Iran Weather

Iran climate

Iran's vast territory spans multiple climate zones, from the humid Caspian coast in the north to the scorching Dasht-e Lut desert in the southeast, which holds the record for the highest surface temperature ever measured on Earth at 70.7°C. The Alborz Mountains separate the lush, subtropical Caspian lowlands from the arid interior plateau, creating one of the sharpest climate gradients found anywhere on the planet.

Tehran sits at the foot of the Alborz range at roughly 1,200 meters elevation, experiencing hot, dry summers that exceed 40°C and cold winters with occasional snowfall. The western Zagros Mountains receive heavy snowfall from November through April, feeding rivers that sustain agriculture across the western provinces. Spring and autumn are brief but pleasant transition seasons, often accompanied by dust storms that sweep across the central plateau from the desert basins.

The Persian Gulf coast in the south endures extreme summer heat and humidity rivaling the Arabian Peninsula, with temperatures above 45°C and oppressive dew points. The Caspian coast, by contrast, receives over 1,500mm of rainfall annually and supports dense temperate forests — a striking contrast to the interior deserts that average less than 100mm. Isfahan and Shiraz on the interior plateau enjoy a semi-arid climate with warm summers, cool winters, and remarkably clear skies for much of the year.