The climate of Ashgabat
The city of
Ashgabat, nestled in
Turkmenistan's Southern region, experiences a distinctive BSk or mid-latitude steppe climate according to the Köppen climate classification. This type of climate primarily brings hot, dry summers and mild to cold, somewhat dry winters. Considering its geographical position, the city's weather profile encapsulates a wide range of temperatures, from a low of -0.4°C (31.3°F) during the colder months to a sweltering high of 38.3°C (100.9°F) in the peak of summer.
Heightening the city's characteristic contrast, the average relative humidity swings between a low of 34% during the arid summer to a high of 78% in the slightly moist winters. As for precipitation, rainfall levels fluctuate from a minimal amount of 2mm (0.08") in the summer to a peak of 41mm (1.61") in the transition months from winter to spring. The city experiences an average of 2 to 13 rainfall days per month while wintertime snowfall is restricted to minor occurrences mainly in the months from
November to
March.
Significantly, Ashgabat is known for its high levels of sunshine. Annual daylight hours range from a low of 9.6 hours in
December to a high of 14.8 hours in
June; equally, the duration of actual sunshine alters between 3.4 hours in winter and 11.4 hours in summer. The UV index, an important indicator of potential skin damage risk due to sunlight, varies between 2 in the darker months to an extreme 11 in the sunnier part of the year.
The best time to visit Ashgabat
Factoring all climatic aspects, the optimal period for tourists to explore the city would likely be during the spring months especially from
March to
May when the weather conditions are mild. The temperature scales from 5.5°C (41.9°F) to 30.1°C (86.2°F) allowing travelers to indulge in city's outdoor attractions comfortably. With rainfall ranging from 21mm (0.83") to 41mm (1.61"), visitors can expect occasional showers, a refreshing element in the gradually warming climate.
The worst time to visit Ashgabat
Traveling to
Ashgabat in the midst of summer from
June to
August may prove challenging for some, as the highest temperatures registered soar from 36°C (96.8°F) to 38.3°C (100.9°F). The scorching heat accompanied by a low relative humidity of 34% - 35% reinforces the city's characteristic dry and arid conditions. Very minimal rain of about 2mm (0.08") to 3mm (0.12") falls during these months, providing little relief from the intensifying heat.
Spring weather in Ashgabat
March to
May treats
Ashgabat with spring weather, bringing temperatures from 5.5°C (41.9°F) to 30.1°C (86.2°F). It's a period of gradual warming, moving away from the cold of the winter season to the heat of summer. Average rainfall ranges between 21mm (0.83") to 41mm (1.61"), offering a pleasant ambiance with the highest rainfall days peaking at 13 in March.
Summer weather in Ashgabat
The city's summer months from
June to
August are marked by low rainfall, scanty cloud cover, and extreme heat. Maximum temperatures scale from 36°C (96.8°F) to 38.3°C (100.9°F), with minimum staying between 21.5°C (70.7°F) to 23.8°C (74.8°F) creating an intensely hot environment. Amid these conditions, the city experiences its least rainfall measuring from 2mm (0.08") to 3mm (0.12") and relatively low humidity of 34% to 35%.
Autumn weather in Ashgabat
September to
November welcomes the fall season with temperatures decreasing gradually from 31.7°C (89.1°F) to 16.8°C (62.2°F). Rainfall in these months ranges between 3mm (0.12") and 19mm (0.75") with increasing relative humidity from 40% to 68%.
Winter weather in Ashgabat
Winter in
Ashgabat spans from
December to
February with temperatures fluctuating from a chilly -0.4°C (31.3°F) to a modest 11.2°C (52.2°F). The city experiences a rise in relative humidity from 72% to 78%, and observes light snowfall mainly in
January and February. From 20mm (0.79") to 24mm (0.94") rainfall is typical with the number of snowfall days peaking at 5 in January and February.
Weather in January
Starting the year,
Ashgabat experiences fairly cold conditions, with average high temperatures warming up to 8.6°C (47.5°F) and lows falling down to a chilly -0.4°C (31.3°F). Following the winter solstice, daylight begins to incrementally increase from its yearly minimum.
Weather in January »Weather in February
Succeeding
January,
February sees a slight upward shift in not only average temperatures, but also daylight hours. Temperatures stretch from 1°C (33.8°F) to 11.2°C (52.2°F), whereas January had a much lower minimum. While still in the depths of winter,
Ashgabat starts to witness signs of an early spring with the increased sunshine hours.
Weather in February »Weather in March
March witnesses an upswing in temperature, sunlight, and rainfall. Temperatures reaching as high as 16.5°C (61.7°F) make it noticeably warmer than
February. Despite the higher temperature, the month stays relatively comfortable due to the decrease in humidity.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
In
April,
Ashgabat transitions fully into the warmth of spring. It runs hotter than
March with temperature highs pushing at 24.1°C (75.4°F). There's a remarkable increase in daylight hours, contributing to the rapid warming of the city.
Weather in April »Weather in May
May is usually marked by a substantial leap in temperature, with no signs of residual spring coolness. Highs escalate up to 30.1°C (86.2°F) from a minimum record of 16.6°C (61.9°F), officially marking the onset of summer. The strengthening sunlight, coupled with less rainfall, triggers an increase in evaporation rates, hence, the relative humidity dips further.
Weather in May » Weather in June
June is characterized by hot, arid conditions typical of a desert summer. The difference between its temperature range, from 21.5°C (70.7°F) to 36°C (96.8°F), and
May, is quite notable. It is the first of the scorching summer months with few rainy days and long sunlit hours.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
In
July,
Ashgabat temperatures peak with an average high temperature soaring up to 38.3°C (100.9°F) and lows resting at a warm 23.8°C (74.8°F). It is considered the hottest month, outdoing even the preceding, typically fierce,
June.
Weather in July »Weather in August
August continues the intense heatwave, albeit slightly milder than the peak temperatures of
July. It's still an immensely hot month with little respite from the blistering sun. The balance of daylight hours begins to shift as they mildly decline from its annual maximum.
Weather in August » Weather in September
September marks the beginning of the gradual decline in temperature from summer highs, signaling the onset of autumn. Though it’s still considerably warmer than early spring months with highs of 31.7°C (89.1°F). The return of occasional rainfall days and the drop in high temperatures indicate the departure from summer.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
Come
October, the weather in
Ashgabat leans towards the milder side compared to
September's swelter. Daylight hours continue to wane as the city leans further into autumn. The drying trend reverses, resulting in more consistent rainfall compared to September.
Weather in October »Weather in November
In
November, temperatures continue to drop with an appreciation of the latter autumn chill. While the transition is noticeable, the city's climate remains considerably mild. A surge in relative humidity and rise in average rainfall can be observed.
Weather in November »Weather in December
December in
Ashgabat rings in the winter chill, with temperatures nosediving from 1.2°C (34.2°F) to 10.4°C (50.7°F). Compared to
November, there is a marked decrease in both daylight and sunshine hours. Rainfall remains relatively similar to the previous month, but the incidence of snowfall sees a steep increase.
Weather in December »