What is the best time to visit Iran?
Being a vast country; Iran has regions with different temperatures even at a specific period of time. In fact it offers all sorts of climates and conditions. Depending on the season and the areas you plan to visit, you need to pack accordingly.
Spring and autumn are quite short seasons in Iran, between the heat of summer and the more changeable and often cold weather of winter. Winter temperature often falls below freezing, while summers, can be unpleasantly hot, especially for women. In the northern coastal areas of the Caspian Sea climate is mild and humid. The southern parts and the Persian Gulf region have always a hotter climate than Central Iran. North West Iran is about 10- 15C cooler than the rest of Iran.You may tour Iran in anytime of the year depending on where you wish to visit, but generally it is doable.
All seasons have their own attractions. Thanks to such a diverse geography, you can have all kinds of climates in any season. Weather can be humid, dry, hot or cold depending on where you are. Therefore you can enjoy from winter and summer sports at the same time within a few hours.
Generally spring and autumn are the best time to visit Iran even if the weather may, on occasions, be a little uncertain with short lapses into either the cold of winter or the heat of summer. More accurate is mid-April to early June, and late September to early November. These times avoid the long, cold northern winter, the Iranian New Year (late March) and the summer. Read more on When is the best time to go to Iran
- If the heat doesn’t keep you away, take note that prices along the Caspian coast can quadruple during summer.
- If you would like to go skiing then you should plan your visit sometime between November and March.
- The rose and rosewater festival takes place between April and June. The hunting season in Iran commences on 23 October and lasts until 19 February; however the high season of foreign hunters normally coincides with January holidays.
- Many people prefer not to travel to Iran during Ramazan, the Muslim month of fasting, when most restaurants are closed between dawn and dusk.
What luggage you take with you depends on the season and the places you are going to visit. Pack sensibly and only bring your essentials. Do not be thinking that Iran is always hot and sunny; at times the weather in some parts can be unusually cold even in the summer. In the winter and cold months take enough warm clothes especially if you are going to visit western and north western regions. For the summer pack light clothes with bright colors. If you have planned to visit Caspian Sea, don’t forget the rainy days expecting you. Here is a packing list consisting most of the essentials you need to consider when packing for Iran:
- Women should wear the Hejab in public. Loose fitting trousers and loose fitting long sleeved shirts with a headscarf are adequate. Iran for female travelers
- If you are under a special medication make sure to supply yourself with enough medicine.
Don’t forget to have your camera or camcorder and all their essential equipment (batteries, chargers, films, RAM…) - A small First aid kit
- Walking shoes, and sandals
- Lightweight, easily washable clothing
- An umbrella may come in handy especially when traveling near the Caspian Sea.
- Several photo copies of the picture page of your passport to leave at the hotel desk if you prefer keeping your passport in your possession all the times, as hotel management like to hold your passport upon registration
Do not forget your notebook. - In the summer pack several T-Shirts, white color is the best, a Sunhat Hat and a pair of sunglasses, a good sun block cream or lotion is also necessary. It is easy to get sun burnt.
- In the winter pack a fleece jacket with hood, a warm sweater and a rain jacket
- Good walking shoes or runners.
- A pen-knife with an interchangeable screwdriver/Allen key or a Swiss army knife.
Convertible trousers are great. Perfect for saving space and providing instant comfort during interchangeable weather.
Driving in Iran
In order to take your car into Iran and derive there you need a valid international driving license, third party insurance and your car registration papers. Driving regulations are as elsewhere in the world. Signposting is very good, in both Persian and English.
Side of the road to drive: Right
Nationality distinguishing plates: IR
Speed limits in Iranian roads:
When it is not mentioned by signposts, it is 50 km/h in residential areas, on the roads outside the cities it is 90km/h and in highways 120km/h is the speed limit.
Drinking and driving:
It is forbidden and, there are severe penalties for drink-driving.
Seat belts:
Fastening seat belt for front-seat passengers is compulsory in all the cars.
Mobile Phones:
Using mobile phones while driving is an offence.
Insurance:
Third party insurance valid in Iran is compulsory.
Limited traffic zone in Tehran:
There is a restricted traffic area In Tehran. Which only certain vehicles are allowed to enter from 06:30 a.m. to 05:00 p.m.
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