Iran has a vast territory and diverse topography, resulting in significant climatic variations across regions. Below, we summarize the climatic characteristics by season as well as major events and cultures.
Spring (March to May)
Climatic Characteristics
- Temperature: 10–20°C in March, 15–25°C in April, 20–30°C in May
- Precipitation: Rare rains at the beginning of spring, with a strong tendency towards dryness
- Characteristics: A period with many clear days, prone to dust storms
Major Events and Culture
Month |
Event |
Content and Relation to Climate |
March |
Nowruz (Persian New Year) |
Celebrating the New Year on the vernal equinox. The mild climate makes outdoor events easy. |
April |
Sizdah Bedar |
A day for outdoor family outings in the pleasant weather. |
May |
Golabgiri Festival (Rose Water Harvest Festival) |
The period when roses bloom around Kashan. Held in dry, clear weather. |
Summer (June to August)
Climatic Characteristics
- Temperature: Over 30°C from June onward, with some inland areas exceeding 40°C in July and August
- Precipitation: Virtually no rainfall, with strong sunlight and low humidity
- Characteristics: Continuous heat waves mainly in desert areas, increasing the risk of heatstroke
Major Events and Culture
Month |
Event |
Content and Relation to Climate |
June |
Karbala Pilgrimage |
A religious event focused on nighttime pilgrimages to avoid the heat. |
July |
Start of School and University Summer Vacation |
Due to high temperatures, many spend time indoors, and families travel actively to resorts. |
August |
Yazd Traditional Festival |
A traditional festival held at night in the desert city of Yazd. Events take place after the evening cools down. |
Autumn (September to November)
Climatic Characteristics
- Temperature: Still hot in September, but drops to 15–25°C after October
- Precipitation: Autumn rains occur, with a slight increase in humidity
- Characteristics: Drier conditions ease, leading to a more comfortable climate
Major Events and Culture
Month |
Event |
Content and Relation to Climate |
September |
Eid al-Adha |
An important Islamic festival. Held in the cooling climate. |
October |
Tehran International Film Festival |
Screenings and events held in a comfortable climate indoors and outdoors. |
November |
National Poetry Festival |
Poetry readings and cultural events held outdoors, taking advantage of the refreshing autumn climate. |
Winter (December to February)
Climatic Characteristics
- Temperature: 0–10°C in Tehran, below freezing in mountainous areas. The southern coast is relatively mild
- Precipitation: Rain and snow in December and January, with northern mountainous regions entering the ski season
- Characteristics: Radiative cooling causes very cold mornings and evenings
Major Events and Culture
Month |
Event |
Content and Relation to Climate |
December |
New Moharram |
Celebrating the New Year of the Islamic calendar. Religious events are held in cold weather. |
January |
Start of Ski Season |
Good snow quality in the Alborz Mountains, with ski resorts bustling. |
February |
Chaharshanbe Suri Fire Festival |
A fire festival celebrating the end of winter, held at night around a fire in the cold. |
Summary of Seasonal Events and their Relation to Climate
Season |
Climatic Characteristics |
Example Major Events |
Spring |
Dry, mild temperatures |
Nowruz, Sizdah Bedar, Golabgiri Festival |
Summer |
Intense heat, low humidity |
Karbala Pilgrimage, Start of Summer Vacation, Yazd Traditional Festival |
Autumn |
Moderate temperatures, autumn rain |
Eid al-Adha, Tehran International Film Festival, National Poetry Festival |
Winter |
Cold, rain, snow |
New Moharram, Start of Ski Season, Fire Festival |
Supplementary Notes
- Iran's diverse geography—including mountains, deserts, and coastlines—creates significant regional climatic variations even within the same season.
- Holidays are based on astronomical events (vernal equinox) or the Islamic calendar, causing date changes each year.
- Agricultural, religious, and cultural events are deeply connected to the climate and harmonized with local lifestyles.
Seasonal events in Iran are passed down while harmonizing with climatic changes and regional characteristics.