Last updated: January 18, 2025
Kabul, Afghanistan, exhibits a diverse climate characterized by three distinct Koppen-Geiger classes: Dsb, Csb, and Dfb. The region experiences notable seasonal temperature fluctuations, with winter lows plunging to a minimum of -26°C (-14°F) in January, while the summer months bring warmth, achieving highs of 37°C (100°F) in July. The average annual temperature hovers around a moderate 10°C (50°F), reflecting the city's unique position within a complex climatic framework. This diversity not only shapes the local ecosystem but also influences the daily lives of Kabul's residents.
Kabul, Afghanistan, experiences a clear seasonal temperature pattern characterized by cold winters and warm summers. January and February are the coldest months, with minimum temperatures dipping as low as -26°C (-14°F) and -21°C (-5°F), respectively, and average daily temperatures struggling to rise above -5°C (22°F). As spring approaches in March and April, temperatures begin to rise, with average values climbing from 3°C (38°F) to 11°C (52°F), and maximums reaching up to 30°C (86°F). The peak summer months of June and July showcase the hottest conditions, averaging around 21°C (69°F) and 23°C (73°F), with maximums soaring to 37°C (100°F). As autumn arrives in September and October, temperatures begin to decline, with averages falling to 19°C (66°F) and 12°C (53°F) respectively. The year concludes with December temperatures returning to winter-like conditions, as the cycle of extreme cold and warmth continues to shape Kabul's climate.
Paghman experiences a temperature range from a minimum of -24°C (-11°F) in January to a maximum of 33°C (92°F) in July, while Istalif has slightly colder conditions with a minimum of -25°C (-13°F) in January and a maximum of 32°C (90°F) in July. Kabul records the coldest January temperatures at -26°C (-14°F) and peaks at 34°C (94°F) in July. For a closer look at the monthly temperatures, visit monthly temperatures in Paghman, monthly temperatures in Istalif, and monthly temperatures in Kabul.
Kabul, Afghanistan, experiences a distinct precipitation pattern throughout the year, with the majority of rainfall occurring in the winter and spring months. January and February mark the onset of the wet season, bringing 52 mm (2.0 in) and 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain, respectively. This trend peaks in March, where precipitation reaches 111 mm (4.4 in), followed by substantial rainfall in April and May, with totals of 108 mm (4.2 in) and 109 mm (4.3 in), respectively. The frequency of rainy days also reflects this trend, peaking at 16 days in May, effectively supporting the region's agricultural cycle.
As summer arrives, Kabul's precipitation sharply decreases, with June, July, and August experiencing minimal rainfall, measuring 12 mm (0.5 in), 16 mm (0.6 in), and 10 mm (0.4 in), respectively. Throughout these months, rain falls only on a couple of days, signaling a dry season. In the fall, precipitation slightly increases, with October receiving 24 mm (1.0 in) and November bringing 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while December closes the year with 19 mm (0.7 in). Overall, Kabul’s climate showcases a clear seasonal variation in precipitation that strongly influences both natural ecosystems and human activities.
Kabul, Afghanistan, showcases a pronounced seasonal variation in sunshine duration, with hours of sunlight steadily increasing from winter into summer. In January, the city enjoys only 226 hours of sunshine, but as the days lengthen, February experiences a modest increase to 265 hours. The transition into spring sees a more significant jump, with sunshine hours reaching 324 in March and peaking at 351 in April. May marks the shift to warmer weather with an impressive 392 hours of sunlight, setting the stage for the full embrace of summer.
During the summer months, Kabul experiences its highest sunshine duration, with July boasting an impressive 413 hours. August follows closely at 391 hours, indicating that the city enjoys prolonged sunny days during this period. As autumn approaches, sunshine hours begin to decline but remain notable; September records 354 hours, while October and November see 334 and 281 hours respectively. Despite the reduction in sunlight, December still provides a respectable 292 hours. This clear pattern underscores Kabul's shift from the shorter, colder, and cloudier days of winter to the abundant sunshine synonymous with summer, capturing the city's dynamic climatic rhythm.
The UV Index in Kabul, Afghanistan, reveals a significant seasonal variation in solar radiation exposure, highlighting the need for careful sun protection, especially during the summer months. January begins with a UV Index of 6, categorized as high, allowing for a burn time of 25 minutes. However, as winter transitions to spring, the index rises sharply; by February, it reaches 8 (very high), and by March and April, it peaks at an extreme level of 12. During these months, the burn time decreases to just 10 minutes, signaling an urgent need for sun protection as UV radiation becomes more intense.
The intensity of UV radiation remains critically high during the summer months, with May achieving the highest UV Index of 14, followed closely by June and July at 13. This extreme exposure level means that individuals can only spend a brief 10 minutes outdoors without protection before risking skin damage. As autumn approaches, the UV Index gradually declines; October sees a drop to 8 (very high), while November and December retreat further to 6 (high) and 5 (moderate) respectively. This trend underscores the necessity of awareness and protective measures against UV radiation, particularly from March through October, when sun damage becomes a pronounced risk in Kabul.
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In Kabul, Afghanistan, daylight duration follows a clear annual rhythm, showcasing an increase from winter to summer before gradually shortening again in autumn and winter. January and February each provide about 10 hours of daylight, maintaining a consistent but limited presence of natural light during the peak of winter. As spring approaches, daylight begins to extend, reaching 11 hours in March and stabilizing at 13 hours throughout April and May, coinciding with the region's blooming flora and warming temperatures.
The longest days occur in June and July, where daylight stretches to a maximum of 14 hours, creating opportunities for extended outdoor activities and social life. As summer wanes into autumn, daylight starts to decrease, with August providing 13 hours and September offering 12 hours. This gradual reduction continues into October with 11 hours, before plunging back to 10 hours in November, and 9 hours in December. This cyclical pattern of increasing and decreasing daylight not only marks the changing seasons but also influences daily routines and cultural practices in Kabul.
Istalif, Afghanistan experiences a highly variable climate, with frigid winters and hot summers. January temperatures can plummet to -25°C (-13°F), while July sees highs of up to 32°C (90°F). Precipitation peaks in the spring with March and May averaging around 153 mm and 180 mm respectively, while the summer months receive comparatively less rainfall. The area enjoys considerable sunshine throughout the year, peaking at 416 hours in July. For more detailed information, visit Istalif climate.
Kabul, Afghanistan experiences a continental climate with significant temperature variations throughout the year. Winters are harsh, with January averaging -5°C (24°F) and lows reaching -26°C (-14°F), while summers are warm, peaking in July with averages around 24°C (75°F) and maximums of 34°C (94°F). Precipitation is heaviest in early spring and late autumn, with March and April each receiving about 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain. The city enjoys abundant sunshine, particularly from May to July, averaging over 400 hours of sunlight per month. For more details, visit Kabul climate.
Paghman, Afghanistan experiences a continental climate with significant temperature variations throughout the year. Winter temperatures can dip as low as -24°C (-11°F) in January, while summers reach highs of 33°C (92°F) in July and August. Precipitation is highest in early spring, with March receiving up to 88 mm (3.5 in), while summer months are notably drier, particularly June with only 9 mm (0.3 in) of rain. The region enjoys ample sunshine, peaking at 410 hours in July. For more detailed climate insights, visit Paghman climate.
In conclusion, the climate of Kabul, Afghanistan, is characterized by its distinct seasonal variations in temperature, precipitation, sunshine duration, UV Index, and daylight. These elements collectively shape the region's environmental dynamics, influencing agricultural practices, outdoor activities, and overall lifestyle. The transition from cold winters to hot summers, coupled with significant changes in sunlight and UV exposure, underscores the importance of adapting to these climatic realities. Understanding these patterns allows residents and visitors alike to make informed decisions regarding health, recreation, and environmental stewardship, ultimately enhancing the quality of life in this vibrant cultural and historical center.