Weather in Mashhad

Planning your trip or simply interested in the weather in the city of Mashhad? Here you will find the latest information on weather conditions, as well as forecasts for the near future.

The climate in Mashhad, located in Iran, is characterized as continental and arid. This means the city experiences significant temperature fluctuations between seasons, with hot summers and cold winters. Prepare for predominantly sunny weather throughout most of the year, as precipitation here is an infrequent phenomenon, especially during the summer months.

In Mashhad, four seasons are clearly defined. Winter (December-February) is quite cold, with average temperatures around 2-4°C, sometimes dropping below zero. Spring (March-May) brings gradual and pleasant warming, with average temperatures rising from 9°C to 18°C; this is also the period with the highest amount of precipitation, although it remains moderate. Summer (June-August) is hot and very dry, with average temperatures of 24-26°C, while maximums can reach 33°C; rain is practically absent during this time. Autumn (September-November) is marked by a gradual decrease in temperature from a warm 20°C to a cool 8°C, remaining mostly dry, especially at the beginning of the season.

The climate of Mashhad demonstrates pronounced seasonal temperature fluctuations. The annual temperature range here is quite significant: from night frosts in winter to sweltering heat in summer. The hottest month is typically July, when the average temperature reaches 26.2°C, and daytime maximums can rise to 33.1°C. Conversely, the coldest month is considered to be January with an average temperature of 2.7°C and minimum night values dropping to -3.0°C.

The summer months in Mashhad, from June to August, are characterized by hot and very dry weather. Average daytime temperatures during this period range from 31°C to 33°C, with July being particularly sultry. There is practically no precipitation in summer, creating conditions for dry heat. An important feature of the summer period is the noticeable diurnal temperature variation: after a hot day, nights bring tangible coolness, as minimum temperatures drop to 17-19°C. The difference between the daily maximum and nightly minimum can reach 13-15 degrees.

Winter in Mashhad, spanning the period from December to February, is quite cold. Average temperatures hover around 2-5°C, however, night temperatures regularly drop below zero, especially in January when frosts down to -3.0°C are possible. Daytime maximums in winter are usually around 8-10°C, reaching 10.5°C in February. Just like in summer, significant temperature changes between day and night are also observed in winter, amounting to about 11-12 degrees. This means that even if it is relatively warm during the day, the nights remain cold.

Precipitation in Mashhad is not abundant, which is typical for its arid continental climate. Throughout the year, the amount of rainfall is low, although a relatively wetter period can be distinguished, falling on late winter and spring. Summer and most of autumn, on the contrary, are very dry seasons.

The driest months in Mashhad are summer and early autumn. From June to September, as well as in October and December, the average monthly rainfall is recorded as 0 mm. August and September are absolutely dry, without a single day of precipitation. In June and July, 0 mm of precipitation is also recorded, although one day with insignificant, practically unmeasurable precipitation is noted. October and December are also very dry, with 0 mm of precipitation, but with 2-3 days when traces of moisture may be observed.

The period with the highest, albeit quite moderate, amount of precipitation falls on February, March, and April. During these months, 2 mm of precipitation falls. March stands out as the month with the highest frequency of precipitation – on average 10 days. It is followed by April with 9 rainy days and February with 8 days. Given the negative minimum temperatures in the winter months (January: -3.0°C, December: -1.5°C, February: -1.3°C), precipitation during this period (1-2 mm in January-February, and trace amounts in December) may fall as snow or wet snow. In spring, from March to May, when temperatures rise, precipitation (1-2 mm) takes the form of rain. May (1 mm of precipitation, 7 wet days) and November (1 mm, 4 wet days) are also characterized by a small amount of rainfall.

When packing your suitcase for a trip to Mashhad, it is important to consider the significant temperature fluctuations throughout the year and even during the day. Comfortable shoes for walking are your main companion, as you will surely want to explore the city. The principle of layering in clothing will become your best friend: it allows you to easily adapt to cool mornings, warm days, and colder evenings. Do not forget sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat, especially if your trip falls during the warm season, as the sun in Iran can be very active.

If you are planning a visit in summer (from June to August), when the temperature can rise above +30°C, pack light, breathable clothing made from natural fabrics such as cotton or linen. Long sleeves and trousers not only comply with local customs but also protect from the sun. Despite the daytime heat, evenings can be noticeably cooler, so a light cardigan or shawl will come in handy. For a winter trip (December-February), when temperatures can drop below zero, especially at night, warm items are mandatory: a winter jacket, sweaters, warm trousers, a hat, gloves, and a scarf. Thermal underwear can also be a good idea for extra comfort on the coldest days.

In spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November), the weather in Mashhad is the most variable. It can be pleasantly warm during the day, and cool in the morning and evening. Therefore, take items that are easy to combine: t-shirts, long-sleeved shirts, jumpers, cardigans, and a mid-season jacket. In spring, especially in March and April, light precipitation is possible, so a light waterproof jacket or a compact umbrella may prove useful. In autumn, the weather is predominantly dry, but by November it becomes noticeably colder, so warm layers of clothing will be relevant.