Iran’s geographical position and vast underground oil reserves make it a key player in international relations. Fortunately, in recent years, differences with other countries have been resolved through peaceful negotiation, leaving dark chapters of its history behind and Iran shows its best side: a modern, highly educated country welcomes travellers with open arms visitor.
Iran is shaped by the weight of its history. It is known as the cradle of Western civilisation and a crossroads for many peoples and cultures.
It is possible travel to Iran all year round, and each season brings different weather and landscapes across very different ecosystems. Depending on the time of year, however, we may need to prepare for intense cold in the humid north and intense heat on the warm Persian Gulf coast.
In summer, in the the cities of classical Persia: Tehran, Isfahan, Yazd and Shiraz, it is very hot, with temperatures reaching 40°C; in winter, temperatures in northern cities fall below 0°C at night.
What is the best time to travel to Iran?
As Iran can be visited all year round, we will consider each season to identify the best time to visit its different regions.
Highlights
RAMADAN: During the Ramadan period almost all local restaurants close during the day. Some open up at nightfall, but it can be difficult to find a table. Ramadan varies depending on the lunar cycle, so it is not a fixed date. The next Ramadan will be from March 23 to April 21, while the 2024 will be from March 11 to April 9.
Upcoming Ramadan dates
| Year | Start | Final |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 23 March | 21 April |
| 2024 | 11 March | 9 April |
| 2025 | 1 March | 30 March |
| 2026 | 18 February | 19 March |
| 2027 | 8 February | 9 March |
| 2028 | 28 January | 26 February |
| 2029 | 16 January | 14 February |
| 2030 | 6 January | 4 February |
NOWRUZ: Celebration of the Persian New Year, which is celebrated mainly in Iran and in other Middle Eastern countries, coinciding with the spring equinox. Nowruz, the Persian New Year, has a tradition of more than 3000 years, predating any Christian or Islamic festival.
SHAB-E YALDA: Yalda means ‘birth’ in Persian and is also known as Shab-e Chelleh. This winter solstice celebration usually falls between 20 and 21 December, when families and friends gather to eat nuts and recite poetry, expressing an important part of Iranian culture.
SIZDAH BEDAR, also known as the Day of Nature, is celebrated annually on the thirteenth day of Farvardin (Persian calendar), day on which the holiday of Nowruz ends and during which it is tradition to spend time in the open air.
Travelling to Iran in winter
During the winter in Tehran the mountains in the background show their snowy peaks and it must be taken into account that temperatures at night can be low. If you dislike heat, this is the ideal time. Winter is an appealing season for travellers wanting to understand Iran and discover its iconic cities without crowds or queues. It also suits those wishing to explore an oasis surrounded by desert, with some of the great displays of Islamic architecture no crowd of tourists (local and international) taking photographs.
For photography lovers, winter is the best time to visit Iran, when sunrises and sunsets reveal their full palette of colours.
On our special route to travel to Iran for New Year, we spend New Year’s Eve in Isfahan, regarded as one of ancient Persia’s most beautiful cities. We will spend two days in Isfahan, “the most beautiful city in the world”, as many travellers call it. One afternoon is free to wander through the bazaar and mingle with Iranians in a café; another takes us to an old hammam more than 200 years old.
Travelling to Iran in spring
In spring, Nowruz, one of the world's oldest festivals, is celebrated throughout Iran. Prices may be a little higher, and Iranians are on holiday. During the 13 days during the Nowruz holidays monumental cities are often crowded with local visitors.
During the spring is a Excellent time to travel to Iran, except during the Nowruz holidays, tourist sites are quieter in spring and prices are lower. Daytime temperatures are pleasant, averaging between 18°C and 22°C. Nights can be cool, so keep a jumper or warm clothing to hand.
Travelling to Iran in summer
In Iran it is mandatory for women to cover their heads and men to wear long trousers, so in summer they must be prepared to endure a lot of heat. At the end of June temperatures may exceed 45°C.
Iranians are cultured and hospitable, and do not much like talking about money.
During the summer the days are long and nights are hot. At this time of year, the whole country seems to slow down and adapt to the heat by staying out of the sun. Summer evenings bring more people into the streets and make it easier to meet the remarkably hospitable population, particularly young people, many of whom speak English.
Traveling to Iran in autumn
September and October have moderate daytime temperatures and pleasant nights, making this the best season for hiking. As in spring, the weather is favourable; however, September must be distinguished from October. In September there is less local tourism, mainly in the ancient cities of the Persian Empire, while October is Iran's second high season.
In autumn flight prices are more affordable and to get to know Iran better we recommend entering and leaving the country through different airports: Isfahan and Shiraz. Flying from different airports we gain time that we can take advantage of during the trip.
As in winter, autumn is a time ideal for lovers of photography. Sunset light in the cities of the ancient Persian Empire is dazzling.
Average temperatures and precipitation
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6°C | 7°C | 13°C | 18°C | 24°C | 30°C |
| 20m | 16m | 23m | 25m | 28m | 16m |
| Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 33°C | 31°C | 27°C | 20°C | 11°C | 7°C |
| 9m | 8m | 7m | 16m | 20m | 17m |
About clothing
Women must cover their heads with a scarf of any colour or colours, in cotton, silk or wool according to the season. Jackets, T-shirts, shirts or jumpers must cover the hips. Trousers or a long skirt covering the legs are suitable, even if fitted, provided the upper clothing meets those requirements. Men may dress in Western styles but must keep arms and legs covered in public.
Women travelling to Iran must abide by the strict rules that lay down the way they dress in public places.
Sandals without socks and make-up are acceptable in summer. Both men and women should avoid low necklines, short sleeves, shorts and Bermuda shorts.
Our trips to Iran
According to our surveys, the country with the highest trip satisfaction rating is… IRAN.
According to your feedback, meeting Iranian people is the most valued aspect of the trip, above even Isfahan’s architecture and extraordinary Persepolis.
We wholeheartedly agree: it is a pleasure to see stereotypes crumble on both sides and realise that they are not bearded fanatics, nor are we amoral slaves to money.
A tip : The Museum of Arrogance in Tehran
In 2017, the former US embassy in Tehran reopened as the “Museum of Arrogance”. Like a spy novel, it features CIA operations, memories of the officials taken hostage and anti-imperialist artworks. Do not miss it!
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Reviews of trips to Iran
The best of the trip: The country and its people.