Discover Iran's ancient Persian heritage, stunning Islamic architecture, and warm hospitality. From the grand bazaars of Tehran to the architectural marvels of Isfahan and the poetic gardens of Shiraz, Iran offers travelers a journey through 2,500 years of history and culture.
Iran has a remarkably diverse climate due to its vast size and varied topography. The central plateau experiences a continental arid climate with scorching summers and cold winters, while the Caspian coast enjoys a subtropical humid climate with heavy rainfall and mild temperatures year-round. The Persian Gulf coast is extremely hot and humid in summer but pleasantly warm in winter. The Alborz and Zagros mountain ranges create distinct microclimates and host Iran's ski resorts. Most of Iran's famous historic cities - Tehran, Isfahan, Shiraz, and Yazd - experience a semi-arid climate with four distinct seasons, best visited in spring and autumn.
Best time to visit
Best: March-May, September-November
Peak Season: March-May, September-November
Shoulder Season: February, June, December
Avoid: July-August, January
Best Reason:
Avoid Reason:
Month-by-month weather
Typical conditions throughout the year.
January
3C/37F (Tehran central), 10C/50F (Shiraz), 20C/68F (Kish)
Cold across most of Iran. Snow common in Tehran and Isfahan. Persian Gulf islands warm and pleasant.
February
5C/41F (Tehran), 11C/52F (Shiraz), 21C/70F (Kish)
Still cold with Nowruz preparations beginning. Fajr Film Festival in Tehran. Almond blossoms appear in southern gardens.
March
10C/50F (Tehran), 15C/59F (Shiraz), 23C/73F (Kish)
Nowruz (Persian New Year around March 20-21) is magical with celebrations nationwide. Spring wildflowers begin. Expect crowds at tourist sites.
April
16C/61F (Tehran), 20C/68F (Shiraz), 27C/81F (Kish)
Perfect conditions across Iran with warm days, cool evenings, and spectacular wildflowers. One of the finest months to visit.
May
21C/70F (Tehran), 24C/75F (Shiraz), 31C/88F (Kish)
Excellent weather before summer heat arrives. Rose harvest in Kashan (May) is a highlight. Damavand mountaineering season opens.
June
28C/82F (Tehran), 31C/88F (Shiraz), 36C/97F (Kish)
Summer heat begins. Still manageable in Tehran early in month. Mountains remain excellent. Persian Gulf becomes very hot.
July
33C/91F (Tehran), 36C/97F (Shiraz), 41C/106F (Kish)
Hot across Iran. Best time for high-altitude hiking including Damavand summit. Coastal cities unbearable midday. Stick to mountain areas.
August
32C/90F (Tehran), 35C/95F (Shiraz), 40C/104F (Kish)
Hottest month in most regions. Caspian coast packed with Tehranis. Mountains are the best escape. Most historical sites best visited at dawn.
September
26C/79F (Tehran), 29C/84F (Shiraz), 36C/97F (Kish)
Excellent transition month. Heat eases, crowds thin, and autumn colors begin in northern forests. One of the best months to visit.
October
18C/64F (Tehran), 22C/72F (Shiraz), 30C/86F (Kish)
Ideal conditions with cool days, beautiful autumn light, and moderate temperatures. Persian Gulf islands become pleasant again.
November
11C/52F (Tehran), 15C/59F (Shiraz), 25C/77F (Kish)
Getting cooler, especially in northern Iran. Fewer tourists than shoulder season. Kish Island enters its best season.
December
5C/41F (Tehran), 10C/50F (Shiraz), 21C/70F (Kish)
Cold in most cities. Snow in Tehran mountains. Ski season opens at Tochal and Dizin. Persian Gulf islands in peak winter tourism season.
The seasons
What to expect in each part of the year.
Spring
Months: Mar-May
Iran's most beautiful season when wildflowers carpet mountain slopes, Persian gardens bloom, and Nowruz celebrations bring the country to life. Temperatures are pleasantly mild across most of Iran.
Summer
Months: Jun-Aug
Extremely hot in central Iran and the Persian Gulf (40-50C). The Caspian coast is humid and busy. Alborz and Zagros mountains offer cool refuge. Tehran can be smoggy and uncomfortable.
Fall
Months: Sep-Nov
Excellent season with clear skies, cooling temperatures, and autumn foliage in northern forests and mountain slopes. One of the two best times to visit Iran for all activities.
Winter
Months: Dec-Feb
Cold to very cold in most of Iran with snow in mountains and highland areas. Isfahan and Shiraz are cold but manageable (5-10C). Persian Gulf islands like Kish are warm and pleasant (20-25C) - winter's best kept secret.
Crowds & peak times
When to expect tourists and when to avoid them.
- High Season
- Nowruz period (late March-early April) and spring school holidays see the heaviest domestic tourism. Summer (July-August) brings Tehranis to the Caspian coast.
- Shoulder Season
- April-May and September-October are the sweet spot with excellent weather and manageable crowds. International tourist numbers are highest during these months.
- Low Season
- November-February (excluding Nowruz preparations) sees the fewest tourists. Sites are uncrowded but shorter daylight and cold temperatures in northern Iran are trade-offs.
Major events & festivals
Time your visit around what matters.
Nowruz (Persian New Year)
Iran's most important celebration marking spring equinox and new year. Entire country celebrates with family gatherings, Haft-Sin tables, spring cleaning, and trips. Tourist sites very crowded but experiencing Nowruz is magical. Book accommodation well in advance.
Chaharshanbe Suri (Festival of Fire)
Fire festival where people jump over bonfires to cleanse away bad luck and welcome new year. Fireworks, street parties, and celebrations throughout Iran. Ancient Zoroastrian tradition still widely practiced.
Ramadan
Islamic holy month of fasting. Muslims don't eat/drink during daylight hours. Many restaurants closed during day, reduced hours. Respectful not to eat publicly during daylight. After sunset (Iftar) festive atmosphere with special foods. Experience unique cultural aspect but expect some inconveniences.
Fajr International Film Festival
Major film festival in Tehran showcasing Iranian and international cinema. Good opportunity to experience Iran's vibrant film culture and industry.
Rose Water Festival (Kashan)
Traditional rose water distillation in villages near Kashan, particularly Qamsar and Niasar. Witness ancient process, fragrant roses everywhere, traditional ceremonies. Unique cultural experience in beautiful spring setting.
Ashura
Major Shi'a religious observance commemorating martyrdom of Imam Hussein. Processions, passion plays (Ta'zieh), and mourning ceremonies especially in major cities. Fascinating cultural insight but many closures and somber atmosphere. Photography often restricted.