January Weather in Herat, Afghanistan

Last updated: August 21, 2025

January in Herat, Afghanistan showcases a striking contrast in temperatures, with a maximum of 22°C (71°F) during the warmest moments of the day and a chilling minimum of -15°C (5°F) at night. The average temperature settles around a brisk 5°C (40°F), creating a climate that is both invigorating and challenging. This month experiences 39 mm (1.5 in) of precipitation spread across 6 days, resulting in a moderately humid environment at 65%. Whether you’re exploring the vibrant landscapes or savoring the local culture, January's weather in Herat brings a unique blend of cold and warmth that shapes the experience of this historic city.

January Temperature in Herat

In Herat, Afghanistan, January ushers in a stark winter, with temperatures dipping as low as -15°C (5°F), while daytime highs can surprisingly reach 22°C (71°F). The average temperature sits around a cool 5°C (40°F), indicative of the region's dramatic temperature swings. This trend of cold mornings gives way to milder afternoons persists into February, where temperatures begin to rise slightly, setting the stage for the swift transition into the warmer months ahead. By March, the city experiences a significant warming, with averages climbing to 13°C (55°F), highlighting Herat’s striking seasonal contrasts. Such fluctuations are a reminder of the dynamic climate in this historic city, where winter's chill can easily be replaced by the promise of spring warmth.

January Weather in Herat: Daily Temperature Highs, Lows, and Averages

The chart illustrates January temperature patterns in Herat, showcasing daily minimum, maximum, and average temperatures. It highlights the typical range of temperatures throughout the month, providing insights into weather trends. In Herat, January typically has an average temperature of {2}°C ({3}°F), with highs reaching up to {4}°C ({5}°F) and lows dropping to around {6}°C ({7}°F).
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec404555647382868073604943
Data source: Temperature data for Herat generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.
Choose your preferred temperature unit
The average of daily temperatures (24 hours) calculated across all days in the month.

January Precipitation in Herat

In January, Herat, Afghanistan, experiences a notable beginning to the year with 39 mm (1.5 in) of precipitation spread across 6 days. This early winter rainfall sets the stage for a gradual increase in moisture levels, peaking in March at 62 mm (2.4 in), before tapering off significantly as the region enters its dry months. February sees a rise to 52 mm (2.1 in), while April holds steady with 40 mm (1.6 in), indicating a brief but consistent wet period. However, from May onward, precipitation sharply declines, with only 11 mm (0.4 in) noted, ultimately leading to complete dryness from June to September. The pattern suggests a distinct rainy season in the first quarter of the year, followed by a prolonged dry spell that characterizes Herat’s climate as it heads toward the summer months.

January Precipitation Trends in Herat

The chart displays monthly precipitation patterns in Herat, with values for each month alongside January’s data, which is highlighted for easy comparison. It shows the amount of precipitation, providing insights into how January’s conditions compare to those of other months. In Herat, January typically receives around {2} mm ({3} inches) of precipitation spread over approximately {4} days.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec3952624111000051812
Data source: Precipitation data for January generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.
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January Humidity in Herat

January in Herat, Afghanistan, greets residents with a moderate humidity level of 65%, setting a damp tone for the winter months. As the year progresses, humidity gently declines, dipping to 63% in February and further to 62% by March. The transition to spring brings a noticeable drop, with April's humidity falling to 51% and plummeting to just 41% in May. The summer months are particularly arid, reaching a low of 16% in July, before slightly increasing to 17% in August. As the year winds down, humidity begins to climb back up, with September at 24%, October increasing to 43%, and returning to the winter values of 64% in November and 65% in December. This cyclical pattern highlights Herat's striking seasonal shifts, where humidity fluctuates from the crispness of winter to the dry heat of summer.

January Average Humidity in Herat

This chart illustrates the average monthly humidity levels in Herat, with January’s data highlighted for easy comparison. It shows the fluctuation in humidity throughout the year, helping you understand how conditions vary by season. In January, average humidity in Herat is approximately {2}%, offering insight into how humid the weather typically is during this month.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec65%63%62%51%41%27%16%17%24%43%64%65%
Data source: Humidity data for January generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

January UV Index in Herat

In January, Herat, Afghanistan, experiences a moderate UV Index of 5, allowing for a safe exposure time of about 30 minutes before burns may occur. As winter gives way to spring, the UV Index climbs steadily, reaching a notable 6 in February, and by March, it skyrockets to 10, marking the onset of very high exposure levels. The trend intensifies through the following months, with the index peaking at 13 in May, indicating extreme conditions and significant risk of sunburn with just 10 minutes of unprotected exposure. The summer months maintain this extreme status before gradually tapering off in the fall, leading to a drop back down to a moderate 5 by November. This seasonal pattern highlights the importance of adequate sun protection during the warmer months in Herat. For more details, check out the Herat UV Index.

Maximum UV Index Levels in Herat for January

The chart shows the monthly maximum UV Index (UVI) for Herat in January, representing the highest UV radiation level. The UVI measures the intensity of ultraviolet radiation from the sun, indicating the potential risk of sunburn and UV-related health issues. In January, the maximum UV index in Herat typically reaches {2}, which falls under the {3} exposure category.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec5610111312121110854
Data source: Herat January UVI data generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

UV Risk Categories

  •  Extreme (11+): Avoid the sun, stay in shade.
  •  Very High (8-10): Limit sun exposure.
  •  High (6-7): Use SPF 30+ and protective clothing.
  •  Moderate (3-5): Midday shade recommended.
  •  Low (0-2): No protection needed.

January Sunshine in Herat

In Herat, Afghanistan, January begins with a modest 228 hours of sunshine, setting a gentle tone for the year ahead. As winter gives way to spring, daylight steadily increases, peaking in June with an impressive 404 hours. This trend continues, reaching its zenith in July at 409 hours before gradually tapering off. By the time December arrives, the year wraps up with 284 hours of sunshine, reflecting a natural ebb and flow. Overall, the sun's presence in Herat transforms dramatically from the quieter days of January to the vibrant, sun-drenched summer months, offering both warmth and illumination throughout the changing seasons.

Monthly Sunshine Duration in Herat: January Highlighted

The January sunshine duration represents the total number of hours Herat experiences direct sunlight during the month of January, excluding cloudy or obstructed periods. This chart compares the sunshine duration of January with the other months of the year.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec228h269h324h346h389h404h409h393h351h330h286h284h
Data source: Herat January Sunshine duration data generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

Chance of Sun in Herat During January

In January, Herat, Afghanistan, enjoys a remarkably high 84% chance of sunny weather, setting the tone for a bright start to the year. This prevalence of sunshine contrasts starkly with the following months, where February drops to 74% and March further declines to 57%, hinting at a seasonal shift. However, as spring arrives, the probability of sun begins to climb again, peaking in the summer months with June and August both boasting an impressive 100% likelihood of sunshine. This trend showcases Herat's transitional climate, where January stands out as a particularly sunny month, paving the way for a bright and optimistic outlook as the year progresses.

Percentage of Sunny Days in January in Herat

The chart illustrates the percentage of sunny days in Herat throughout the year, with January highlighted. It highlights the variation in sunshine across each month and provides an overview of the typical frequency of sunny days, offering insights into how often Herat experiences clear skies throughout the year.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec85%74%57%66%79%100%94%100%100%97%77%71%
Data source: Herat January chance of sun data, generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

Daylight Hours in Herat in January

In Herat, Afghanistan, January ushers in a crisp winter month with 10 hours of daylight, a trend that holds steady into February. As spring approaches, the days gradually stretch longer, reaching 11 hours in March and blossoming to 13 hours by April and May. This increase in daylight continues into the early summer months of June and July, when daylight peaks at 14 hours, offering ample sunshine for outdoor activities. However, as summer wanes, daylight hours begin to decline, transitioning back to 13 hours in August and tapering to 12 hours in September. By the time October arrives, daylight dips to 11 hours, eventually settling back to 10 hours in November and 9 hours by December, marking the return of winter's shorter days. This pattern reveals a rhythmic cycle of light that influences the daily lives of Herat's residents throughout the year.

Average Daylight Hours in Herat for January

The chart illustrates the variation in daylight duration in Herat throughout the year, with January highlighted. It shows the monthly changes in daylight hours, calculated by summing the hours between sunrise and sunset.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec10h 8m10h 56m11h 58m13h 2m13h 56m14h 23m14h 9m13h 22m12h 21m11h 17m10h 22m9h 53m
Data source: Herat daylight hours, calculated by summing the hours between sunrise and sunset for each day.

January Winds in Herat

In January, the winds in Herat, Afghanistan are gentle, with an average speed of 2.7 m/s (6 mph), mirroring the calmness of February. As winter retreats, the breeze picks up slightly in March and May, reaching 3.4 m/s (8 mph), suggesting a transition toward the warmer seasons. By June and July, the wind escalates, reaching a peak of 5.4 m/s (12 mph) in the midst of summer, bringing with it a refreshing relief from the heat. However, as autumn approaches, wind speeds begin to taper off, descending to 3.0 m/s (7 mph) in October before settling into the stillness of late fall with November's low of 2.3 m/s (5 mph). This gradual ebb and flow not only defines the seasonal rhythm of Herat but also hints at the dynamic nature of its climatic patterns throughout the year.

Average January Wind Speed in Herat

The chart displays monthly wind speed patterns in Herat, with values for each month shown alongside January's data, which is highlighted for easy comparison. It illustrates the average wind speed, offering insights into how January's wind conditions compare to the rest of the year.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec2.7 m/s2.73.43.13.44.55.45.03.93.02.32.4
Data source: Herat January wind data, generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

How January Weather in Herat Compares to Other Months

Weather in Herat varies notably across the year, with each month offering distinct climate conditions. This page compares January’s weather to other months in Herat, focusing on differences in temperature, rainfall, humidity, and UV levels.

January and February both present notable variations in weather patterns. In January, temperatures can drop as low as -15°C (5°F) in the min range, with an average of 5°C (40°F) and a peak reaching 22°C (71°F). During this month, there is a total precipitation of 39 mm (1.5 in) over about 6 days, accompanied by a humidity level of 65%.

In contrast, February experiences slightly milder conditions with a minimum temperature of -10°C (15°F) and an average temperature of 7°C (46°F). The maximum temperature can rise to 24°C (76°F), indicating a gradual warming trend. Precipitation increases to 52 mm (2.1 in) over 7 days, while humidity remains relatively stable at 63%. For more detailed insights, you can check Herat weather in February.

January weather in Herat is characterized by colder temperatures, with lows dipping to -15°C (5°F) and an average of around 5°C (40°F). During this month, the region sees about 39 mm (1.5 in) of precipitation over six days, with humidity at 65%. In contrast, March brings a marked increase in warmth, with minimum temperatures of -3°C (27°F) and an average of 13°C (55°F), peaking at highs of 34°C (93°F). Precipitation is slightly higher at 62 mm (2.4 in) across nine days, and humidity remains relatively stable at 62%. This transition from January to March highlights a significant shift towards milder and more variable weather. For a detailed look at the March climate, visit Herat weather in March.

January weather is characterized by a broader temperature range, with minimums dipping as low as -15°C (5°F) and average temperatures sitting around 5°C (40°F). This chill is coupled with a relatively higher humidity level of 65% and occasional precipitation occurring over six days. In contrast, April sees a significant warming trend, with average temperatures rising to 18°C (64°F) and maximums reaching up to 34°C (94°F). Despite having similar precipitation levels (40 mm in April compared to 39 mm in January), April experiences slightly less rain spread over just five days and a decrease in humidity to 51%. For more details about April weather, visit Herat weather in April.

The weather in January is notably colder, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of -15°C (5°F) to a maximum of 22°C (71°F) and an average of 5°C (40°F). This month sees six days of precipitation, totaling 39 mm (1.5 in) and a humidity level of 65%. In contrast, May offers significantly warmer conditions, featuring a minimum temperature of 7°C (45°F) and soaring to a maximum of 38°C (101°F), with an average of 23°C (74°F). Precipitation drops to just 11 mm (0.4 in) over a single day, and humidity decreases to a more comfortable 41%. For a closer look at the specifics of May's weather, you can check Herat weather in May.

When comparing the weather in January and June, the differences are striking. In January, temperatures range from a chilly -15°C (5°F) at night to a mild average of 5°C (40°F) during the day, with occasional highs reaching 22°C (71°F). During this month, the region experiences 39 mm (1.5 in) of precipitation over about 6 days, along with a humidity level of 65%. In contrast, June boasts much warmer temperatures, with minimums of 13°C (55°F) and averages soaring to 28°C (82°F), peaking at an impressive 42°C (107°F). Remarkably, June sees virtually no precipitation, recording 0 mm (0.0 in) over 0 days and lower humidity at just 26%. For more details on the weather during this month, you can refer to Herat weather in June.

January and July present strikingly contrasting weather conditions. In January, temperatures can plummet to a minimum of -15°C (5°F) but average around a cool 5°C (40°F), with highs reaching up to 22°C (71°F). This month also sees an average of 39 mm (1.5 in) of precipitation over about 6 days, accompanied by a humidity level of 65%, creating a cold and damp atmosphere. In sharp contrast, July features much warmer conditions, with minimum temperatures starting at 17°C (63°F) and averaging a sweltering 30°C (86°F). The temperature can soar to a maximum of 41°C (107°F), while shockingly, there is no recorded precipitation at all, resulting in a dry climate and a humidity level of just 16%. For a closer look at July weather specifics, visit Herat weather in July.

January and August exhibit strikingly different weather patterns. In January, temperatures can drop to a minimum of -15°C (5°F), with an average of 5°C (40°F) and a maximum reaching 22°C (71°F). The month experiences moderate precipitation of 39 mm (1.5 in) over about 6 days, coupled with a humidity level of 65%. In contrast, August offers a notably warmer climate, with minimum temperatures around 13°C (55°F) and averages soaring to 27°C (80°F), peaking at a scorching 43°C (109°F). Remarkably, August sees no rainfall, maintaining a dry spell with 0 mm (0.0 in) of precipitation and a significantly lower humidity of 17%. For more details, visit Herat weather in August.

In January, the weather is quite chilly, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of -15°C (5°F) to an average of 5°C (40°F) and reaching a maximum of 22°C (71°F). Precipitation is moderate, with about 39 mm (1.5 in) spread over 6 days, and the humidity levels are relatively high at 65%. In contrast, September experiences a much warmer climate, where temperatures vary from a minimum of 9°C (48°F) to an average of 23°C (73°F) and can soar up to a maximum of 38°C (100°F). Notably, there is no recorded precipitation in September, and the humidity drops significantly to 24%. For more details, you can check Herat weather in September.

January and October exhibit striking differences in weather patterns. In January, temperatures can plummet as low as -15°C (5°F), with an average of 5°C (40°F) and occasional highs reaching 22°C (71°F). This month also sees a significant amount of precipitation, totaling 39 mm (1.5 in) across about 6 days, accompanied by a humidity level of 65%. In contrast, October experiences a much milder climate, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of -1°C (31°F) to an average of 15°C (60°F) and maximums hitting 33°C (91°F). Precipitation is minimal at just 5 mm (0.2 in) over about 1 day, and humidity decreases to 43%. For a more detailed look at the conditions during October, you can check out Herat weather in October.

January and November exhibit notable differences in weather conditions. In January, temperatures can drop as low as -15°C (5°F), with an average of 5°C (40°F) and a maximum of 22°C (71°F). This month also experiences higher precipitation, with 39 mm (1.5 in) spread over about 6 days and humidity levels at 65%. In contrast, November sees milder temperatures, ranging from a minimum of -4°C (26°F) to a maximum of 31°C (88°F), with an average of 9°C (49°F). Precipitation is less frequent in November, totaling 18 mm (0.7 in) over just 3 days, while humidity remains relatively stable at 64%. For more detailed insights about November weather, you can visit Herat weather in November.

In January, temperatures can plunge to as low as -15°C (5°F), while averaging around 5°C (40°F) and peaking at 22°C (71°F). The month experiences more precipitation than December, with about 39 mm (1.5 in) over six days. In contrast, December sees a milder temperature range, with a minimum of -8°C (18°F) and an average of 6°C (43°F), reaching the same maximum of 22°C (71°F) but with significantly lower precipitation at just 12 mm (0.5 in) over three days. Humidity levels remain consistent between the two months at 65%. For a closer look at conditions during December, you can refer to Herat weather in December.

Compare Herat's Climate with Cities Worldwide

Conclusion: What to Expect From January Weather in Herat

As January unfolds in Herat, the weather presents a distinct contrast to the warmer months, characterized by cool days and chilly nights. With temperatures ranging from a modest average of 5°C to the occasional dip as low as -15°C, this month can feel quite brisk compared to the balmy highs experienced in summer. Precipitation is also on the rise, with about six days of rain contributing to the total monthly average. The humidity, hovering around 65%, adds an extra layer of crispness to the air. For those planning a visit, it’s essential to embrace the unique winter charm of Herat during January—learn more about the season's dynamics at Herat Climate.