Shiraz Weather Guide: A Year-Round Climate Overview

Climate Profile: The Subtropical Semi-Arid Steppe

Shiraz is situated in the south-central Zagros Mountains at an elevation of approximately 1,500 meters (4,920 feet). This high-altitude location dictates its BSk (mid-latitude steppe) climate, characterized by significant temperature swings and distinct seasonality. While the city is famous for its mild, "heavenly" spring, it experiences a broad spectrum of conditions from bone-dry heat to crisp, frosty winters.

Diurnal Temperature Fluctuations

A defining characteristic of Shiraz is the diurnal range—the difference between day and night temperatures. Because the air is generally dry (especially in summer), heat escapes rapidly once the sun sets.

• Summer Days: Intense solar radiation can push temperatures to 38°C (100°F).
• Summer Nights: The lack of humidity allows for a cooling relief, with temperatures often dropping to a comfortable 20°C (68°F).
• Winter Cycle: Bright, sunny afternoons may reach 12°C (54°F), but nightfall brings a rapid plunge toward 0°C (32°F) or below.

Seasonal Trends

Spring (March to May)

Often considered the city's "Goldilocks" season, spring brings the blooming of famous orange blossoms (Bahar Naranj). Rainfall is infrequent but occurs in short, refreshing bursts. Daytime temperatures climb from a cool 18°C in March to a warm 30°C in May.

Summer (June to August)

Summers are sweltering and almost entirely rainless. Humidity levels drop to a parched 20%, making the heat feel "sharp" rather than muggy. The sky is consistently clear, with nearly 12 hours of sunshine daily. Most locals shift their activities to the late evening hours to avoid the intense UV radiation of midday.

Autumn (September to November)

Early autumn remains warm and dry, almost like a second summer. By November, the air turns crisp as the first signs of the wet season arrive. This is a period of rapid transition, where the landscape shifts from golden-brown back to a more vivid, cool-toned palette.

Winter (December to February)

Winter is the primary wet season, though precipitation is still relatively modest (averaging 300mm annually). Snowfall is a rare but celebrated event, usually occurring during high-altitude cold snaps. January is the coldest month, where evening frosts are a regular occurrence, even if days stay above freezing.

Local Phenomena and Microclimates

• The Rudkhaneh Khushk: This "Dry River" bed bisects the city. For most of the year, it is a dusty channel, but during heavy winter rains, it can transform into a torrent.
• Urban Heat Islands: Rapid urbanization has created distinct microclimates. The historic central district (Zone 8) retains significantly more heat at night than the surrounding outskirts, while the northern and western highlands near Mount Derak are consistently cooler.
• Dust Winds: Occasional dusty winds can blow in from the surrounding arid basins, temporarily reducing visibility and increasing the particulate count in the air.

Historical Context and Adaptation

Historically, Shirazis adapted to their climate through Persian garden architecture. Thick walls, wind-catching towers (badgirs), and central water pools were designed to create natural evaporative cooling. Modern Shirazis still utilize these principles, favoring outdoor evening dining and late-night strolls in the city's lush public gardens to escape the daytime heat.

The Sensory Experience: What It "Feels Like"

In Shiraz, the weather is more about the sun than the air temperature. In the summer, the dry heat doesn't cling to the skin like a humid climate, but the solar intensity is powerful; stepping into the shade feels like an immediate 5-degree temperature drop. In winter, the air is "thin" and biting at night, but the sunlight is remarkably warm during the day, often making it feel much milder than the thermometer suggests if you stay exposed to the sun.