The climate of Isfahan
Isfahan, a city situated in central
Iran, enjoys a semi-arid, or BSk, climate under Köppen's climate classification. This kind of mid-latitude steppe climate is characterized by vast seasonal changes in temperature and low amounts of rainfall throughout the year. Isfahan's climate is distinctly marked by hot summers and cold winters, with significant variations in temperature between night and day.
On an annual cycle, it can be discerned that the temperatures range from -2.4°C (27.7°F) to 36.4°C (97.5°F), revealing a significant range of temperature fluctuation. It is most warm from
June to
August with the highest average temperature reaching 36.4°C (97.5°F) in
July. Alternatively, the coldest temperatures usually occur in
January, dropping as low as -2.4°C (27.7°F). It should be noted that relative humidity in Isfahan follows an inverse trend to the temperature, being highest in winter (up to 60%) and lowest in summer (down to 23%).
Rainfall in Isfahan is sporadic and modest; typically, rainfall occurs most heavily in winter and spring with the highest rainfall recorded in
December with 20mm (0.79"). The opposite is found during dry summer months where average rainfall can fall to 0mm (0") in August. The city, however, enjoys an average of 8.9 to 11.5 sunlight hours per day from
May through August.
The best time to visit Isfahan
Considering rainfall, temperature, and hours of possible sunlight, the best time to visit
Isfahan would be from
April to
June and again from
September to
November. During these months, the outdoor conditions are most conducive for sightseeing and other outdoor activities. April and
May, in particular, enjoy a warm temperature range of 16.8°C (62.2°F) to 28°C (82.4°F), low rainfall between 18mm (0.71") to 19mm (0.75"), and ample daylight with an average of 12 to 13 hours.
The worst time to visit Isfahan
On the contrary, visiting
Isfahan in the peak of summer -
July and
August - or in the depth of winter -
December,
January and
February - may pose certain discomforts to tourists. The temperature during the summer months tend to rise too high, reaching up to 36.4°C (97.5°F), with minimal relief provided by rainfall. The winter months, likewise, can be quite challenging with low temperatures dropping down to -2.4°C (27.7°F) and the city also experiences the maximum rainfall during this period.
Spring weather in Isfahan
Spring in
Isfahan, which spans from
March to
May, is marked by warmer temperatures, increased daylight, and varying humidity. Temperatures during these months range from 4.5°C (40.1°F) to 28°C (82.4°F). There is still rainfall during this period, especially in March and
April with 18mm (0.71") and 19mm (0.75"), respectively. The length of daylight gradually increases and ranges from 12 hours in March to 13.8 hours in May.
Summer weather in Isfahan
Summer in
Isfahan lasts from
June to
August, with temperatures soaring high, humidity dropping, and rainfall becoming scarce. The city experiences its highest temperatures in
July, at an average high of 36.4°C (97.5°F). Despite the intense heat, the low relative humidity, ranging from 23% to 24%, can make the heat more bearable. Rainfall virtually disappears, with a hardly noticeable 1mm (0.04") in July and 0mm (0") in August.
Autumn weather in Isfahan
The autumn months from
September to
November in
Isfahan bring more agreeable temperatures, ranging from 15.1°C (59.2°F) to 31.2°C (88.2°F). Rainfall is also more frequent than in summer, but still quite low. The longest possible sunlight is 12.4 hours in September, but this decreases to 10.5 hours by November.
Winter weather in Isfahan
Lastly, winter in
Isfahan, which spans from
December to
February, features low temperatures, increased humidity, and the most rainfall seen throughout the year. The temperatures plunge to their lowest at -2.4°C (27.7°F) in
January. Relative humidity is at its peak, sometimes reaching up to 60%, and rainfall peaks at 20mm (0.79") in December. Despite the cold conditions, the city does receive 10 to 11 hours of daylight during these months.
Weather in January
In
Isfahan,
Iran,
January marks relatively cold conditions. The lowest minimum temperature occurs in this month, reaching lows of -2.4°C (27.7°F). With the year just starting, the city wraps itself in a cool blanket of fog and frost.
Weather in January »Weather in February
As
February arrives in
Isfahan, signs of temperatures slightly starting to rise become evident. There is a shift from the bone-chilling cold of
January, with minimum temperatures crawling up to -0.2°C (31.6°F). The city slowly starts to shed its winter chill, paving the way for the arrival of a warmer season.
Weather in February »Weather in March
In
March,
Isfahan begins to experience a significant shift in weather. A leap in minimum temperatures is recorded, as they rise to a more pleasant 4.5°C (40.1°F). Adding to the charm of the city are longer hours of daylight and sunshine.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April welcomes spring in
Isfahan, rendering beautiful hues of green to its flora. A positive change is observed in the minimum temperature, which hovers around the mid-9.4°C (15.1°F). With the snow and freezing temperatures of winter now in the rearview mirror, April is a time of milder temperatures and refreshing breezes.
Weather in April » Weather in May
May signals the advent of warmer days in
Isfahan. The minimum temperature records a steep increase to 14.2°C (57.6°F). Temperatures during the day become hot and the beauty of Isfahan under the bright, azure sky is sight to behold.
Weather in May » Weather in June
June is the beginning of true summer heat in
Isfahan. A maximum temperature of 34.1°C (93.4°F) makes it one of the hottest months of the year. People seek solace in the cool indoor spaces, while the sunny weather brings vibrancy to the city's architecture.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
In
July,
Isfahan experiences the peak of its summer heat. The city records its highest temperature of the year, a sweltering 36.4°C (97.5°F). Perhaps it is best to stay indoors between the daytime hours, reserving outdoor activities for the cooler evening hours.
Weather in July »Weather in August
As
August unfolds, the heat in
Isfahan remains intense. It still remains the part of the city’s hottest period, with maximum temperatures hitting 35.1°C (95.2°F). Late afternoon and evening become ideal for outdoor activities as to avoid the punishing sun.
Weather in August »Weather in September
September marks the beginning of the transition into the milder autumn season in
Isfahan. The temperature begin its slow slide downwards, presenting more bearable conditions. However, with the city recording its maximum of 31.2°C (88.2°F), the residual heat of summer days can still be felt.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October brings with it a significant drop in temperature as
Isfahan steps into the thick of autumn. Maximum temperatures see a slump, coming down to a comfortable 24.4°C (75.9°F). With less heat and more pleasant temperatures, it is an ideal time to explore the city and experience local culture.
Weather in October » Weather in November
In
November,
Isfahan starts to feel the cold encroach once again. The minimum temperature drops to 3.6°C (38.5°F) making it a noticeable transition from the pleasantly cool temperatures of the previous month. During this month, one can witness a blend of seasons as the crispness of fall mingles with the approaching chill of winter.
Weather in November »Weather in December
December marks the return of winter in
Isfahan. With the minimum temperature plunging to -0.9°C (30.4°F), is the beginnings of cold nights. Despite this, the city decks itself in festive cheer as the end of the year approaches.
Weather in December »