Weather in Kabul

Planning your day in Kabul or just curious about the weather there? Below you will find the most up-to-date information, including forecasts and useful weather charts, to make your stay as comfortable as possible.

The climate in Kabul is characterized as arid continental, with distinct seasonal temperature fluctuations. This means that travellers can expect significant weather differences depending on the time of year. The city is located in a mountainous area, which also influences its climatic features, making temperature changes between day and night quite noticeable.

Four seasons are clearly distinguished in Kabul. Winters (December to February) are cold here, with average temperatures often dropping below freezing (for example, the average January temperature is -5.3°C) and periodic snowfall, although total precipitation remains low (2-3 mm in winter months). Spring (March to May) brings gradual warming and is relatively the wettest period of the year, though rains are not too abundant even then (about 4 mm of precipitation per month). Summer (June to August) in Kabul is hot and very dry, with plenty of sunny days and minimal rainfall (0-1 mm). Autumn (September to November) delights with pleasant coolness and also remains predominantly dry, creating comfortable conditions for walking and exploring the city.

One of the key features of the weather in Kabul is the extremely low rainfall throughout the year, especially during the summer (July, August – 0 mm) and autumn months. Total annual precipitation barely reaches 20 mm. This makes the summer period ideal for those who prefer dry and sunny weather. Spring months, despite a slight increase in precipitation, revive nature and offer milder temperatures before the onset of summer heat.

The temperature pattern in Kabul demonstrates significant annual fluctuations, typical of its continental climate. The coldest months are January, with an average temperature of -5.3°C (minimum -11.3°C, maximum 0.6°C), and February, where the average temperature is -3.4°C. Conversely, the peak heat occurs in July with an average temperature of +22.7°C (maximum up to +29.1°C) and August (+21.7°C). Thus, the annual range of average temperatures extends from negative values in winter to comfortable warmth in summer, and extreme temperatures can vary from severe frosts to heat nearing thirty degrees.

Summer months in Kabul, especially June, July, and August, are characterized by hot and very dry weather. Daytime temperatures in July and August regularly rise to +28°C - +29°C, creating dry heat conditions, as there is practically no precipitation during this period (0 mm). Nights bring noticeable relief: the temperature drops to +15°C - +16°C. Such significant diurnal temperature fluctuations, reaching 12-13°C (for example, in June the difference between the average maximum of +26.1°C and average minimum of +13.0°C is 13.1°C), are a distinctive feature of the local climate and require appropriate preparation when planning evening or night activities.

Winter in Kabul, covering the period from December to February, is quite harsh. Average daytime temperatures in January and February barely exceed 0°C or remain slightly negative (e.g., +0.6°C in January), while nighttime temperatures consistently drop significantly below freezing, reaching -11.3°C in January and -8.9°C in February. This means that frosty weather is the norm, and it can be cold even during the day. As in summer, noticeable temperature drops between day and night are also observed in winter, amounting to about 11-12°C (for example, in December the difference between +5.4°C and -7.1°C is 12.5°C). The transitional seasons, spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November), are distinguished by more moderate temperatures, gradually softening the transition from winter cold to summer heat and back, with spring being a relatively wetter period and autumn being very dry.

Kabul experiences an arid climate with very low total precipitation throughout the year. Nevertheless, a relatively wetter period and a prolonged dry season can be distinguished. The highest amount of precipitation, although quite modest, falls in spring, while summer and most of autumn are characterized by extreme dryness.

The spring months, from March to May, bring the highest amount of precipitation. In March, April, and May, an average of 4 mm of precipitation falls. May is also the month with the highest number of days with precipitation – about 17 days. In March, with average temperatures around +2.9°C and minimums below freezing, precipitation can fall as rain, snow, or sleet. By April and May, with rising temperatures, precipitation is predominantly represented by rain. During this period, rains are usually not heavy but can be more frequent compared to the rest of the year.

Summer in Kabul, covering June, July, and August, as well as the beginning of autumn in September, is an extremely dry season. In July, August, and September, no precipitation is recorded at all (0 mm), and the number of days with precipitation is minimal – only 2-3 days. June is also very dry, with just 1 mm of precipitation and approximately 5 rainy days. This period is characterized by clear, sunny weather without rain.

Late autumn and winter are also distinguished by low precipitation levels. In October and November, only 1 mm of precipitation falls, with the number of days with precipitation being 5-6. Winter months – December, January, and February – are cold, and falling precipitation is predominantly in the form of snow. In December, there is practically no precipitation (0 mm, 3 "wet" days, likely with snow), in January about 2 mm falls (8 days with snow), and in February – 3 mm (also about 8 days with snow). Snowfall in the winter period is usually not abundant but is a characteristic feature of this time of year in Kabul.

When planning a trip to Kabul, it is important to choose your wardrobe correctly, considering significant seasonal weather fluctuations and the dry continental climate. The key principle is layering, as even within a single day, the temperature can change noticeably, especially in transitional seasons, as well as in summer between daytime heat and evening coolness. Regardless of the season, comfortable walking shoes will be your reliable companion.

If your journey falls during the winter months (December-February), be prepared for the cold: average temperatures often drop below freezing, and night frosts can reach -11°C. You will need warm layered clothing: thermal underwear, sweaters, an insulated jacket or coat, a hat, gloves, and a scarf. Given the small amount of snow (2-3 mm per month), waterproof shoes will also be useful. For a summer visit (June-August), when the daytime temperature can rise to +29°C and there is practically no precipitation, choose light, breathable clothing made from natural fabrics. Be sure to bring sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses. In the evening, a light cardigan or jacket may be required due to the temperature drop.

In spring (March-May), the weather gradually warms up, but this is also the "wettest" period with precipitation up to 4 mm and a large number of days with it (especially in May). It is recommended to bring clothing that can be easily combined: t-shirts, long-sleeved shirts, a light sweater, and a windbreaker or waterproof jacket, as well as an umbrella. In autumn (September-November), the weather becomes cooler after the summer heat and remains very dry (0-1 mm of precipitation). Clothing similar to spring wear is suitable: comfortable layers that can be added or removed depending on the temperature, for example, jeans, sweaters, and a light jacket. At any time of the year, it is useful to carry moisturizing cream and lip balm due to the dryness of the air.