Last updated: January 18, 2025
Isfahan, located in central Iran, exhibits a diverse climate characterized by several Köppen-Geiger classifications, including Csa, BWh, BWk, Dsa, and BSk. The city's temperature fluctuations are notable, with a minimum recorded at -23°C (-9°F) in January, showcasing the intensity of winter. In stark contrast, summer temperatures can soar to a sweltering 47°C (117°F) in July, contributing to an average annual temperature of 16°C (61°F). This climatic variability not only affects local weather patterns but also shapes the regional ecology and human activities.
Isfahan experiences pronounced seasonal temperature variations, reflecting its continental climate. Winter months, particularly January, record starkly low temperatures, with minimums dropping to -23°C (-9°F), gradually rising through February and March as average temperatures reach 3°C (37°F) and 10°C (50°F), respectively. As spring progresses into April and May, temperatures significantly increase, culminating in averages of 15°C (60°F) and 20°C (69°F), while maximums can reach 37°C (99°F). The summer months of June and July further emphasize Isfahan's heat, with highs soaring to 46°C (116°F) and 47°C (117°F), ensuring a hot threshold for the season. As August gives way to September, temperatures slowly descend, transitioning into the cooler months of October and November, where nights can again dip below freezing. The year closes with December bringing a return to frigid temperatures, highlighting the city's robust climatic contrasts across the seasons.
In the region of Isfahan, Natanz, and Kashan, temperatures can vary significantly throughout the year. Natanz experiences a minimum of -9°C (16°F) in February and a maximum of 41°C (107°F) in July, while Isfahan records slightly warmer temperatures with a minimum of -8°C (18°F) in January and a maximum of 42°C (107°F) in August. Kashan shares a similar winter low of -8°C (18°F) in February but reaches the highest maximum of 43°C (110°F) in July. For more detailed monthly temperature information, visit monthly temperatures in Natanz, monthly temperatures in Isfahan, and monthly temperatures in Kashan.
Isfahan's precipitation patterns reveal a distinct seasonal cycle, with the majority of rainfall concentrated in the winter and early spring months. January initiates the wet season with 20 mm (0.8 in) of rainfall over approximately 3 days, followed by an increase to 25 mm (1.0 in) in February and 30 mm (1.2 in) in March, both maintaining similar precipitation days. April marks a slight decline in rainfall to 28 mm (1.1 in), before progressively tapering off through May with 22 mm (0.9 in), setting the stage for a dry summer.
The arid conditions peak during the summer months of June through September, where recorded precipitation drops dramatically to 2 mm (0.1 in) in June and is virtually nonexistent in July, August, and September. This prolonged dry spell is interrupted only in October, with a modest 9 mm (0.4 in) precipitated over 2 days, and November registering a noteworthy 32 mm (1.3 in) across 5 days. The year wraps up with December contributing another 19 mm (0.7 in), maintaining Isfahan’s semi-arid classification while adhering to a clear wet and dry seasonal rhythm.
In Isfahan, the annual sunshine duration demonstrates a definitive seasonal trend, beginning with relatively low levels in the winter months. January starts the year with 238 hours of sunshine, gradually increasing to 288 hours in February. As spring emerges, a significant upward trajectory is observed, culminating in March with 340 hours, and reaching a peak in April at 346 hours. May marks a further increase to 383 hours, indicating the onset of more prolonged daylight as the region transitions toward summer.
The summer months solidify Isfahan's reputation for abundant sunshine, with June recording 394 hours—the highest in the year—followed closely by July with 393 hours. Although August experiences a slight decrease to 379 hours, the overall trend remains robust, maintaining considerable solar exposure. Sunshine hours begin to taper off into autumn, with September still offering a solid 347 hours before declining further in October to 327 hours and in November to 283 hours. By December, sunshine duration returns to 291 hours, closing the year on a moderately bright note yet still reflecting the gradual descent into shorter daylight hours as winter reapproaches.
Isfahan experiences significant variations in UV Index throughout the year, highlighting the need for sun safety awareness among residents and visitors alike. The year begins with a UV Index of 8 in January, falling within the "very high" exposure category, and remains similarly elevated at 9 in February. However, as spring approaches, the situation takes a sharp turn with March escalating to an extreme rating of 11, where burn time decreases to just 10 minutes. This trend intensifies in April and May, peaking at a UV Index of 14 during both months, emphasizing the critical importance of sun protection during these periods.
The extreme UV conditions persist through the summer, with June recording a maintained index of 14, followed by 13 in July and 12 in August, all requiring minimal exposure times to prevent skin damage. As autumn sets in, the UV Index gradually declines, hitting 11 in September and 10 in October—still within the "very high" category but reflecting less intensity. The transition to winter further reduces the index, dropping to 7 in November and 5 in December, indicating a much lower risk and extended burn times of 25 and 30 minutes, respectively. This seasonal progression underscores the significance of adapting sun safety measures according to the changing UV conditions throughout the year.
UV Risk Categories
In Isfahan, daylight duration exhibits a clear seasonal rhythm, beginning with relatively short days in the winter months. January and February both offer approximately 10 hours of daylight, providing a consistent but limited exposure to sunlight. As spring approaches in March, daylight increases to 11 hours, marking the start of a gradual lengthening trend. This extends further into April and May, with daylight reaching 12 and 13 hours, respectively, as the region prepares for the warm summer months ahead.
The summer solstice in June and July brings the longest days of the year, each featuring 14 hours of daylight, allowing ample opportunity for outdoor activities and leisure. However, as summer wanes, daylight begins to recede, tapering back to 13 hours in August and 12 hours in September. Autumn further reduces daylight duration, decreasing to 11 hours in October, before returning to 10 hours from November through December. This cyclical pattern underscores the vibrant contrasts in daylight throughout the year, highlighting Isfahan's dynamic seasonal changes.
Isfahan, Iran, experiences a continental climate characterized by hot summers and cold winters. January sees temperatures ranging from -8°C to 18°C, while July can reach highs of 42°C. Precipitation is low during the summer months, with July and August recording no rainfall, while November tends to be the wettest month with 25 mm. Sunshine is abundant year-round, peaking in summer with nearly 400 hours per month. For more detailed information, visit Isfahan climate.
Kashan, Iran, experiences a diverse climate characterized by hot summers and cool winters. January temperatures range from -7°C (20°F) to 18°C (65°F), while July sees highs of 43°C (110°F). Precipitation is minimal during the summer months, with July and August receiving no rain, but January and March are comparatively wetter. The region enjoys abundant sunshine, especially in the summer, with July reaching up to 395 hours of sun. For more details, visit Kashan climate.
The climate in Natanz, Iran, exhibits a significant range in temperatures throughout the year, characterized by cold winters and hot summers. January temperatures can drop as low as -8°C (19°F), while July peaks at around 41°C (107°F). Precipitation is relatively low during the summer months with July and August receiving no rainfall, while April sees the highest at 42 mm (1.7 in). Sunshine is abundant, especially in the summer, with over 390 hours recorded in July. For more detailed information, visit Natanz climate.
In conclusion, Isfahan's climate presents a rich tapestry of variability, characterized by distinct patterns in temperature, precipitation, sunshine, UV index, and daylight duration throughout the year. The city experiences cold winters with significant temperature fluctuations, warming up to intense summers that highlight the need for sun safety due to extreme UV exposure. The seasonal distribution of precipitation emphasizes a pronounced dry period during the summer months, while daylight duration offers an inviting contrast, maximizing sunlight exposure in the warmer seasons. Such climatic insights are vital for residents and visitors alike, enabling them to better prepare for and appreciate the unique environmental conditions this historic city has to offer.