Iran in July and August

I'm a teacher and am therefore limited to our summer if I want to go away for more than 2 weeks. I'd like to go to Iran but it would have to be in July and August (2009). I've discovered that most tour companies don't run trips at this time because it's too hot and was wondering if it really would be a crazy time to go? Any advice much appreciated.

does the word
HOT
mean anything to you?

Hmm, very helpful. Musafir, why do you ask? I thought it was a simple enough request for advice. The fact is that most companies don't operate in Iran during July and August but one or two do. Of course those that do operate tours say that it's ok (air-con transport and accommodation etc) but they're hardly going to say anything else. I was hoping for some impartial advice from people who have travelled there at that time. If all you've got is a nonsensical response to what you seem to regard as a nonsensical question then I'm surprised that you're wasting your time in replying.

Tours still go, but expect daytime temps of 40 degrees. I took one in Esfahan, it was a city type tour and we had AC, which made it easier than taking public in this temperature. If you want their details send me a PM. Taxi's are another option which I took. They worked out cheaper than tours, especially if you are ok with reading info from a guide book.

Thanks Dave. Nice to get an intelligent response.

My girlfriend is worried that the temperature will be too high to be able to do anything other than sit in an aircon bus or hotel, especially as she'll be covering up. I'm trying to persuade her that even if the temperatures are high that the heat isn't oppressive in that it's a drier heat than we're used to experiencing in the UK and not as draining. Would I be right in saying this? I know everyone reacts differently but I'm just looking for general feedback. We're both experienced travellers and a bit of discomfort wouldn't worry us.

Thanks.

Don't mind impolite first answerers, it happened to me too. Most users here are nice and willing to help.

Anyway, me and my girlfriend had the same doubts you're having, but in the end we decided to go to Iran in August. We're leaving August 9. We'll be back two weeks later (if we survive the heat, of course!); so, in case you need some updated info on Iranian climate in August, feel free to send me a message when I'm back.

We, too, think that Iranian heat will be drier and therefore better than here (in Italy). Temperature in Milan (where my gf works) in August can sometimes reach 38°, but with much more humidity.

Have a great time Lorenzzzo! I'll be interested to find out how it was when you return. Thanks for your help.

Hi Mr. pymhayes! You will be all Right and your girl friend too. She can wear a long skirt, and a silk headscarve, that's all. There is an advantage of going during the summer there, as the top sights are opened longer.
And the people, there are the nicest people in the world I met there.
You'll see.
bye and enjoy
calin

Hi,
Of course this July (thanks God it is e so many over) has been hellish with Tehran temp everyday exceeding 40C for the last 10 days or so and August temp. may be even higher or less! no one knows. But you and your gf should not be dissuaded from coming just because of high heat for there are so many other tourist here who are in 'your shoes'.
By the way, a while back I read comments on LP by a female European solo traveler who was saying that in Iran she had notied many women in summer wear under their loose jacket (better knows here as 'manteau') NOTHING BUT a bras and a panty! Maybe that is a practical option your girlfriend should seriously consider while tarveling through the country.lol. You will be ok. Take care. Bye.

Hi,

First sentence, I meant to say above, "...of course this July (thanks God it is almost over)..... " Later, in the second paragraph, " by the way,...... she had noticed many women......."

HI, here is a very helpful Iran climate graph. Make sure you scroll down a little and look at 'high temp' and not just 'mean temp' (which averages the min and max). Some places are not quite as hot as you'd expect (though some are).
http://www.climate-charts.com/Countries/Iran.html

Yes it will be hot, but if you just accept the fact you will sweat like mad each day and therefore don't take too many good clothes along, and take plenty of sunscreen and use it, then you will be okay. (It makes your evening showers just that much more satisfying!)

Yes the heat is dryer and therefore better than in England, but when it's 38-43 each day knowing that it's slightly less humid than your used to doesn't help all that much.

In my humble opinion, if you can get over the heat it'll still be good. Your wife and you will toughen up for a few weeks. Yes you will sweat, yes you will dose up on sunblock 2-3 times a day, yes you will down 5 litres of water a day, but who cares it'll still be good.

I am leaving on august 1 and then fly to Uzbekistan where temperature are as high as 45 degrees. then back to IRan till august 25
temperatures are high but dry. women do not have to be covered. only a scarf and long sleeves.. loose slacks and a long shirt.
My friends have been there and told me the heat is bearable.
we do not use tourist agencies so we are travelling on our own

I'm glad to read all this info as I'm leaving to Teheran on Wed!
in rome yesterday night at around 12 there were 32 degrees so...as Italians we will survive!
:O)

T.

will fly to teheran from rome at 21.oo Alitalia.. on firday this week let us keep our fingers crossed that they do not cancel the flight
they already cancelled my return flight so I have to fly back via Moscow..

Thanks everyone, this is great - really really helpful. I think I know where we'll be this time next year.

Any more input very much appreciated.

pmhayes If u can avoid summer plz do. Tehran can go over 40 and central iran can be even higher. Remeber some places in europe can get this hot but when we travel there we were shorts sandals and very skimpy tops. BUT your poor gf ha sto caver head to toe and a scraf round her head. There is air conditioning but say you are going round persepolis in the mid day sun its not easy. Any way its a tricky situation. But when ever u go I am sure u enjoy the sights and the hospitality.

I just spent 3 weeks in Iran (July). Its not that bad. The heat is dry, so you wont feel as bad as say on the Arab penisular were the heat knocked me for six. And you wont sweat as much like in Asia.
I easily walked around Yazd, Isfahan, Tehran and Shiraz in the middle of the day. But there is rarely anything open from about 2 till 5pm, so it makes a great time to have a sleep/ visit a museum. Most Iranians eat very late at night so most places are open till 12 midnight and the night is more exciting and great for people watching.

take suncream, drink lots of water.

have a great time! (ps day tours atleast, were running when I was there.)

sandro1 have you tried with Qatar, we found a cheap flight booked on Friday to leave on Wed!
just try and see if you can book with them

where are you staying in Teheran?
T.

I have a free ticket Alitalia so I must use it. price was 60 eur all costs included. I am staying in Fardosi Grand Hotel
but it was booked from Italy to get my visa quickly.My visa was somehow complicated as I am flying to Uzbekistan then come back to Iran. there is only a flight a week from Iran to Uzbeistan and schedules have been changed 3 times.. so my plans were a little bit upset.Apparently you can get a visa on arrival for 15 days.. But i did not want to risk being refused boarding by overzealous clerks. So I have my double visa.Hotels in Iran were booked in Iran. the most expensive was about 140 dollars.Domestic flights have also been booked in Italy as apparently it was difficult to find places in domestic flights. Flights to Uzbekistan and domestic in Uzbekistan were also booked in Italy to avoid problems with payment, credit cards, places not available, and so on. then Alitalia has cancelled my return flight. so I will have to fly through Moscow with Aeroflot. this time the change is in my favour. Aeroflot offers much better services. As I am in transit I o not need any visa in Moscow. at least that. I think this is the most complicate trip I ever organized.

About the clothing your girlfriend will wear - she should bring a cotton or silk (think that is also cool) scarf with her. I'm not sure if you can buy anything by nylon in Iran and nylon scarves are miserable in the heat. Very light weight manteaus are sold in Iran and you only need to wear a bra under. I got one for $5.00 so they are really cheap. I found the scarf the most uncomfortable part of the outfit. Also, she should bring light and loose cotton pants. Have fun!

hi,i'm a photographer by profession and my advice is wake up real early,check out what u want and by late morning head back ,have late breakfast or early lunch and have a siesta since mid day's the worst.
Then at about 3 pm onwards ( or later if the days are longer) head out again.
That way u can deal with the heat n also catch the sights in the best light. In alot of countries,morning's the best time to observe to locals as they go about their business.

Im leaving for my third visit to Iran in about 10 days, Its hot, but its dry. tehran is a hell due to the smog. but outside Tehran its fine. Get used to walk on the sidewalks that are in the shade and try not to get dehydrated in the sun. Sunscreen is important.
As a woman I do have to cover up and I do avoid cotton at all costs. It gets damp in the heat, you go into a place with AC and you will be freezing.
I use running shirts under the manteaux if I use anything. Shirts for running are light in weight, they dry very fast and you wont feel cold when walking into a building.

Dear Teacher
you made mistake....
Iran has four seasons at the same time while it is cold in the north of country like Ardebil and Tabriz, in the south the weather is spring-like in Bandarabbass and Bushehr. Iran's climate is mostly arid or semiarid, to subtropical along the Caspian coast and the northern forests. It has many forests in the north and many deserts in the east of country like Dasht-e-kavir and kavir-e-lout.