Last updated: January 18, 2025
Sistan and Baluchestan, located in Iran, primarily exemplifies a dry desert climate as classified by the Köppen-Geiger system, with both BWh (hot desert) and BWk (cold desert) classes. This region experiences extreme temperature variations, ranging from a chilly minimum of -7°C (20°F) in December to sweltering maximums of 50°C (122°F) in August. The annual average hovers around a comfortable 25°C (77°F), highlighting significant seasonal shifts that profoundly influence the local ecosystem and human activities.
Sistan and Baluchestan experiences pronounced seasonal temperature fluctuations, characterized by cold winters and extremely hot summers. January and December showcase the region's coldest conditions, with minimum temperatures dropping to -7°C (20°F) and average highs around 31°C (88°F). As spring approaches, temperatures rise significantly, with March averaging 21°C (70°F) and culminating in April with maximums reaching 42°C (107°F). The intensity of summer peaks in May and June, where scorching temperatures can max out at 50°C (122°F), maintaining high averages of 30-34°C (87-93°F). Autumn brings a gradual decline, with September and October offering mild averages around 30°C (86°F), before dipping again in November and returning to the colder month of December, further emphasizing the region's extreme climatic contrasts throughout the year.
Chabahar experiences a temperature range from a minimum of 13°C (55°F) in February to a maximum of 40°C (103°F) in May, illustrating a significant variation as the year progresses. For more details, visit monthly temperatures in Chabahar.
Sistan and Baluchestan is characterized by its arid climate, featuring minimal precipitation throughout the year. January typically marks the wettest month, delivering 24 mm (1.0 in) of rainfall across a single precipitation day. As the year progresses, rainfall diminishes sharply, with February and March recording 18 mm (0.7 in) each, followed by a significant drop in April to just 10 mm (0.4 in). The transition into the summer months sees a drastic reduction in precipitation, with May, June, and July receiving only 4 mm (0.1 in) or less, often resulting in months of dryness.
During the latter half of the year, precipitation remains scarce, with August, September, October, November, and December contributing minimal rainfall—often just a few millimeters. Notably, from April through September, the region experiences no recorded rainy days, solidifying its reputation as one of the driest areas in Iran. Consequently, the annual precipitation totals remain low, underscoring the harsh and challenging conditions for both the natural environment and agricultural activities in Sistan and Baluchestan.
In Sistan and Baluchestan, sunshine duration exhibits a clear seasonal pattern, with a notable increase from winter to summer. The year commences with 244 hours of sunshine in January, gradually escalating throughout the early months. By March, the region enjoys 335 hours, and April further boosts this figure to 346 hours. The trend culminates in May and June, where sunshine peaks at 378–379 hours—an indication of the region's long, sunny days during the early summer, supporting thriving agricultural practices reliant on sun exposure.
As summer progresses into July and August, sunshine hours slightly decline but remain robust at 378 hours and 365 hours, respectively. The onset of September marks a continuation of abundant sunshine with 339 hours, smoothly transitioning into autumn. Despite a gradual decrease in daylight, October and November still record impressive totals around 331 hours and 303 hours. This extended period of sunlight emphasizes Sistan and Baluchestan's consistently bright climate, making it a region where sunshine is a predominant feature throughout much of the year, providing ideal conditions for various outdoor activities and crops that flourish in the warmth.
The UV Index in Sistan and Baluchestan reveals a striking pattern of increasing solar intensity as the year progresses. Beginning with a UV Index of 7 in January, which is categorized as high, residents and visitors are cautioned with a burn time of 25 minutes under direct sunlight. As February arrives, the UV Index rises to 8, indicating a very high exposure risk, leading to a reduced burn time of just 15 minutes. The conditions peak between March and May, where the Index reaches 12 to 15, classified as extreme, suggesting that outdoor activities without protection can result in skin damage within as little as 10 minutes of exposure.
As the summer months transition into autumn, UV levels remain considerable. June and July show only slight fluctuations with UV Indices of 13 and 14, respectively, persisting in the extreme category. By September, the Index slightly recedes to 12, but remains dangerous. October sees a reduction to 10, classified as very high, while November and December revert to high levels with UV Indices of 7 and 6 and extended burn times of 25 minutes. This seasonal variation emphasizes the need for sun protection year-round, particularly during the hotter months when UV exposure can pose significant health risks.
UV Risk Categories
In Sistan and Baluchestan, the daylight duration demonstrates a clear seasonal rhythm, beginning the year with about 10 hours of daylight in January. This gradual increase reflects the natural shift toward longer days as spring approaches, with February remaining steady at 11 hours and March retaining the same length. By April, daylight extends to 12 hours, culminating in the summer months of May through July, where the region enjoys a maximum of 13 hours of daylight. This ample sunlight during the warmer months significantly impacts both daily routines and agricultural activities, allowing for extended productivity.
As summer transitions into autumn, daylight begins to recede, with September still offering 12 hours but returning to 11 hours in October. The decrease continues through the end of the year, with November and December reverting to 10 hours of daylight. This pattern highlights the importance of adapting to changing daylight conditions throughout the year, shaping the lifestyle and farming practices of those living in this arid region. Overall, the consistent availability of sunlight plays a crucial role in enhancing the ecological and economic potential of Sistan and Baluchestan.
Chabahar, Iran, experiences a warm coastal climate characterized by mild winters and hot summers. January starts with average temperatures around 21°C (70°F), gradually rising to 30°C (87°F) by May, peaking at 40°C (103°F) in the summer months. Rainfall is minimal, particularly from May through September, with the wettest months being January and April, recording up to 22 mm (0.8 in) and 16 mm (0.6 in) respectively. The region enjoys abundant sunshine, reaching a high of 376 hours in May. For more detailed information, visit Chabahar climate.
In conclusion, the climate of Sistan and Baluchestan, characterized by extreme temperature variations, minimal precipitation, high sunshine duration, and significant UV exposure, shapes the region's environment and lifestyle profoundly. The arid conditions, paired with extended daylight during warmer months, provide unique opportunities and challenges for agriculture and daily life. As the region experiences intense sunshine and high UV indices, awareness of sun safety becomes paramount for residents and visitors alike. Understanding these climatic patterns not only aids in effective resource management but also serves to enhance the community's resilience against the harsh environmental conditions prevalent throughout the year.