Yearly & Monthly weather - Kabul, Afghanistan

Kabul, the capital of Afghanistan

The climate of Kabul

Positioned cosily in the Afghan mountains, the city of Kabul is graced with a Koppen climate classification Dsb, denoting a humid continental climate with warm, dry summers. Influences from these geographical coordinates and elevation reflect in the varied set of climatological parameters throughout the year. On a broad spectrum of weather, Kabul experiences hot summers with temperatures mounting up to 32°C (89.6°F), which, combined with the dry conditions, mark the annual extremity of this city's climate. On the other end, the cold season sinks temperatures to a low of -7°C (19.4°F).

As mirror images of the temperature, daylight hours fluctuate between a maximum of 14.4 hours in mid-summer months, while winter sees this number reduce to roughly 10 hours. The city displays a notable diversity in its climate parameters, especially noticeable when observing the spread of rainfall data. The pluviometric levels peak between March and April with amounts up to the 79mm (3.11") mark, contrary to the dry summer when negligible rainfall is recorded.

This city's unique peculiarity unfolds as it endures almost no rainfall from June to September, even during the high daylight hours when temperatures are most potent. Simultaneously, the intense sunlight serves a healthy allowance of UV index that touches 12 during mid-year, demanding appropriate sun protection.

The best time to visit Kabul

Optimum visitation to Kabul can be highly subjective, varying depending on the visitor's individual preferences. For those seeking milder temperatures and long daylight hours, the period between April to June show promise. During this time, temperatures stand at tolerable highs between 19°C (66.2°F) and 30°C (86°F) while daylight durations stretch to over 13 hours. The city encounters lesser amounts of rainfall in May making this a dry yet comfortably warm period to roam around and appreciate the city’s cultural offerings.

The worst time to visit Kabul

The challenging period to visit Kabul emerges characteristically in the two extremes of its climate. The scathing summer months from June to August witness temperatures soaring between 30°C (86°F) to 32°C (89.6°F), coupled with glaring sunlight that lasts up to 14.4 hours a day. The absence of rain further accentuates the harsh climate, making it challenging for outdoor activities or exploration. On the contrary, the initial winter months from December to February bring freezing temperatures dropping from 8°C (46.4°F) to a severe low of -7°C (19.4°F), coupled with short daylight durations of less than 11 hours, not recommended for travel.

Spring weather in Kabul

Spring in Kabul is a period of gentle transition as the temperatures climb from 1°C (33.8°F) to 7°C (44.6°F) at the dawn of March to a more comfortable range of 9°C (48.2°F) to 24°C (75.2°F) by May. This period also witnesses the heaviest rainfall of the year, with April experiencing up to 79mm (3.11") rainfall over 11 days. However, the gradually lengthening daylight hours, reaching 14 by May, complemented by 10 hours of sunshine, make this period delightful for those who enjoy cooler, fresh climatic conditions.

Summer weather in Kabul

The summer months in Kabul stretch from June to August and are marked by high temperatures that range from 30°C (86°F) to 31°C (87.8°F), and low temperatures that mildly fluctuate between 13°C (55.4°F) to 16°C (60.8°F). Coinciding with the high temperatures, the hours of daylight peak at 14.4 hours in June, gradually descending over the next two months. Despite abundant sunshine, the climate remains dry with a negligible amount of rainfall. The UV index reaches its zenith during summer, necessitating adequate protection for skin and eyes.

Autumn weather in Kabul

Autumn poses between the extremes of Kabul's weather, providing reprieve from the harsh summer and a mild precursor to the severe winters. The temperature falls from 28°C (82.4°F) high in September to 15°C (59°F) in November, while the lows descend from 11°C (51.8°F) to a colder 0°C (32°F). Just as the temperatures, the daylight hours also shorten, from 12.4 hours in September to 10.4 hours in November. Hardly any rainfall graces the city during this period, making it auspicious for outdoor activities.

Winter weather in Kabul

Winters in Kabul, spanning December to February, are severe; especially during December and January when temperatures sink to -7°C (19.4°F). The maximums do not retreat beyond 8°C (46.4°F), while daylight remains less than 11 hours. The UV index dwindles to 3, marking the lowest in the year, while rainfall during this period is minimal to moderate. This cold period describes the unyielding Afghan winters, demanding adequate clothing for those who dare to brave it.

Weather in January

January's chill paints Kabul in the hues of winter blues, with the mercury dipping down to -7°C (19.4°F), making it the coldest month of the year. Scarce daylight, curtailed at around 10 hours, complements the low temperature. Weather in January »

Weather in February

By February, the heart of winter relaxes its grip slightly in Kabul, heating up modestly from the biting cold of January. A slight upswing in daylight hours mirrors this warmth trend, providing a bit more respite to the residents after the deep freeze of January. Weather in February »

Weather in March

March rouses the weather in Kabul from winter's slumber, as spring announces itself. The city witnesses a substantial increase in temperature and daylight hours, indicating the termination of the wear and tear bestowed by winter. Weather in March »

Weather in April

A comfortable intermediary between the bitter cold of winter and the impending heat of summer, April's weather can be seen as the city's favorite. A sudden bump in temperature up to 19°C (66.2°F) heralds the onset of warmth, hence striding further away from the chill of the first quarter of the year. Weather in April »

Weather in May

May guides Kabul through the threshold into the summer season, opening the gates to increased warmth. A steady rise in temperature conveys the growing influence of the sun, making it necessary to dust off the summer gear. A drastic cut-down in rainfall accentuates the pronounced entry of summer. Weather in May »

Weather in June

June catapults the weather in Kabul into the core of the sizzling summer. Intense heat penetrates every nook and cranny of the city, relegating signs of winter to a distant memory. Daylight lingers at its longest, while rainfall events become a rarity. Weather in June »

Weather in July

The peak of Kabul's summer season is attained in July with the mercury touching a scorching 32°C (89.6°F). The city hoses down under the heat with the retreat of rainfall to its annual low. Yet, daylight hours compress slightly, marking the retreating phase of the sun's peak cycle. Weather in July »

Weather in August

Slight shifts in Kabul's weather pattern occur in August. While the city continues to grapple with the existing heat, there is a hint of a cool-off in the winds. Rainfall picks modestly up from July's dry spell, indicating the onset of a trend towards the cooler months. Weather in August »

Weather in September

September nudges Kabul's weather out of the summer spell, as daylight hours decrease. Thanks to nature's relaxing grip over the city, residents see temperatures and the UV index descending. Rainfall remains at minimal levels, leading to a clear formation of fall, marked by vivid foliage over the city's parks and gardens. Weather in September »

Weather in October

October sees Kabul hunkering down for the shift from warm to cooler conditions. The extended dominance of sunshine begins to lose ground as temperatures drop towards autumnal levels. Selective rainfall paints the city's leaves in autumn hues, setting the stage for the approaching winter. Weather in October »

Weather in November

By the time November arrives, Kabul has fully embraced the downward drift in temperatures. The shift from summer becomes prominent, marking the weather's descent into winter conditions. Rainfall continues to scatter its blessings sporadically, heralding the arrival of the frosty season. Weather in November »

Weather in December

As the year nears its end, Kabul enters the firm grip of winter with temperatures sliding down to -4°C (24.8°F). The contracting daylight hours mirror the plunged values of the mercury. Rather predictably, as the landscape receives a fresh coat of snow, rainfall increases. Weather in December »

Updated: Aug 28, 2024
Published by: Weather Atlas | About Us
Data Sources | Weather Forecasting & Climate

Frequently asked questions

What time of the year is the coldest?

In Kabul, January records the average lowest temperatures, peaking at 4°C (39.2°F) and reaching a low of -7°C (19.4°F).

How many days does it rain?

In Kabul, during the entire year, the rain falls for 50 days and collects up to 332mm (13.07") of precipitation.

What are the months with the least sunshine?

January through March and December, with an average of 6h of sunshine, are months with the least sunshine.

When is the lowest UV index?

January and December, with an average maximum UV index of 3, are months with the lowest UV index.

What is the rainiest month?

The month with the most rainfall is March, when the rain falls for 10 days and typically aggregates up to 79mm (3.11") of precipitation.

What is the driest month?

The month with the least rainfall is June, when the rain falls for 1 days and typically collects 2mm (0.08") of precipitation.

When are the longest days?

June has the longest days of the year, with an average of 14h and 24min of daylight.

What are the months with the most sunshine?

June through August, with an average of 11h of sunshine, are months with the most sunshine.

What is the month with the highest UV index?

The months with the highest UV index are June and July, with an average maximum UV index of 12.

What is the hottest time of year?

In Kabul, July is identified by the average highest temperatures, reaching a peak of 32°C (89.6°F) and a low of 16°C (60.8°F).

What is the month with the shortest days?

The month with the shortest days is December, with an average of 9h and 54min of daylight.

Is there Daylight Saving Time (DST)?

Kabul does not observe Daylight Saving Time (DST). +0430 timezone is used over the entire year.

Today

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Long-term

Year J F M A M J J A S O N D

Average temperature
Kabul, Afghanistan

Average high temperature in January:
4°C
Average high temperature in February:
5°C
Average high temperature in March:
12°C
Average high temperature in April:
19°C
Average high temperature in May:
24°C
Average high temperature in June:
30°C

Average high temperature in July:
32°C
Average high temperature in August:
31°C
Average high temperature in September:
28°C
Average high temperature in October:
22°C
Average high temperature in November:
15°C
Average high temperature in December:
8°C

The warmest month (with the highest average high temperature) is July (32°C).
The month with the lowest average high temperature is January (4°C).

Average low temperature in January:
-7°C
Average low temperature in February:
-5°C
Average low temperature in March:
1°C
Average low temperature in April:
7°C
Average low temperature in May:
9°C
Average low temperature in June:
13°C

Average low temperature in July:
16°C
Average low temperature in August:
15°C
Average low temperature in September:
11°C
Average low temperature in October:
5°C
Average low temperature in November:
0°C
Average low temperature in December:
-4°C

The month with the highest average low temperature is July (16°C).
The coldest month (with the lowest average low temperature) is January (-7°C).

Average rainfall
Kabul, Afghanistan

The wettest month (with the highest rainfall) is March (79mm).
The driest month (with the least rainfall) is June (2mm).

Average rainfall days
Kabul, Afghanistan

Average rainfall days in January:
2 days
Average rainfall days in February:
3 days
Average rainfall days in March:
10 days
Average rainfall days in April:
11 days
Average rainfall days in May:
8 days
Average rainfall days in June:
1 days

Average rainfall days in July:
3 days
Average rainfall days in August:
2 days
Average rainfall days in September:
1 days
Average rainfall days in October:
2 days
Average rainfall days in November:
4 days
Average rainfall days in December:
3 days

The month with the highest number of rainy days is April (11 days).
The months with the least rainy days are June and September (1 days).

Average daylight / Average sunshine
Kabul, Afghanistan

Average daylight in January:
10h and 1min
Average daylight in February:
10h and 5min
Average daylight in March:
12h and 0min
Average daylight in April:
13h and 1min
Average daylight in May:
14h and 0min
Average daylight in June:
14h and 2min

Average daylight in July:
14h and 1min
Average daylight in August:
13h and 2min
Average daylight in September:
12h and 2min
Average daylight in October:
11h and 2min
Average daylight in November:
10h and 2min
Average daylight in December:
9h and 5min

The month with the longest days is June (Average daylight: 14h and 24min).
The month with the shortest days is December (Average daylight: 9h and 54min).

The months with the most sunshine are June, July and August (Average sunshine: 11h).
The months with the least sunshine are January, February, March and December (Average sunshine: 6h).

Average UV index
Kabul, Afghanistan

The months with the highest UV index are June and July (UV index 12).
The months with the lowest UV index are January and December (UV index 3).

Climate and monthly weather forecastKabul, Afghanistan

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