Last updated: January 18, 2025
Razavi Khorasan, Iran, exhibits a diverse climate characterized by a blend of Köppen-Geiger climate classes including BSk (Cold semi-arid), Csa (Mediterranean hot-summer), and BSh (Hot semi-arid). Temperature variations are significant, with winter lows plunging to a frigid -22°C (-7°F) in January, juxtaposed with scorching summer highs reaching up to 47°C (117°F) in July. The region's average annual temperature hovers around 16°C (61°F), illustrating the stark contrasts and unique climatic conditions that define this area.
In Razavi Khorasan, Iran, temperature patterns exhibit a pronounced seasonal variability, with frigid winters and sweltering summers. January heralds the coldest temperatures, with minimums dropping to -22°C (-7°F) and an average of 3°C (38°F), while February slightly warms to an average of 5°C (42°F). As spring approaches, March sees a significant rise, peaking with maximums reaching 41°C (106°F) by the month’s end. The transition to summer brings even higher temperatures; May and June record averages of 22°C (71°F) and 27°C (81°F) respectively, with July often hitting a scorching 47°C (117°F). August maintains high summer warmth before a gradual cooling begins in September, where average temperatures decline to 23°C (73°F). The onset of fall is marked by fluctuating conditions, with October bringing cooler temperatures averaging 15°C (60°F) and winter’s return in December, when minimums linger around -20°C (-3°F). This cyclical pattern illustrates Razavi Khorasan's climate dynamics, characterized by an intense contrast between hot summers and cold winters.
Neyshabur experiences a minimum temperature of -13°C (9°F) in January and a maximum of 39°C (102°F) in July, reflecting a significant temperature range throughout the year. Similarly, Mashhad sees its coldest temperatures in February at -16°C (4°F) and peaks at 39°C (103°F) in July. For more detailed monthly temperatures, visit monthly temperatures in Neyshabur and monthly temperatures in Mashhad.
Razavi Khorasan experiences a distinct seasonal pattern of precipitation, with the majority of rainfall concentrated in the winter and early spring months. January marks the beginning of the wet season with 23 mm (0.9 in) of rainfall over approximately 3 days. This trend intensifies in February and March, where precipitation peaks at 53 mm (2.1 in) and 64 mm (2.5 in) respectively, contributing to a total of 15 days of wet weather within this period. April maintains this trend with 56 mm (2.2 in) recorded, before a decline in total rainfall begins.
As the seasons progress into late spring and summer, rainfall drops significantly. By June, precipitation dwindles to just 4 mm (0.2 in), with no measurable rainfall in July and August. This dry spell continues into September, further indicating the region's arid characteristics. In the fall months, October and November see a slight resurgence in rainfall with 9 mm (0.3 in) and 18 mm (0.7 in) respectively, though these amounts remain sparse compared to the winter totals. Overall, Razavi Khorasan is characterized by a pronounced wet season followed by an extended dry phase, reflective of its semi-arid climate.
In Razavi Khorasan, the duration of sunshine showcases a clear seasonal progression, with an increasing trend from winter into summer. January begins the year with 228 hours of sunshine, gradually climbing through the months. February and March witness notable increases to 270 hours and 316 hours, respectively, as daylight becomes more abundant and the days lengthen. With the arrival of spring, April sees sunshine reach 334 hours, paving the way for the summer months where maximum daylight truly shines through.
The summer season peaks in July, culminating in an impressive 409 hours of sunshine, closely followed by 393 hours in August, indicating that these months are the sunniest of the year. As the seasons transition towards fall, sunshine hours begin to taper off, with September still enjoying 348 hours, but October and November see a decline to 328 hours and 281 hours respectively. This trend demonstrates how Razavi Khorasan experiences long, sun-drenched days during summer, contrasted by shorter daylight hours as winter approaches, enhancing the region's appeal as a destination for sun-seekers throughout most of the year.
The UV Index in Razavi Khorasan illustrates a significant variation throughout the year, reflecting changing sunlight intensity and potential risks associated with UV exposure. In the colder months, January and December show moderate UV levels at 5 and 4, respectively, with a recommended burn time of 30 minutes for unprotected skin. However, as February approaches, the UV Index rises to 7, indicating a higher risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure, with a reduced burn time of 25 minutes.
The trend continues to escalate from late winter into spring and summer, where the UV Index reaches alarming heights. March and April both maintain a very high index of 10, demanding caution with a burn time of just 15 minutes. The peak occurs in May with an extreme UV Index of 13, prompting an aggressive reduction in safe exposure times to just 10 minutes. This extreme categorization persists through June and July at 12, slightly declining in August to 11. Following this peak, the index gradually decreases into fall, stabilizing at 8 in October and returning to a moderate level in November. This data underscores the critical importance of sun protection during the intense summer months, as well as the need for awareness about UV risks year-round.
UV Risk Categories
In Razavi Khorasan, daylight duration exhibits a distinct annual cycle, reflecting the region's shift from winter to summer. Both January and February offer a consistent 10 hours of daylight, providing a modest amount of sunlight during the winter months. As spring approaches, daylight begins to increase, with March extending to 11 hours, followed by a more significant leap in April to 13 hours. This upward trend continues into May, where the days reach 14 hours, providing ample daylight that contributes to the region's warm and vibrant atmosphere.
As summer unfolds, daylight duration stabilizes at 14 hours in June and July, allowing for long evenings filled with sunlight. However, as August transitions into early fall, daylight begins to decrease slightly to 13 hours. By September, the duration further drops to 12 hours, signaling the impending change in seasons. October and November bring shorter days, with 11 hours and 10 hours, respectively, while December concludes the year with just 9 hours of daylight. This cyclical pattern not only affects daily life in Razavi Khorasan but also emphasizes the importance of adapting to changing light conditions throughout the year.
Mashhad, Iran experiences a continental climate with significant temperature fluctuations throughout the year. Winters are cold with January lows reaching -13°C (10°F) and average highs around 17°C (64°F), while summers are hot, peaking in July with averages of 27°C (81°F) and maximums of 39°C (103°F). Precipitation is relatively high from February to April, with March receiving the most at 73 mm (2.9 in), but decreases dramatically during the summer months. The city enjoys ample sunshine, especially in the summer, with July recording up to 410 hours. For more details, visit Mashhad climate.
Neyshabur, Iran experiences a diverse climate with significant temperature fluctuations throughout the year. Cold winters see temperatures drop as low as -13°C (9°F) in January, while summer peaks can reach up to 39°C (102°F) in June and July. Precipitation is concentrated in the colder months, particularly from February to April, with March receiving the highest average rainfall of 77 mm (3.0 in). The region enjoys ample sunshine, especially during the summer, with July boasting 409 hours of sunshine. Overall, Neyshabur showcases a unique climate ideal for varied agricultural practices and outdoor activities. For detailed information, visit Neyshabur climate.
In conclusion, the climate of Razavi Khorasan, Iran, reveals a complex interplay of temperature, precipitation, sunshine duration, UV Index, and daylight hours throughout the year. Characterized by extreme summer heat and cold winter temperatures, the region experiences significant seasonal shifts, with a marked increase in sunshine and UV exposure as the year progresses. Notably, the long daylight hours during the summer months contribute to the agricultural potential and tourism appeal of this area. As residents and visitors alike navigate these climatic conditions, understanding the seasonal variations becomes essential for outdoor activities, health precautions, and enjoying the rich natural beauty that Razavi Khorasan has to offer.