Best Time to Visit Iran
For first comer to Iran, it is somehow necessary to visit certain sites and cities, like Isfahan, Shiraz, Yazd and Kashan. This is what we call the classic itinerary route which contains many top attractions and UNESCO sites.
The best time to go to the center of Iran, regarding the climate, is of course the high season touristic in Iran which starts a little before the Persian New Year (21st March) and continues until the middle of June; and again, starts with the weather cooling at the end of the September until December.
But before deciding to pack for Iran, here are some tips about the best timing of traveling to Iran.
As it was mentioned, the Persian new year is at top of the touristic high seasons in Iran, not only for the foreigners but also for the Iranians, since they have two weeks of holidays (from 21st March to 2nd April). It means cities like Shiraz and Isfahan are jammed with huge amount of people everywhere, it can be nice to see many Iranians from different cities and cultures, but you might also get overwhelmed by the crowd, especially in the historical sites and museums, maybe you should try to schedule your travel to Iran a little before or right after this big national holiday.
Ramadan in iran
The ninth month of the Islamic calendar is Ramadan, and Muslims fast during this month. As it’s not a part of Persian calendar, it shifts forward each year. During the entire month of Ramadan, Muslims fast every day from dawn to sunset; and that means not to smoke, eat or drink anything. People who don’t fast have to respect so most of the restaurants are closed during the day.
So if you are a food person Ramdan may not be the perfect time for you to travel to Iran.
Ramadan for the year 2023 starts on the evening of Wednesday, March 22nd lasting 30 days and ending at sundown on Thursday, April 20.
Muharram in iran
Travel to Iran during the Remembrance of Muharram would be an exotic experience for tourists. In the first 10-day of Muharram, the first month of the Islamic calendar, people usually participate in the anniversary of this religion mourning event. Muharram also shifts forward each year.
Muharram for the year 2023 starts on the evening of Tuesday, July 18th and ends at sundown on Thursday, August 17th.
Climate
Due to its large size, varied topography and differing altitudes, Iran fluctuates between two extreme climatic conditions. December to February goes through biting cold winters in most parts of the country. July to August on the other hand is when temperatures easily touch 40°C (104°F). The north and the west parts of Iran witness regular rainfalls. They are also the coldest parts of the country.
Where to Stay in Iran
Tourist accommodation in Iran is available at all levels from luxury to mid-range and budget. There are hotels and inns in all big cities that offer regular facilities for both short and long stays. You can also find private accommodation with families in smaller towns but this is only on recommendation. The tourist bodies in Iran also have their guesthouses available at very affordable rates.
Getting around in Iran
Rail, road and air – all three modes of transport are active in Iran. However, travelling by air is considered the most practical. Air travel is fairly reasonably priced and connects most cities of tourist interests. The national airlines for Iran runs regular and frequent flights to and from Tehran, Tabriz, Esfahan, Shiraz, Mashhad, Ahwaz, Kish, Zahedan and other major cities. There are also private airlines running services between these cities.
Travel in Iran by road is the next best mode of transport. The road network is extensive with both paved roads and motorways running for almost 52,000 km connecting all major cities across the country. The two important roads A1 and A2 connect to the borders of Iraq, Pakistan, Afghanistan and Turkey. Both buses and taxis are actively functional and extend comfortable travel time except during the Iranian New year and other festivals when it usually gets very chaotic. It is best to hire taxis around this time.
There are private taxis that are available easily but be sure that they are legitimate before hiring them.
The rail network in Iran has become functional only recently and is yet to offer good connectivity. The main line stretches from the bottom of Persian Gulf till the Caspian Sea in the South East connecting Bandar-e Khomaini to Bandar-e Torkman through Ahvaz, Dorud, Arak, Qom, Tehran and Sari. The rail service runs daily transport on all routes. The trains have air-conditioning, sleeping, dining and other facilities. There are a few places in the mountain villages, which are only accessible through the rail service.
Sightseeing in Iran
The capital city of Iran, Tehran, is the first and the most important destination on any travellers list for sightseeing in Iran then historical cities in central iran like isfahan,yazd,shiraz,kerman,kashan .
Activities in Iran
Trekking, skiing, water skiing, hang-gliding and swimming are some of the adventure sports common in Iran.
