Last updated: January 18, 2025
North Khorasan, Iran, is characterized by a diverse climate, primarily classified under the Köppen-Geiger system as Csa and BSk. This region experiences a sharp temperature variation throughout the year, with January recording chilling minimums of -21°C (-6°F), while the peak of summer in July can soar to a sweltering 41°C (107°F). The annual average temperature settles around a moderate 13°C (56°F), highlighting the distinct seasonal contrasts that define North Khorasan's climate dynamics.
North Khorasan, Iran, exhibits significant seasonal temperature variations throughout the year. The winter months, particularly January and February, are marked by frigid temperatures, with minimums reaching as low as -21°C (-6°F) and -19°C (-2°F), respectively, contributing to average monthly temperatures around 1°C (34°F). As spring arrives in March and April, temperatures gradually rise, with March seeing minimums of -13°C (8°F) and reaching a milder average of 7°C (46°F), while by April, the environment transitions towards warmer averages of 13°C (56°F). The summer months of May through August experience the hottest conditions, peaking in June and July with maximums around 41°C (105°F to 107°F). The arrival of autumn lowers temperatures, with October and November reflecting cooler conditions, particularly as minimums drop back down to -4°C (25°F) and -8°C (18°F), before culminating in December's return to winter's chill. This cyclical pattern underscores North Khorasan's dynamic climate, oscillating between harsh winters and intensely hot summers.
Esfarayen experiences a wide temperature range, with winter lows dipping to -14°C (8°F) in December and summer highs soaring to 39°C (103°F) in July, as detailed monthly temperatures in Esfarayen. Similarly, Jajarm reports a minimum of -11°C (13°F) in February and peaks at 41°C (107°F) in July, outlined in the monthly temperatures in Jajarm. Bojnurd endures the coldest temperatures among these regions, hitting -16°C (3°F) in January, while summer months are comparably warm, reaching 39°C (102°F) in July, as seen in the monthly temperatures in Bojnurd.
Precipitation in North Khorasan exhibits a pronounced seasonal pattern, with the majority of rainfall concentrated in the winter and early spring months. January begins with 24 mm (0.9 in) of precipitation over approximately 4 days, which increases significantly in February to 47 mm (1.8 in) across 7 days. March sees the peak rainfall at 65 mm (2.6 in), spanning 9 days, while April maintains substantial moisture levels with 55 mm (2.2 in), also over 9 days. This trend highlights a crucial period for water replenishment in the region, as the spring thaw begins.
As the seasons shift into summer, precipitation drastically declines, with June, July, and August experiencing minimal rainfall, averaging just 5 mm (0.2 in), 4 mm (0.2 in), and 2 mm (0.1 in), respectively, and no recorded rainy days during these months. The onset of autumn introduces a slight resurgence in precipitation, with October receiving 13 mm (0.5 in) over 2 days, and November and December each recording 19 mm (0.7 in) and 19 mm (0.8 in) across 4 days. Despite these increases, the overall trend emphasizes a predominantly dry summer season juxtaposed with wetter winter and spring months, critical for the region's agriculture and water supply.
In North Khorasan, sunshine duration displays a clear seasonal trend, with a remarkable increase from the bleak winter months to the vibrant summer season. January and February yield 223 hours and 263 hours of sunshine, respectively, as the region gradually emerges from its colder phase. The trend continues upward in March and April, reaching 308 hours and 329 hours as the days lengthen and temperatures rise. By May, the sunshine hours climb further to 381 hours, heralding the onset of summer and vibrant outdoor activities.
The peak sunshine is recorded in the height of summer, with June, July, and August showcasing impressive totals of 402 hours, 411 hours, and 393 hours respectively. This represents the optimal period for solar energy and agricultural endeavors, lending itself to productive growth. As autumn approaches, sunshine hours begin to taper off, with September still offering a substantial 347 hours, before descending to 323 hours in October, and eventually settling at 276 hours and 268 hours in November and December. This gradual decline emphasizes the transition into winter, illuminating the importance of sunlight in shaping the agricultural and ecological cycles of North Khorasan throughout the year.
The UV Index in North Khorasan exhibits notable fluctuations throughout the year, reflecting the region's varying seasonal sun exposure. The year begins with moderate UV levels in January and February, registering 4 and 5 respectively, allowing for a burn time of 30 minutes for those with lighter skin. However, as the seasons shift towards spring, the UV Index surges dramatically in March and April, reaching 10 and categorizing the exposure as "very high," drastically reducing burn time to just 15 minutes. This pattern signifies the importance of sun protection as the intensity of sunlight increases.
The summer months present a peak in UV activity, with a striking 12 in both May and June, classified as "extreme," necessitating only 10 minutes of unprotected exposure before burning occurs. July continues this trend with a UV Index of 12, while August slightly moderates to 11. As autumn approaches, the UV Index begins to decline, maintaining a 10 in September and reducing to 7 in October, which is classified as "high." By the time winter returns, the UV Index lowers back to moderate levels of 4 in November and 3 in December, highlighting the need for seasonal adjustments in sun safety practices throughout the year.
UV Risk Categories
Daylight duration in North Khorasan follows a predictable seasonal pattern, shaped by the Earth's tilt and orbit. The year begins with shorter days in January, providing only 9 hours of daylight, which gradually increases to 10 hours in February. As spring unfolds, daylight expands more significantly, reaching 11 hours in March and 13 hours in April. This upward trend continues, peaking in May and June at 14 hours, offering ample time for outdoor activities and agricultural practices.
As summer transitions to autumn, the daylight hours begin to wane, with hours decreasing to 13 hours in August, followed by 12 hours in September. October sees a further reduction to 11 hours, while daylight duration continues to decline in November to 10 hours. The year concludes with the return to 9 hours in December, mirroring the amount at the year's start. This cyclical pattern not only influences local climate conditions but also affects lifestyle and economic activities in the region, underscoring the importance of daylight in daily life.
The climate in Ashkhaneh, Iran, is characterized by cold winters and hot summers. January temperatures range from a chilly -16°C to a mild 16°C, while July temperatures peak at 39°C. Precipitation is highest in March at 100 mm, followed by April and February, contributing to a lush spring. The region enjoys abundant sunshine, with June and July offering over 400 hours of sunlight. For more details, visit Ashkhaneh climate.
The climate in Bojnurd, Iran, features cold winters and warm summers. January temperatures range from a minimum of -16°C to a maximum of 16°C, while July sees highs of up to 39°C. Precipitation peaks in March with 90 mm, contributing to the region's wet spring, and drops significantly during the summer months. Bojnurd enjoys ample sunshine, particularly from May to July, with June recording the highest at 403 hours. For more detailed insights, visit Bojnurd climate.
Esfarayen, Iran, experiences a diverse climate with significant temperature variations throughout the year. Winters are cold, with January lows around -11°C (12°F) and highs reaching 13°C (56°F), while summers can be quite hot, with July averages around 27°C (81°F) and maximums hitting 39°C (103°F). Precipitation is highest in the spring months, peaking at 51 mm (2.0 in) in March, while summers are notably dry. The area enjoys ample sunshine, especially in June and July, with over 400 hours each month. For more details, visit Esfarayen climate.
Faruj, Iran experiences a diverse climate characterized by cold winters and warm summers. January temperatures can plummet to a minimum of -21°C (-6°F), while July typically sees maximums of up to 36°C (98°F). The region receives the most precipitation in spring, particularly in April with 74 mm (2.9 in), while summer months tend to be drier. Sunshine hours peak in July, with 413 hours of sunshine, contributing to significant warmth during this period. For more detailed information, visit Faruj climate.
Garmeh, Iran, experiences a continental climate characterized by cold winters and hot summers. January temperatures can drop to -10°C (13°F), while July often sees highs around 40°C (104°F). Precipitation is relatively low in the summer months, with only 1 mm in August and September, while March experiences the highest rainfall at 48 mm (1.9 in). The region boasts significant sunshine, especially in the summer, with up to 407 hours recorded in July. For more details, visit Garmeh climate.
Jajarm, Iran experiences a continental climate with distinct seasons. Winter temperatures can dip as low as -11°C (13°F) in February, while summer temperatures peak around 41°C (106°F) in July and August. Precipitation is mostly concentrated in the spring months, peaking at 41 mm (1.6 in) in March, while summer remains largely dry. The region enjoys ample sunshine, reaching 407 hours in July, making it one of the sunniest months. For more detailed information, visit Jajarm climate.
The climate in Shirvan, Iran, features cold winters and warm summers, with January temperatures ranging from -21°C to 12°C and July temperatures between 10°C and 35°C. Precipitation peaks in early spring, particularly in March (59 mm), while the summer months receive minimal rainfall, averaging just 3-5 mm. Sunshine is abundant, with June and July experiencing the highest sun exposure at over 400 hours. For more detailed climate information, visit Shirvan climate.
In conclusion, the climate of North Khorasan, Iran, is characterized by significant seasonal variations in temperature, precipitation, sunshine duration, UV Index, and daylight hours. From the harsh winter months with their cold temperatures and limited sunlight to the scorching summer days with peak UV levels and extended daylight, the region exhibits a dynamic interplay of environmental factors that influence both natural ecosystems and human activities. Understanding these climatic patterns is crucial for effective resource management, agriculture, and outdoor planning, as well as for promoting public health awareness regarding sun safety during peak UV periods. As climate conditions continue to evolve, insights into these seasonal trends will remain essential for sustaining the well-being of the local communities and their agricultural livelihoods.