Herat
City in Afghanistan
Herat is a city in western Afghanistan with a population of 556,205 as of 2020. Located 639 kilometers from the capital, Kabul, it is known for its historic architecture, including the Herat Citadel, the Great Mosque of Herat, and the Musalla complex.
What to see
The city features several historic landmarks. The Herat Citadel stands as a prominent structure in the city. Visitors also travel to see the Great Mosque of Herat and the Musalla complex. Additionally, the Yu Aw Synagogue is located in the area.
When to go
The climate in Herat varies significantly throughout the year. Spring, specifically April and May, offers mild to warm temperatures with daily highs between 24 °C and 30 °C and minimal rainfall. The summer months from June to August are hot, with daily highs reaching up to 35 °C and almost no rain. Autumn, particularly October, remains warm with highs of 25 °C. Winters are cold, with January and February seeing daily lows around -1 °C to 0 °C and the highest levels of precipitation, reaching up to 86 mm in March.
Getting there
The nearest airport is Herat - Khwaja Abdullah Ansari International Airport, located 15 kilometers away in Guzara.
Top sights in Herat
Weather by month
The warmest month is July, with an average high of 35 °C. The wettest is March, with about 86 mm of rain.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average high, °C | 10 | 12 | 17 | 24 | 30 | 34 | 35 | 34 | 30 | 25 | 19 | 13 |
| Average low, °C | -1 | 0 | 5 | 10 | 14 | 18 | 21 | 19 | 14 | 9 | 5 | 1 |
| Rainfall, mm | 69 | 65 | 86 | 40 | 9 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 18 | 48 |
| Rainy days | 5 | 6 | 7 | 4 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 4 | 4 |
Temperatures and rainfall: 1981–2010 averages for Herat (4 km grid), from CHELSA. Rainy days: 2015–2024, NASA POWER.
Also worth a look
- Yu Aw Synagogue