Last updated: January 18, 2025
Paktia, Afghanistan, exhibits a Cfb (oceanic) climate characterized by moderately cold winters and warm summers. The temperature range is notable, with minimum lows plummeting to -24°C (-10°F) in January, while the average annual temperature hovers around a mild 10°C (50°F). Summer peaks are impressively high, reaching a maximum of 35°C (96°F) in June. This climatic variability shapes the region’s ecological and agricultural dynamics, presenting both challenges and opportunities for local communities.
Paktia, Afghanistan, experiences pronounced seasonal temperature patterns that reflect its continental climate. The winter months, particularly January and December, are characterized by severe cold, with minimum temperatures dropping as low as -24°C (-10°F) and averaging around -4°C (25°F) in January. As the region transitions into spring, temperatures gradually rise, peaking in April when averages reach 11°C (53°F) and maximums approach 30°C (86°F). By June, summer conditions commence, bringing the highest temperatures of the year, with maximums soaring to 35°C (96°F) and averages around 20°C (68°F). The warm trends persist into August but start to taper off in September, leading to cooler autumn temperatures that fluctuate again into the brisk conditions of November and the winter chill of December. This cycle illustrates the stark contrasts that define Paktia's climate, significantly influencing the local ecosystem and agricultural practices.
Shwak experiences a minimum temperature of -22°C (-7°F) in January and a maximum of 31°C (88°F) in June, while Zurmat sees slightly milder conditions, with a minimum of -21°C (-5°F) in January and a maximum of 34°C (94°F) in June. Gardez has a minimum temperature of -19°C (-2°F) in January and reaches a maximum of 32°C (89°F) in July. For more detailed information, you can check the monthly temperatures in Shwak, Zurmat, and Gardez at the respective links: monthly temperatures in Shwak, monthly temperatures in Zurmat, and monthly temperatures in Gardez.
Precipitation in Paktia, Afghanistan, displays a distinct seasonal pattern, with the majority of rainfall concentrated in the spring and early summer months. January starts the year with 42 mm (1.7 in) of precipitation over about 6 days, gradually increasing through February, where rainfall reaches 64 mm (2.5 in). March and April mark the peak of the wet season, with recorded rainfall at 97 mm (3.8 in) and 100 mm (4.0 in), respectively. May follows closely with 113 mm (4.5 in), before transitioning into a decrease in precipitation during the summer, where June sees a drop to 55 mm (2.2 in).
The summer months of July and August, however, experience significant rainfall again, with 106 mm (4.2 in) and 98 mm (3.8 in), indicating a secondary wet period. As summer fades, precipitation declines sharply in September to 43 mm (1.7 in), followed by further reductions in the autumn months. October and November receive 31 mm (1.2 in) and 41 mm (1.6 in), respectively, before December closes the year with only 16 mm (0.6 in) over just 2 days of rain. This precipitation pattern is essential for sustainable agriculture and water resources in the region.
In Paktia, Afghanistan, sunshine duration showcases a clear seasonal progression, with a notable increase from winter into summer. January begins the year with 227 hours of sunshine, gradually gaining momentum as the days lengthen; by March, this figure climbs to 325 hours. The arrival of spring brings a significant boost, as April and May yield 351 hours and 393 hours respectively, marking a transition into sunnier weather. This upward trend peaks during the summer months of June and July, both providing an impressive 399 hours of sunshine, offering ample daylight for agricultural activities and outdoor pursuits.
As summer wanes into autumn, there is a gradual decline in sunshine hours, though it remains relatively high throughout September, with 346 hours recorded. October and November witness more pronounced reductions, with 333 hours and 285 hours, respectively. The year concludes in December with 293 hours of sunshine, symbolizing a time of shorter days as the region transitions back into winter. This pattern highlights Paktia's distinct climatic rhythm, where the generous sunlight during the peak months supports both the local ecosystem and the livelihoods of its inhabitants.
The UV Index in Paktia, Afghanistan, reveals a striking seasonal variation, highlighting the importance of sun protection throughout the year. Beginning in January with a UV Index of 6, categorized as high, residents face a burn time of just 25 minutes when exposed to sunlight. As the year progresses, the UV Index escalates sharply, reaching 8 in February and soaring to 11 in March, categorized as extreme. The peak exposure occurs in the late spring and summer months from April through July, where the UV Index consistently registers 12 to 14, indicating an urgent need for protection, as burn time diminishes to just 10 minutes.
As summer transitions to autumn, the UV Index begins to decline. In August and September, it remains at 12, still within the extreme range, emphasizing the continued risk of sunburn. By October, it drops significantly to 9, categorized as very high, with a burn time of 15 minutes. The downward trend continues through November and December, where the UV Index falls to 6 and 5, respectively, signaling a return to more moderate levels of UV exposure. These variations underscore the necessity for residents and visitors to adapt their sun safety practices according to the changing UV Index, especially during the peak summer months.
UV Risk Categories
In Paktia, Afghanistan, daylight duration exhibits a clear seasonal cycle, beginning with a modest 10 hours in both January and February. As spring approaches, the region experiences a gradual increase in daylight, reaching 11 hours in March. This increase continues into April and May, where the amount of daylight stabilizes at 13 hours, coinciding with the blooming of local flora and a more vibrant ecosystem. The pinnacle of daylight duration occurs during June and July, featuring 14 hours of sunlight, which supports various outdoor activities and agricultural practices.
With the onset of late summer and autumn, daylight hours begin to decline, dropping to 13 hours in August and gradually decreasing to 12 hours in September. As the fall months set in, daylight further reduces to 11 hours in October, followed by a return to 10 hours in November. Finally, December sees the least amount of daylight at just 9 hours, marking the winter solstice. This cyclical pattern of daylight duration not only influences daily life in Paktia but also plays a pivotal role in the region's climate and agricultural calendar.
The climate in Ali Khel, Afghanistan, features cold winters with January temperatures dropping as low as -21°C (-6°F) and an average of -6°C (21°F). As spring approaches, temperatures gradually rise, reaching averages of 9°C (48°F) in April and 13°C (55°F) in May, alongside increasing precipitation, peaking at 185 mm (7.3 in) in May. Summers are relatively warm, with July highs of 29°C (84°F) and ample sunshine, totaling around 400 hours. The fall marks a return to cooler conditions, with significant snowfall expected during the winter months. For more details, visit 'Ali Khel climate.
Gardez, Afghanistan experiences a continental climate with cold winters and warm summers. January sees the lowest temperatures, averaging around -4°C (25°F), while July reaches highs of 21°C (71°F). Precipitation is highest during spring months, particularly in March (79 mm) and comparatively lower in the fall. The city enjoys ample sunshine, peaking in June with about 400 hours. For more detailed climate information, visit Gardez climate.
Maidan Khulah, Afghanistan, experiences a continental climate characterized by extreme temperature variations and significant seasonal rainfall. Winter months (December to February) are notably cold, with January averaging -4°C (25°F) and experiencing high precipitation levels, peaking in April and May at around 177 mm (7.0 in). The summer months (June to August) are warmer, with average temperatures around 20°C (68°F) and consistent rainfall. Sunshine is abundant, with June and July offering nearly 400 hours each, making it the sunniest period of the year. For more detailed climate insights, visit Maidan Khulah climate.
The climate in Salam Khel, Afghanistan is characterized by cold winters and warm summers. January sees temperatures ranging from -22°C to 10°C and significant snowfall, with 36 mm of precipitation. By summer, temperatures peak in July and August, averaging around 22°C to 32°C while experiencing an increase in precipitation to 56 mm and 42 mm, respectively. The region enjoys ample sunshine, especially from May to July, accumulating over 395 hours of sunlight per month. For more detailed information, visit Salam Khel climate.
Shwak, Afghanistan experiences a continental climate with significant temperature variations throughout the year. Winters are harsh, with January temperatures dropping as low as -22°C (-7°F), while summers are warm and moderate, peaking at around 31°C (88°F) in June. Precipitation is highest during the spring and summer months, particularly in July, which receives approximately 136 mm (5.3 in) of rainfall. Sunshine hours are abundant, especially from April to June, when days average over 390 hours of sunlight. For more detailed information, visit Shwak climate.
The climate in Tsamkani, Afghanistan, experiences extreme seasonal variations, with winter temperatures plunging as low as -24°C (-10°F) in January and milder summer conditions reaching up to 30°C (86°F) in both July and August. Precipitation peaks in the spring and summer months, with May receiving the most rainfall at 208 mm (8.2 in), creating lush conditions during this period. The region enjoys substantial sunshine throughout the year, particularly in May and June, which collectively see nearly 800 hours of sunlight. For a more detailed overview, visit Tsamkani climate.
The climate in Tsaperai, Afghanistan, features a significant temperature range, with January lows reaching -16°C (3°F) and July highs soaring to 35°C (96°F). The region experiences moderate precipitation, peaking in March and August with about 93 mm (3.7 in) each, while December sees the least at only 18 mm (0.7 in). Sunshine is abundant, especially in May, when residents enjoy up to 385 hours of sunlight. Overall, Tsaperai has a mix of cold winters and hot summers, contributing to its unique environmental conditions. For more detailed information, visit Tsaperai climate.
Wuleswali Sayyid Karam, Afghanistan experiences a continental climate characterized by significant temperature variations throughout the year. Winter months (January to March) are marked by frigid temperatures, with January recording minima as low as -22°C (-7°F) and average highs peaking at 10°C (49°F). Conversely, summer months (June to August) are warm, boasting average highs around 31°C (88°F). Precipitation peaks in the spring, particularly in May, while sunshine is abundant, with June reaching up to 400 hours. For more detailed information, visit Wuleswali Sayyid Karam climate.
The climate in Zurmat, Afghanistan, is characterized by cold winters and warm summers. January and February are the coldest months, with temperatures dropping as low as -21°C (-5°F) and -17°C (2°F), respectively. Precipitation peaks in March at 70 mm (2.7 in) before decreasing significantly in the summer months. The area enjoys abundant sunshine in the summer, particularly in July, with around 406 hours of sunshine. For more detailed information, visit Zurmat climate.
In summary, the climatic and environmental conditions of Paktia, Afghanistan, are marked by distinct patterns of temperature, precipitation, sunshine duration, UV Index, and daylight hours throughout the year. The region experiences a significant variation in temperature, with harsh winters and hot summers, while the seasonal rainfall peaks in spring and summer, providing vital moisture for agriculture. Sunshine duration reaches its zenith in mid-summer, accompanied by a strikingly high UV Index, prompting the need for sun protection during outdoor activities. Furthermore, the rhythmic cycle of daylight duration contributes to the dynamics of the environment, affecting both human routines and natural ecosystems. Understanding these climatic factors is essential for fostering sustainable practices in agriculture and maximizing the well-being of the local community in Paktia.