Climate & Weather Guide in Afghanistan

Afghanistan has a dry, high-altitude continental climate shaped by rugged mountains, inland location, and strong elevation contrasts. Most of the country is arid to semi-arid, with hot, very dry summers in lowlands and much colder winters in the highlands. Snow is common in mountain areas, while the south and southwest are dominated by desert and warm steppe conditions. Climate variation is substantial over short distances, so residents and expats should expect large differences in temperature, rainfall, and comfort depending on elevation and region. The most favorable living conditions are usually found in higher valleys and select urban basins with more moderate summer heat.