Last updated: January 18, 2025
Zanjan, Iran, experiences a Dsa/Dsb climate classification, characterized by notable seasonal temperature variations. In the depths of winter, temperatures can plummet to a minimum of -24°C (-11°F) in January, while the summer months bring a sweltering maximum of 40°C (105°F) in August. The annual average temperature hovers around 11°C (53°F), reflecting the region's distinct climatic contrasts and highlighting the need for adaptive strategies in both agriculture and urban planning.
Zanjan, Iran, showcases striking seasonal temperature patterns, transitioning from the frigid depths of winter to the sweltering heat of summer. January and February are marked by extreme cold, with minimum temperatures reaching as low as -24°C (-11°F) and -23°C (-10°F), respectively, gradually rising through March, where warmer days emerge with a maximum of 28°C (83°F). As spring progresses into May, temperatures continue to climb, peaking in August at a scorching 40°C (105°F), indicative of the punishing heat prevalent in the summer months. The return to cooler weather is observed by October, with temperatures dropping once again, revealing a distinct annual cycle that underscores the region's sharp climatic contrasts.
Zanjan experiences a wide temperature range throughout the year, with January bringing chilling minimums of -24°C (-11°F) and July soaring to maximums of 38°C (101°F). This stark contrast showcases the region's diverse climate, which can be explored in more detail at monthly temperatures in Zanjan.
Zanjan, Iran, exhibits a well-defined precipitation pattern throughout the year, with the majority of rainfall concentrated in the colder months. January begins the year with 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain over 6 days, followed by a peak in February with 78 mm (3.1 in) across 10 days. The transition from winter to spring sees consistent rainfall, particularly in April with 89 mm (3.5 in) over 13 days, which aids in replenishing local water resources before the drier summer months ensue.
As summer approaches, precipitation significantly declines, with June, July, and August recording just 11 mm (0.4 in) each, stretched over only 2 to 3 days. This dry spell continues into September, accumulating 13 mm (0.5 in) of rain over 2 days. The onset of autumn revives precipitation levels, with October and November bringing 44 mm (1.7 in) and 67 mm (2.6 in) respectively, as humidity rises and rainfall becomes more frequent once again. This cyclical trend highlights Zanjan's sensitivity to seasonal changes in its climate.
Zanjan, Iran, experiences a distinct seasonal variation in sunshine duration, with a steady increase in hours as the year progresses from winter to summer. In January, the city enjoys 222 hours of sunlight, which gradually rises to 258 hours in February. This upward trend becomes particularly pronounced in spring, as the transition into March brings 311 hours, followed by an impressive peak of 335 hours in April. The sunshine continues to intensify, culminating in May with 385 hours and reaching its zenith in June at 399 hours, making these months ideal for outdoor activities and agricultural productivity.
As summer wanes, sunshine hours remain abundant but begin to taper off slightly, with July experiencing 397 hours and August cooling to 381 hours. The gradual decline continues into autumn, where September sees 340 hours, and October dips to 307 hours. Notably, the year concludes with shorter days in November and December, recording 253 hours and 261 hours respectively. This cyclical pattern illustrates not only the region's climatic diversity but also highlights the importance of sunshine for both daily life and ecological balance throughout the year.
The UV Index in Zanjan, Iran, exhibits significant seasonal fluctuations, reflecting the region's changing climate and sun exposure. In the winter months, January records a UV Index of 5, categorized as moderate, allowing for a burn time of 30 minutes. As February arrives, the index rises to 7 (high), subsequently increasing to 10 in March and April, where the burn time decreases to just 15 minutes. This sharp escalation signals an approaching summer, with May hitting an alarming UV Index of 13, classified as extreme, with only 10 minutes before skin damage can occur, a clear indicator of the heightened sun intensity typical of the season.
Throughout the peak summer months, the UV Index remains critically high, hovering around 12 in June and July and slightly dropping to 11 in August. As autumn begins, the UV levels start to recede, with September maintaining a 10 (very high) index before settling back down to 7 in October, allowing for greater burn times once again. By November and December, Zanjan experiences a return to moderate levels with indices of 5 and 4, respectively, offering a respite from the extreme sun exposure. Therefore, understanding these patterns is crucial for residents and visitors alike to protect themselves from potential UV-related health risks.
UV Risk Categories
In Zanjan, Iran, daylight duration exhibits a remarkable seasonal rhythm, gradually increasing from winter to summer and then tapering off as autumn approaches. Starting with approximately 9 hours of daylight in January, residents experience a subtle shift as February provides 10 hours. The lengthening days continue into spring, with March bringing 11 hours and April further extending to 13 hours, signaling the arrival of more vibrant outdoor activities. As the region transitions into May and June, daylight peaks at 14 hours, allowing ample time for both work and leisure under the sun.
However, this abundance of daylight begins to decline by mid-summer, with July maintaining a steady 14 hours, yet gradually decreasing to 13 hours in August. As September rolls in, daylight hours diminish to 12, followed by 11 hours in October. The cycle concludes with November and December, as daylight retreats back to 10 hours and 9 hours respectively, echoing the patterns observed at the beginning of the year. This rhythm of daylight serves not only as a foundation for daily activities but also underscores the connection between natural light and the changing seasons in Zanjan.
Zanjan, Iran experiences a diverse climate with cold, snowy winters and warm, dry summers. January temperatures can drop as low as -24°C (-11°F), while July sees highs up to 38°C (101°F). Precipitation peaks in spring (April) at 92 mm (3.6 in) but significantly decreases during summer months, such as July with only 11 mm (0.4 in). Notably, daylight hours in summer reach their highest, with June offering around 401 hours of sunshine. For more detailed information, visit the link: Zanjan climate.
In summary, Zanjan, Iran, exemplifies a distinctive climate characterized by substantial seasonal variations in temperature, precipitation, sunshine duration, UV index, and daylight hours. The juxtaposition of cold winters with scorching summers highlights the region's diverse weather patterns, while the annual sunlight and daylight rhythms enhance the overall livability and agricultural potential. As the UV Index rises during the summer months, awareness of sun exposure becomes crucial for residents and visitors to protect their health. Understanding these climatic trends not only aids in better planning for daily life and activities but also fosters appreciation for the unique environmental characteristics that define Zanjan throughout the year.