Climate overview of Afghanistan
Summer (June until August) in Afghanistan means hot and dry days. The maximum average temperatures are between a scorching 36°C (97°F) to 43°C (109°F). During summer also the evenings are still very warm.
During the winter months, the cold is biting, especially in the vast open plains. The temperatures can plummet considerably and frost is a common sight. Snow, although limited, may also be witnessed in some regions.
The mountainous regions, particularly in the northeast, have a subarctic climate. This means that these areas experience extremely cold winters, often accompanied by snowfall. The winter chill here is intensified by the high altitudes and the wind patterns. These areas remain dry, much like the rest of the country, but the cold can be piercing, especially during the peak winter months.
Despite its predominantly arid climate, Afghanistan does receive some rainfall. The probability of rain is highest during the winter months.
Popular cities by month
Compare cities per month. Toggle cities on/off.
Sudak
Kabul
Mimana
Ghazni
Farah
Herat
Day temperature (°C)
Monthly rainfall (mm)
Monthly sunshine (hours)
Climate map
Average daily temperature, monthly rainfall & sunshine hours across cities.
Avg day temp (°C)
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Compare popular cities
Average daytime and nighttime temperatures, yearly rainfall and sunshine.
| Sudak | 6°C (43°F) – 27°C (81°F) | 1°C (34°F) – 21°C (70°F) | 417 mm (16 in) | 2,154 hours |
| Kabul | 2°C (36°F) – 31°C (88°F) | -11°C (12°F) – 17°C (63°F) | 474 mm (19 in) | 3,176 hours |
| Mimana | 7°C (45°F) – 33°C (91°F) | -5°C (23°F) – 18°C (64°F) | 454 mm (18 in) | 2,868 hours |
| Ghazni | 1°C (34°F) – 31°C (88°F) | -13°C (9°F) – 16°C (61°F) | 333 mm (13 in) | 3,262 hours |
| Farah | 16°C (61°F) – 44°C (111°F) | 2°C (36°F) – 28°C (82°F) | 129 mm (5.1 in) | 3,349 hours |
| Herat | 11°C (52°F) – 36°C (97°F) | -1°C (30°F) – 21°C (70°F) | 294 mm (12 in) | 3,134 hours |
FAQ
What is the best time to visit Afghanistan?
The warmest month in Farah is July, with daytime highs of 44°C (111°F). Kandahar is the sunniest destination, with 370 hours of sunshine in June. Afghanistan has a distinct dry season from January to December. Explore Afghanistan weather by month for a detailed breakdown.
What temperatures can I expect in Afghanistan?
Farah is the warmest destination, reaching 44°C (111°F) in July with nights around 28°C (82°F). Ghazni is the coolest, with January daytime highs of just 1°C (34°F) and nights dropping to -13°C (9°F). Temperatures vary significantly between regions and seasons. See the city comparison for a full overview.
How much rain does Afghanistan get?
Rainfall varies across Afghanistan. Kabul is the wettest, receiving 474 mm (19 in) per year, with April the wettest month at 90 mm (3.5 in). Herat is the driest at 294 mm (12 in) per year. Use the climate map to explore rainfall patterns across regions.
How sunny is Afghanistan?
Kandahar is the sunniest destination in Afghanistan, enjoying 3,378 hours of sunshine per year, with June the brightest month at 370 hours. Overall, Afghanistan enjoys abundant sunshine year-round. Compare sunshine across cities in the charts above.
What is the climate like across Afghanistan?
Sudak has warm summers reaching 27°C (81°F) in August and cold winters dropping to 6°C (43°F), with 2,154 hours of sunshine and 417 mm (16 in) of rain per year. Kabul has very warm summers reaching 31°C (88°F) in July and cold winters dropping to 2°C (36°F), with 3,176 hours of sunshine and 474 mm (19 in) of rain per year. Mimana has very warm summers reaching 33°C (91°F) in July and cold winters dropping to 7°C (45°F), with 2,868 hours of sunshine and 454 mm (18 in) of rain per year. Explore the climate charts and comparison table for more cities.
Places in Afghanistan
Select a city to see its average temperature, precipitation and hours of sunshine over the year.
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