Weather in Herat

Before your trip, be sure to check the current weather situation in the city of Herat. This section provides fresh data and forecasts that will help you better prepare for your journey.

The climate of such an ancient city as Herat can be characterized as cold semi-arid, with a clear division into seasons. The weather here is distinguished by a large number of sunny days and low humidity, which is typical for this region. Travelers should expect significant temperature fluctuations between seasons, as well as a noticeable difference between day and night.

Summer here is hot and absolutely dry: in the period from June to September, precipitation is virtually non-existent, and the sun actively warms the air, creating conditions of intense heat. Winter, on the contrary, is cool, with night frosts, but during the day the temperature often stays above freezing. It is the winter months and early spring that account for the main rainy season, which brings vital moisture, although prolonged downpours are a rarity here.

Spring and autumn are considered the most pleasant times to visit, when mild and comfortable weather sets in. During these periods, Afghanistan reveals its best side: there is no exhausting heat, yet it is already warm enough for long walks in the fresh air. In general, climatic conditions are favorable for tourism and allow for easy trip planning, relying on clear skies for most of the year.

The climate in the city of Herat is distinguished by pronounced seasonality, offering travelers completely different conditions depending on the time of year. The coldest month is traditionally January, when the average temperature is about 3.9°C, and frosts often occur at night. Conversely, July becomes the peak of the summer heat: average figures rise to 28.5°C, and daytime maximums often exceed the 35°C mark.

Summer here is characterized by dry and intense heat. From June to August, precipitation is practically absent, and the sun actively warms the air, creating sweltering conditions. However, it is worth noting a feature characteristic of this region — significant daily temperature fluctuations. Even on the hottest days, when the thermometer reaches 34–35°C, nights bring tangible freshness and relief, cooling down to 18–21°C.

The winter period in this part of Afghanistan is quite cool, but not extremely severe. In December and January, nighttime temperatures drop below freezing (averaging down to -2.4°C), so warm clothing will be necessary for evening walks. During the day, the air usually warms up to 10–12°C, which makes winter days quite suitable for sightseeing, provided the weather is clear.

The climate in this region is quite arid, so Herat is not distinguished by an abundance of rainfall. The year is clearly divided here into a relatively wet winter-spring period and an absolutely dry summer. Even in the "dampest" months, precipitation is usually not too heavy, but it brings long-awaited freshness.

The peak of humidity falls on the end of winter and the beginning of spring. The rainiest months are considered to be February and March, when an average of 7 days with precipitation is recorded. Considering that in January and December night temperatures can drop below freezing, not only rain but also short-term snow is possible at this time.

With the onset of summer, the rains cease completely. The period from June to September is a time of absolute drought: statistics show 0 rainy days throughout these months. Precipitation begins to gradually return only in October-November, preparing the city for the winter season.

When planning a trip to Herat, it is important to consider the pronounced seasonality of the local climate. Summer here is hot and dry, so for a trip from June to September, choose clothing made of light, natural fabrics such as cotton or linen. Be sure to take care of sun protection: a head covering, high-quality sunglasses, and cream with high SPF are simply necessary, as solar activity is very high.

The winter months and early spring require a completely different approach to your wardrobe. In January and February, nighttime temperatures can drop below freezing, so a warm jacket, scarf, and sweater will be mandatory items in your luggage. In spring, especially in March, rains are possible, so do not forget to put a compact umbrella or a light raincoat in your suitcase. The best strategy for the transitional seasons is the principle of layering, which will allow you to easily adapt to temperature changes during the day.

For comfortable walks around the city, choose comfortable closed-toe shoes with flat soles, which will protect your feet from dust and uneven roads. Given that the air can be quite dry, bring moisturising cream and lip balm with you. Such a well-thought-out set of items will allow you to feel confident and comfortable, enjoying the sights in any weather.