Afghanistan is located in the subtropics of the northern hemisphere, with the northern part of the country belonging to the temperate climate zone. The country has a continental climate due to its altitude and distance from the sea, resulting in hot summers and cold winters. During the summer months of June to August, Afghanistan experiences hot and dry weather, with maximum average temperatures ranging from 36°C to 43°C. The evenings remain very warm during this season. In the capital city of Kabul, the hottest month is typically July, with an average high of 93°F (33.8°C) and a low of 67°F (19.4°C). The high temperatures in Afghanistan's summers can be attributed to its landlocked location and geographical characteristics.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Average Summer Temperature Range | 36°C to 43°C |
Average Summer High | 35°C |
Hottest Month | July |
Average Temperature in July | High of 93°F (33.8°C) and low of 67°F (19.4°C) |
Average Temperature in August | 90°F (32.2°C) |
Hottest Recorded Temperature | 44.2°C in August 2009 |
Average Annual Temperature | 25.6°C |
Average Annual Sunshine Hours | Over 3150 hours |
What You'll Learn
Kabul's summer weather
Kabul, the capital of Afghanistan, experiences hot summers with temperatures often reaching 35°C. The summer season in Kabul typically lasts from June to August or September. July is the hottest month, with average daily high temperatures around 93°F (33.8°C) and daily low temperatures of around 67°F (19.4°C). During the summer, the evenings in Kabul are still very warm.
The summer weather in Kabul is also dry and clear, with low rainfall. The city experiences a retreat of rainfall to its annual low in July, with only around 3 days of rain and 9mm of accumulated precipitation on average. The summer months of June to August are the sunniest, with an average of 11 hours of sunshine.
The summer in Kabul also coincides with the highest UV index readings, which can pose health risks. The average maximum UV index in June and July is 12, which can cause burns in individuals with light skin within a few minutes. It is recommended to take precautions such as seeking shade, limiting direct sun exposure during peak hours, and using sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30.
The hot season in Kabul generally lasts for about 3.9 months, from May to September. During this period, the average daily high temperature exceeds 83°F (28.3°C). The temperature differences between day and night can be significant, sometimes exceeding 30 degrees.
Overall, Kabul experiences a continental climate due to its altitude and landlocked position in Central Asia. The city's summers are characterised by hot and dry weather, with occasional dust storms.
The hottest month in Afghanistan
Afghanistan is located in the subtropics of the Northern Hemisphere, with the northern part of the country belonging to the temperate climate zone. The country has a continental climate due to its altitude and distance from the sea, resulting in hot summers and cold winters. The temperature differences between day and night can be significant, sometimes exceeding 30 degrees Celsius.
The hottest month of the year in Kabul, the capital city of Afghanistan, is typically July. During this month, the average high temperature is 93°F (33.9°C), and the average low is 67°F (19.4°C). The hot season in Kabul lasts for about four months, from May to September, with average daily high temperatures above 83°F (28.3°C).
The climate varies across Afghanistan due to geographical differences. The north-eastern part of the country, including the Hindu Kush mountains, experiences milder summers with average temperatures ranging from 18°C to 25°C. However, the temperatures can drop significantly with higher altitudes, and extreme temperatures below -50°C have been recorded in the high mountains.
In contrast, the southern regions of Afghanistan, such as Kandahar, have a distinct desert climate. During the summer, daytime temperatures in Kandahar can soar to between 30°C and 40°C. The humidity decreases significantly in this region, and precipitation is rare. The Nimroz region in the southwest is the driest area in Afghanistan, receiving less than 100 mm of precipitation annually.
Overall, Afghanistan's summers are characterized by hot and dry weather, with maximum average temperatures ranging from 36°C to 43°C. The evenings during the summer months remain very warm as well. The hottest temperature recorded in the country was reported by the Kandahar Airport weather station in August 2009, reaching a scorching 44.2°C.
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The climate in Afghanistan
Afghanistan is located in the subtropics of the northern hemisphere, with the northern part of the country belonging to the temperate climate zone. The country has a continental climate due to its altitude and distance from the sea. This means that winters are generally cold and summers are very hot, with temperature differences sometimes exceeding 30 degrees Celsius between day and night.
The north-eastern part of Afghanistan is in the Hindu Kush mountains, where winters are cold with average temperatures of -4 to 1°C, and summers are mild with average temperatures of 18 to 25°C. However, it is important to note that the temperature drops as the altitude rises, and extreme temperatures below -50°C have been recorded in the high mountains.
In contrast, the southern part of the country is flatter and significantly warmer. In Kabul, the summers are hot and dry, with temperatures often reaching as high as 35°C. The hottest month in Kabul is July, with an average high of 93°F (33.8°C) and a low of 67°F (19.4°C). During the summer, the evenings remain very warm in most parts of Afghanistan.
Around Kandahar, there is a distinct desert climate. Winters can be cold at night, with temperatures dropping to 5°C, but the days are hot, with temperatures ranging from 30 to 40°C. The probability of rain is highest during the winter months, with precipitation decreasing drastically from June onwards. The Nimroz region in the southwest is the driest area in Afghanistan, receiving less than 100 mm of precipitation annually.
Overall, Afghanistan's climate can be characterised as arid or semiarid steppe, with low annual rainfall contributing to dry and barren landscapes. The mountainous regions, particularly in the northeast, experience a subarctic climate with extremely cold winters and snowfall. Despite its arid climate, Afghanistan does receive some rainfall, and the type and amount of precipitation vary across the country.
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The impact of altitude on temperature
Afghanistan is located in the subtropics of the Northern Hemisphere, with the northern part of the country belonging to the temperate climate zone. The country has a continental climate due to its altitude and distance from the sea. As such, the climate in Afghanistan varies significantly across the country.
The temperature decrease with altitude can be estimated using the "lapse rate". If there is no rain or snow, the temperature drops by about 5.4°F for every 1,000 feet (9.8°C per 1,000 meters) of elevation gain. However, if it is raining or snowing, the temperature decreases more slowly, by about 3.3°F for every 1,000 feet (6°C per 1,000 meters). This is because higher humidity in the air slows the rate of cooling.
In Afghanistan, the northeastern part of the country, including the Hindu Kush mountains, experiences colder winters and milder summers due to the high altitudes. The average winter temperatures in this region range from −4°C to 1°C, while summer temperatures typically reach 18°C to 25°C. The high mountains in this region can experience extreme temperatures below −50°C.
In contrast, the southern regions of Afghanistan, such as Kandahar, have a distinct desert climate. Summers in Kandahar are extremely hot, with daytime temperatures ranging from 30°C to 40°C. The maximum average temperatures in Afghanistan during summer can reach up to 43°C, and even in cities like Kabul, temperatures often exceed 35°C.
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The temperature differences between day and night
Afghanistan's climate is characterised by its significant temperature differences between day and night, sometimes exceeding 30 degrees Celsius. This is due to its subtropical continental climate, influenced by its altitude and distance from the sea.
During the summer months of June to August, Afghanistan experiences hot and dry days, with maximum average temperatures between 36°C and 43°C. The evenings remain very warm, with nighttime temperatures in the lower regions ranging from 22°C to 28°C. However, at locations above 3000m, the temperatures are lower. The hottest month of the year is typically July, with an average high of 93°F (33.8°C) in Kabul.
In contrast, the north-eastern part of Afghanistan, including the Hindu Kush mountains, has milder summers with average temperatures between 18°C and 25°C. The temperatures decrease as the altitude increases, and extreme temperatures below -50°C have been recorded in the high mountains.
The southern regions of Afghanistan, such as Kandahar, have a distinct desert climate. During the summer, daytime temperatures can reach 30°C to 40°C, while the nights are cooler, dropping to as low as 5°C.
The temperature variations between day and night in Afghanistan's summer season are influenced by the country's geographical differences and altitude variations, resulting in a range of climatic conditions across the country.
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Frequently asked questions
The maximum average temperature in Afghanistan during the summer is between 36°C and 43°C.
The average daily high temperature in Kabul during the summer is above 83°F (28.3°C). The hottest month is typically July, with an average high of 93°F (33.9°C) and a low of 67°F (19.4°C).
Afghanistan's climate during the summer is hot, dry, and clear. The country experiences significant temperature differences between day and night, with a continental climate due to its altitude and distance from the sea.
The hottest temperature ever recorded in Afghanistan was 44.2°C in August 2009 at Kandahar Airport.
The best time of year to visit Afghanistan for hot weather is typically from mid-June to late August.