Last updated: January 18, 2025
Yazd, Iran, is characterized by its distinct Köppen-Geiger climate classes: BWk (Cold Desert Climate), BWh (Hot Desert Climate), and BSk (Cold Semi-Arid Climate). The region experiences a significant temperature range, with minimum temperatures plummeting to -10°C (14°F) in January, illustrating the stark cold of winter. In contrast, the average yearly temperature stabilizes around 20°C (68°F), while summer peaks can soar to a scorching 47°C (117°F) in August. This extreme variability highlights Yazd's unique climatic conditions, making it a fascinating subject for climatic study and understanding desert environments.
In Yazd, Iran, temperature patterns exhibit a remarkable seasonal progression, beginning with the frigid winter months of January and February, where minimum temperatures can reach as low as -10°C (14°F) and -9°C (16°F), respectively. As spring unfolds in March and April, temperatures rise significantly, with March witnessing a shift to milder conditions, averaging 15°C (60°F), while April brings even warmer averages of 20°C (69°F). The transition to summer is marked by soaring temperatures, peaking in July and August with maximums reaching 47°C (116°F) and 47°C (117°F), underscoring the intense heat characteristic of this desert climate. As autumn approaches, September sees a gradual decline, with averages around 26°C (80°F), leading into cooler October temperatures averaging 20°C (68°F). By November and December, the region experiences a return to winter conditions, with nights dipping below freezing again, encapsulating a year marked by sharp contrasts between scorching summers and chilly winters.
Meybod experiences a wide temperature range throughout the year, with a minimum of -7°C (19°F) in January and a scorching maximum of 45°C (113°F) in July as noted in monthly temperatures in Meybod. Similarly, Yazd records a minimum temperature of -8°C (17°F) in January, which is slightly lower than Meybod, while reaching a maximum of 43°C (109°F) in August according to monthly temperatures in Yazd.
Yazd, Iran, experiences a distinct precipitation pattern throughout the year, characterized by minimal rainfall and prolonged dry periods. The winter months of January through April see the highest precipitation levels, with January receiving 10 mm (0.4 in) over about 2 days, gradually increasing to 22 mm (0.9 in) by April. This early-year rain tends to support the region’s agriculture before the onset of the dry summer months. May marks a sharp decline to just 10 mm (0.4 in), signaling the forthcoming drought conditions typical of Yazd's hot desert climate.
Summer in Yazd is strikingly arid, with no recorded precipitation from June to September, reflecting the harsh reality of temperatures often exceeding 40°C (104°F). The onset of autumn brings a slight increase in precipitation, with October receiving 4 mm (0.2 in), followed by November's 16 mm (0.6 in), albeit over just 3 days. December sees a moderate amount of rainfall again at 11 mm (0.4 in) across 1 day, marking the year's end with a reminder of the fluctuating climatic conditions that define Yazd's environment.
Yazd, Iran, shines brightly as it transitions from winter to summer, with sunshine duration steadily increasing throughout the year. Starting in January, the city enjoys 242 hours of sunshine, which gradually rises to 287 hours in February. This upward trend accelerates through the spring months, reaching a peak of 345 hours in April, just before the scorching heat of summer begins. May and June continue this trajectory, with sunshine hours reaching 382 hours and 391 hours respectively. July marks the zenith of solar exposure, boasting an impressive 397 hours of sunshine, setting the stage for the region's reputation as one of the sunniest places on earth.
As summer wanes in August, Yazd still enjoys considerable sunlight, totaling 380 hours, but this is slightly less than July's peak. In September, the sunshine hours decline further to 347 hours, indicating the subtle arrival of autumn. This decrease continues through October, which sees 331 hours, and November slightly dips to 292 hours. Finally, December rounds out the year with 294 hours of sunshine. Despite the seasonal variations, Yazd remains remarkably sunlit throughout the year, with its long sunny days contributing to its arid desert climate and making it a captivating destination for sun-seekers.
The UV Index in Yazd, Iran, reflects a significant variance throughout the year, with exceptionally high levels recorded during the spring and summer months. In January, the UV Index begins at 6, categorized as high, permitting a burn time of 25 minutes. However, as winter progresses into February, it escalates to 8, entering the very high exposure category, where the safe burn time decreases to 15 minutes. The months of March and April present extreme UV conditions with an index reaching 12, resulting in a minimum burn time of just 10 minutes, indicating the urgent need for sun protection during this period.
The intensity continues into the summer months, peaking in May and July, with the UV Index climbing to 14, again classified as extreme and demanding the utmost caution for sun exposure with a narrow burn time of just 10 minutes. In August and September, the UV Index slightly declines to 12, but still requires vigilant sun protection. As autumn sets in, the index decreases to 10 in October and dips further to 7 in November. By December, the UV Index stabilizes at 5, moving into the moderate exposure category, allowing for a more prolonged burn time of 30 minutes. This seasonal pattern highlights the critical need for sun safety measures during the sunnier months, particularly in the intense summer heat.
UV Risk Categories
In Yazd, Iran, daylight duration displays a clear seasonal pattern, beginning with 10 hours in January, as the city experiences the shorter days of winter. February sees a slight increase to 11 hours, which stabilizes through March. As spring arrives in April, daylight lengthens to 12 hours, effectively welcoming longer days and warmer temperatures that invite outdoor activities. The natural progression towards summer culminates in June, where daylight reaches an impressive 14 hours, providing ample sunlight to the region as it prepares for the hottest months.
As summer transitions to autumn, the duration of daylight begins to decline gradually. July retains 13 hours of daylight, but by August, it remains unchanged, marking the end of the summer high. In September, daylight shortens to 12 hours, and this trend continues with 11 hours in October. The daylight duration then decreases again in November and December, returning to 10 hours, mirroring the earlier months of the year. This cyclical change in daylight not only influences daily activities but also reflects the natural rhythms of the Yazd climate throughout the seasons.
Meybod, Iran experiences a desert climate characterized by hot summers and cool winters. January temperatures range from -7°C to 24°C, while July can soar between 22°C and 45°C, with minimal precipitation, especially in the summer months. Sunshine is abundant, reaching up to 398 hours in July, contributing to the region's arid conditions. Overall, Meybod has a significant variance in temperature throughout the year, with very little rainfall, making it a unique climate zone. For more details, visit Meybod climate.
Yazd, Iran, experiences a diverse climate characterized by hot summers and mild winters. January temperatures range from -8°C to 23°C, while July peaks at a scorching 42°C. The region receives minimal rainfall, with most precipitation occurring in winter and autumn months, totaling just 4 mm in June through September. With abundant sunshine, particularly in the summer months, Yazd boasts over 390 hours of sunlight from June to July. For more details, visit Yazd climate.
In conclusion, Yazd, Iran, presents a captivating climate characterized by significant seasonal variations in temperature, precipitation, sunshine duration, UV Index, and daylight hours. The extreme temperatures and minimal rainfall define its arid desert climate, while lengthy sunshine hours throughout the year highlight the region's suitability for solar energy and outdoor activities. The high UV Index during spring and summer underscores the necessity for protective measures against sun exposure. As daylight duration shifts from shorter winter days to lengthy summer afternoons, Yazd's unique climatic attributes not only shape the lifestyle of its residents but also contribute to its rich cultural heritage and economic activities. Understanding these climatic patterns is essential for both locals and visitors to fully appreciate the environment and to plan appropriately for a region that thrives under the intense sun and dry conditions.