A big country, Iran sees a wide range of weather depending on region. The northern part of the country, bordering the Caspian Sea, Azerbaijan, Armenia, and Turkmenistan, tends to see a much wider range: hot summers between 75°F and 84°F, and cold winters with temperatures well below 32°F. The northern part of the country is home to very high mountains and lots of snowfall. In contrast, the southern region of Iran near the Persian Gulf sees very little fluctuation in climate, with warm to hot weather throughout the year. Here, summer temperatures can easily exceed 100°F.

Rainfall also varies depending on region. The northern and western areas see the most precipitation, with the eastern and central deserts getting the least. As a rule of thumb, the driest months are between July and September. There are generally no inclement weather patterns in Iran.

Best Time to Visit Iran

Because weather and temperatures vary so much in Iran, to decide when the best time to visit is, you must first decide where you want to go and what you want to do. If heading to the north, then the harsh, cold winter months are best avoided – unless it's a trip to enjoy skiing and winter sports. Conversely, the southern areas can be extremely hot in the summer so visiting in the winter may be a better option. Generally, the spring (April to June) and fall (September to November) seasons are considered to be the best months to visit Iran. This period is the most moderate and can be very pleasant.

Since Iran remains under sanctions, there really is no high season for tourists. Hotels are generally available year round and prices have little fluctuation. However, non-Muslim visitors may want to avoid coming during Ramadan (usually July) because during the time of fasting most restaurants close between dawn and dusk.