompanied by minimal to no rainfall, resulting in uncomfortable dry and hot weather. The clarity of vision remains excellent throughout the year at 10km (6.2mi), however, the relative humidity drops to 15%, creating an arid environment.
Spring weather in Kunduz
The spring season in
Kunduz is characterized by progressive warming and moderate rainfall. The average maximum temperature in
March is 18.7°C (65.7°F) and this steadily rises to 30.8°C (87.4°F) in
May. Rainfall levels during this period fluctuate, with 28mm (1.1") in March, rising to 35mm (1.38") in
April, then falling back to 22mm (0.87") in May. Daylight hours increase from 12 hours in March to 14.1 hours in May, offering more sunlight for daily activities.
Summer weather in Kunduz
Kunduz faces an intense summer season with extremely high temperatures. The average high temperature reaches 35.9°C (96.6°F) in
June and increases to 38.6°C (101.5°F) in
July, before dropping slightly to 36.4°C (97.5°F) in
August. Rainfall in these months drastically decreases, with an average of 3mm (0.12") in June, and no significant rainfall in July and August. Consequently, the relative humidity also drops substantially to 15% in July, making the climate extremely arid.
Autumn weather in Kunduz
Weather in
Kunduz during the autumn months sees a significant drop in temperatures and an increase in rainfall. Maximum temperatures range from 31.8°C (89.2°F) in
September to a cooler 15.3°C (59.5°F) in
November. Rainfall, though low, shows a gradual increase from 1mm (0.04") in September, to 17mm (0.67") in November. Days start to shorten with daylight hours decreasing from 12.4 hours in September to 10.2 hours in November.
Winter weather in Kunduz
Winter in
Kunduz is marked by cold temperatures, occasional snowfall, and shorter days. The average low temperature dips to 2.8°C (37°F) in
December and 1.8°C (35.2°F) in
January, with maximum temperatures reaching only 10.6°C (51.1°F) in December and 9.5°C (49.1°F) in January. Moreover, snowfall is recorded in these months, with an average of 18mm (0.71") in December and 32mm (1.26") in January. The city experiences the shortest days during these months, with an average of 9.7 daylight hours in December.
Weather in January
In
Kunduz,
Afghanistan,
January temperatures start the year off with a chill, cooling down further from
December. With temperatures hitting lows of 1.8°C (35.2°F) and highs only reaching up to 9.5°C (49.1°F), it becomes essential to layer up warm clothing to keep the frost at bay.
Weather in January »Weather in February
February, in comparison to
January, experiences a slight increase in temperatures that ranges from lows of 2.6°C (36.7°F) to highs of 10.7°C (51.3°F). The month also witnesses an uptick in humidity from the previous month, due to the increase in rainfall.
Weather in February » Weather in March
March brings with it a substantial transition in the
Kunduz weather as winter gives way to spring. With the onset of March, temperatures start to warm up, with the high touching 18.7°C (65.7°F). Increased sunlight extending up to 12 hours a day in the province, making longer daytime an opportunity for outdoor activities.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
Weather conditions stabilize in
April, offering pleasant days and cooler nights. On the temperature scale, it ranges from lows of 12.5°C (54.5°F) to highs of up to 23.8°C (74.8°F), representing a marked increase from
March. The amount of daylight received further extends, marking an increase over the past few months.
Weather in April »Weather in May
May is when high temperatures start to wrap
Kunduz in a warm embrace. Despite reaching such high temperatures, the amount of rain received during the month is still relatively low with just 22mm (0.87") falling over the course of the month.
Weather in May » Weather in June
June brings soaring temperatures that have been climbing ever since
March and are now reaching their peak, with 35.9°C (96.6°F) being the high. The long and balmy days are perfect for enjoying the outdoors, given the conditions are adequately prepared for.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July showcases the warmest and driest weather, with the highest temperature of the year touching a sizzling 38.6°C (101.5°F). The amount of rainfall recorded is at an annual low, making it the driest month of the year. The moderate wind flow from the earlier parts of the year tends to become more pronounced.
Weather in July » Weather in August
In
August,
Kunduz continues to witness warm weather, although the highest temperature starts to decrease, dropping to 36.4°C (97.5°F). The rainfall remains at its low phase, with practically negligible precipitation recorded. A moderate wind circulation persists across the city, providing some much-needed air movement.
Weather in August »Weather in September
September indicates the start of transition from the sizzling summer to the cooler autumn in
Kunduz. As the temperature gradually cools down, the rainfall also increases, although it remains quite low on an absolute basis. Variations in wind speeds become evident during this time as the climate prepares for the incoming changes of the later months.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October welcomes the full swing of autumn, as the temperature falls from 31.8°C (89.2°F) to more comfortable levels. The decreasing temperatures also cause changes to the state of precipitation as increased rainfall of 6mm (0.24") replaces the dry conditions.
Weather in October » Weather in November
November points towards the impending winter as the mercury level continues to decline, dropping to a chillier 15.3°C (59.5°F). As the temperature continues to fall, there is an increase in rainfall, marking the return of wetter weather.
Weather in November » Weather in December
December shows the full arrival of the winter as the temperature further drops from
November's readings to 10.6°C (51.1°F). With an increase in rainfall from 10mm (0.39") to 17mm (0.67"), a higher humidity level is also observed.
Weather in December »