The climate of Sanandaj
Sanandaj, situated in the rugged terrain of
Iran, experiences a Dsa climate according to the Köppen climate classification, indicating a hot-summer Mediterranean climate. The area experiences a range of weather conditions throughout the year, with temperatures peaking in the height of summer and dropping to a chilly winter.
Temperatures in Sanandaj range from a low of -4.7°C (23.5°F) in
January to a high of 32.5°C (90.5°F) in
July. Humidity levels fluctuate less dramatically, with a high of 73% in
February and a low of 23% in July. Variations in humidity levels are less pronounced when compared to temperature fluctuations, reinforcing the idea of a predominantly hot-summer Mediterranean environment in this region.
Precipitation demonstrates a strong annual pattern, with rainfall reaching its maximum of 51mm (2.01") in
March and virtually disappearing with only 1mm (0.04") falling in
June and July. The highest frequency of rainfall days is observed in March, with 12.5 days registered on average. The number of snowfall days plummets from 9 in January to virtually none from
April to
November, indicating a clear division between the cold and warm months.
The best time to visit Sanandaj
The best time to visit
Sanandaj often hinges upon individual weather preferences. However, bearing in mind the weather conditions, the period from
May to
July seems to offer the best combination of pleasant temperatures and low precipitation. During these months, visitors can expect average high temperatures ranging from 21.7°C (71.1°F) to 32.5°C (90.5°F), low rainfall of precipitation is accumulated. Throughout the year, there are 70.6 rainfall days, and 257mm (10.12") of precipitation is accumulated. Months with snowfall are
January through
April,
November and
December. In Sanandaj, in January, snow falls for 9 days, with typically accumulated 150mm (5.91") of snow. In Sanandaj, during the entire year, snow falls for 23.5 days and aggregates up to 489mm (19.25") of snow. The average length of the day in January is 10h and 5min.
On the first day of the month, sunrise is at 07:30 and sunset at 17:19. On the last day of January, in Sanandaj, sunrise is at 07:22 and sunset at 17:48 +0330. With an average of 6.5h of sunshine, January has the least sunshine of the year. The months with the lowest UV index are January through
March, November and December, with an average maximum UV index of 2. A UV Index reading of 2, and below, represents a minimal health hazard from exposure to the Sun's UV radiation for ordinary individuals.
Note: In January, the maximum UV index of 2 transforms into these recommendations:
Babies, children, and those with sensitive skin should always avoid extended periods in the sun. The solar radiation around mid-day is intense; avoid the Sun and stay safe. A wide-brimmed hat is a staple for defending the face, eyes, ears, and neck from the Sun. Take note! UV radiation from the Sun can double in intensity due to snow reflection.
Weather in February
The weather in
Sanandaj remains cold in
February, although temperatures show a slight upward trend compared to
January. This month observes, not uncommonly, a mix of rainfall and snowfall, painting a picturesque image of the city under a wispy gray sky.
Weather in February »Weather in March
Moving from winter into spring,
March sees a significant warming trend in
Sanandaj, with temperatures climbing out of the freezing zone to reach 9.7°C (49.5°F). With the advent of spring, the ice-thaw allows for a larger amount of rainfall, shaping ideal conditions for the city's flora to blossom.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April presents mild temperatures in
Sanandaj, marking the full arrival of spring. With warmer days and fewer hours of darkness, it offers an ambience that allows nature to thrive. The rainfall starts to decline, and snowfall becomes almost negligible.
Weather in April » Weather in May
May is prominently warmer in
Sanandaj and begins to showcase the coming summer temperatures, with highs soaring to a comfortable 21.7°C (71.1°F). The increase in warmth results in the city witnessing a sharp decline in rainfall, providing more opportunities for outdoor recreation.
Weather in May » Weather in June
As summer settles in
Sanandaj,
June exhibits the city’s drier side. An obvious drop in humidity levels accompanies a sharp rise in temperatures, offering the longest daylight hours in the year. Sunsets arrive late into the evening, painting the sky with hues of orange and pink.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July represents the zenith of summer in
Sanandaj, reaching peaks as high as 32.5°C (90.5°F). The scorched land barely witnesses any rainfall during this month, while the sun shines the brightest. Mid-day outings are often best avoided due to the intense sunlight and high temperatures.
Weather in July » Weather in August
August continues the trend of hot, sunny weather in
Sanandaj, maintaining similar temperature levels as
July. A high-pressure system keeps rainfall to a bare minimum, offering clear skies for most of the month. The city’s natural reservoirs mirror the sky’s azure charm, providing scenic landscapes.
Weather in August » Weather in September
In
September, a visible shift from the peak summer occurs, and temperatures become moderately cooler, averaging around 27.1°C (80.8°F). This change signals the onset of autumn in
Sanandaj. Rainfall remains negligible, sustaining the largely arid conditions in the city.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October brings a true taste of autumn in
Sanandaj, with dropping temperatures and a noticeable increase in rainfall. Trees showcase a delightful melange of orange and yellow hues, painting the city in classic fall colours. This atmospheric change also sees wind speeds rising marginally from the settled calm of the summer months.
Weather in October » Weather in November
During
November,
Sanandaj ushers in the onset of winter, with temperatures falling to an average low of 2°C (35.6°F). The increasingly cooler air, accompanied by increased rainfall, pre-empts the coming winter. The decreasing daylight hours, combined with receding sunshine, signify the beginning of the colder period.
Weather in November »Weather in December
December marks the full arrival of winter in
Sanandaj, and with a return to the city's coldest period, temperatures hover around 5.1°C (41.2°F). Snowfall resumes, adding a whitening effect to the city's landscape and enhancing the festive ambience of the holiday season.
Weather in December »