Travel time: Year-round
Tehran’s weather is a dramatic dialogue between the towering Alborz Mountains to the north and the arid Central Desert to the south. This geographical positioning creates a semi-arid, continental climate defined by sharp seasonal shifts and significant thermal variety across the city’s sprawling elevation.
Tehran is one of the world’s most topographically diverse capitals, with altitudes ranging from approximately 1,100 meters (3,600 feet) in the southern plains to over 1,700 meters (5,600 feet) in the northern foothills. This creates two distinct "mini-climates":
Spring is widely considered the most vibrant season. It begins with the Persian New Year (Nowruz) in late March, a time characterized by clear, bright blue skies and the scent of blooming jasmine. While days are pleasantly warm, spring is also the wettest period; sudden April showers or occasional thunderstorms provide relief and keep the landscape green before the summer heat settles in.
Summers are hot, dry, and relentless. Daytime highs often exceed 35°C (95°F), sometimes pushing past 40°C (104°F) during July and August heatwaves. However, because the humidity is exceptionally low, the heat doesn't "stick" to the skin. To adapt, locals shift their activities to the evenings; as the sun dips behind the Alborz, the desert air cools rapidly, and parks become bustling social hubs until well past midnight.
Autumn brings a rapid cooling and a transformation of the city’s plane trees (Chenars) into shades of amber and gold. October is often "perfect" weather—mild and sunny—but by November, the first cold winds from the northwest arrive, signaling the start of the rainy season.
Winters are cold and crisp. While the city center sees occasional snowfall that rarely lingers, the northern districts frequently transform into a snowy wonderland. Temperatures in January can drop below freezing at night. A specific winter phenomenon is thermal inversion: cold air trapped in the Tehrani basin can lead to periods of stagnant air and smog, which is often cleared only when strong winds or fresh snowfall arrive from the mountains.
Locals experience the weather as a "dry heat" or a "crisp cold." The lack of humidity means that even at high temperatures, shade provides immediate relief. In the winter, the sun remains quite strong; it is common to feel warm while standing in the sunshine even when the air temperature is low.
Historically, Tehran’s water and climate were managed via qanats (underground channels), but modern Tehran has seen a significant warming trend. Over the last 50 years, the average temperature has risen by approximately 2–3°C, faster than the global average. This has shortened the duration of snow cover on the mountains and increased the frequency of summer heatwaves. Despite these changes, the "Alborz Breeze"—a local wind that blows down from the peaks at night—remains a cherished natural air conditioner for northern residents.