Tehran in August

August weather, activities, events & insider tips

August Weather in Tehran

35°C (96°F) High Temp

24°C (76°F) Low Temp

2.5 mm (0.1 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is August Right for You?

Advantages

Peak apricot and pomegranate season - fruit orchards in nearby Karaj and Damavand regions are at their absolute best, with harvest festivals and roadside stands offering fruit at 30-40% lower prices than other months
Evening and early morning temperatures are perfect for exploring - 6am-9am and 7pm-11pm offer comfortable 24-28°C (75-82°F) conditions ideal for walking tours of historic districts
Lowest rainfall of the year means clear mountain views - the Alborz Mountains are visible on 85% of August days, offering impressive photography opportunities and clear air for hiking at elevations above 1,800m (5,905 ft)
Traditional tea house culture peaks in August evenings - locals flock to rooftop and garden tea houses after sunset, creating authentic social experiences unavailable in cooler months when venues close early

Considerations

Midday heat reaches dangerous levels - between 11am-5pm, temperatures feel like 38-42°C (100-108°F) with intense UV, making outdoor sightseeing uncomfortable and potentially unsafe without proper precautions
Many locals escape the city during August - popular restaurants and shops in residential areas may have reduced hours or close for family vacations, particularly in the second half of the month
Air conditioning costs drive up accommodation prices - mid-range hotels typically charge 20-30% more in August, and budget options without proper cooling become unbearable

Best Activities in August

Pre-dawn and evening hiking in Tochal Mountains

August offers the clearest mountain air and most reliable weather for Tehran's cable car system and hiking trails. Start before 6am or after 6pm when temperatures drop to comfortable 18-22°C (64-72°F) at 2,000m+ (6,562+ ft) elevation. The contrast with city heat is dramatic and refreshing.

Booking Tip: Cable car tickets cost 500,000-800,000 rials. Buy tickets day-of at the base station - no advance booking needed. Trails above the cable car require basic hiking gear and typically take 2-4 hours roundtrip. See current mountain tour options in booking section below.

Dawn bazaar photography tours in Grand Bazaar

August mornings offer perfect lighting and comfortable temperatures for exploring Tehran's historic bazaars. Between 6am-9am, the bazaars come alive with merchants setting up, tea vendors starting their fires, and golden light streaming through traditional architecture - all before the crushing midday heat.

Booking Tip: Photography tours typically cost 1,200,000-2,000,000 rials for 3-hour sessions. Book with local photography guides who know merchant-friendly timing and cultural protocols. Traditional breakfast is often included. Current photography tour options available in booking section below.

Evening rooftop dining experiences

Tehran's rooftop restaurant scene explodes in August evenings when temperatures drop and the city lights create magical ambiance. Traditional Persian barbecue, live music, and shisha are best enjoyed between 8pm-midnight when locals emerge from air-conditioned hideouts.

Booking Tip: Rooftop venues typically require reservations 2-3 days ahead in August. Meals cost 2,500,000-5,000,000 rials per person. Look for places in Darband and northern Tehran districts. Many offer traditional entertainment after 9pm. Current dining experience options in booking section below.

Early morning visits to Golestan Palace complex

August's clear, dry air provides perfect conditions for exploring Tehran's UNESCO World Heritage site. Arrive at 8am opening for comfortable temperatures and optimal lighting for the mirror halls and garden courtyards. The palace's fountains and shaded areas provide natural cooling.

Booking Tip: Entry tickets cost 500,000 rials, with additional fees for special halls. Allow 2-3 hours for full complex. Audio guides available in multiple languages for 200,000 rials. Guided cultural tours typically cost 1,500,000-2,500,000 rials. Current palace tour options in booking section below.

Underground shopping and cultural center tours

August heat makes Tehran's extensive underground networks particularly appealing. The subway system connects major cultural sites, and underground shopping centers like those around Tajrish Square offer air-conditioned exploration of local culture, crafts, and cuisine.

Booking Tip: Metro day passes cost 50,000 rials and provide unlimited access to air-conditioned stations and underground complexes. Cultural walking tours through connected underground areas typically cost 800,000-1,500,000 rials. Current urban exploration options in booking section below.

Sunset visits to Milad Tower and Azadi Tower

August evenings provide the clearest views from Tehran's iconic towers. The Milad Tower's observation deck offers 360-degree views of the city and mountains, while sunset timing (around 7:30pm) coincides with comfortable temperatures and dramatic lighting.

Booking Tip: Milad Tower tickets cost 400,000-600,000 rials depending on level. Azadi Tower museum entry is 300,000 rials. Book sunset time slots in advance during August. Tower and city overview tours typically cost 1,000,000-1,800,000 rials. Current tower experience options in booking section below.

August Events & Festivals

Throughout August

Yalda Night preparation festivities

While Yalda Night occurs in winter, August marks the traditional preparation season when families begin preserving fruits and making traditional sweets. Local workshops and cultural centers offer classes in traditional food preparation, giving visitors insight into Persian seasonal customs.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Wide-brimmed hat and UV-protective sunglasses - UV index of 8 requires serious sun protection during 10am-6pm exposure

Lightweight, long-sleeved cotton or linen shirts - protects from sun while allowing airflow in 70% humidity conditions

Comfortable walking shoes with breathable materials - for early morning and evening exploration on hot pavement

Portable battery pack for phone - air conditioning use drains devices faster, and you'll rely on maps and translation apps heavily

High SPF sunscreen (50+) and lip balm with UV protection - August sun is intense even during short outdoor transitions

Light cotton scarf for cultural sites - required for many religious and historical locations, cotton breathes better than synthetic materials

Insulated water bottle - staying hydrated is critical, and having cold water readily available prevents heat-related issues

Electrolyte supplements or powder - sweating in dry heat can lead to quick dehydration and mineral depletion

Light rain jacket or compact umbrella - while August is mostly dry, occasional afternoon showers can be sudden and heavy

Comfortable sandals for indoor use - many venues require shoe removal, and feet swell in heat

Insider Knowledge

Tehran natives schedule important activities between 5am-9am or 8pm-midnight in August - follow this pattern to experience the city like a local and avoid tourist-trap timing

The northern districts (Shemiran, Tajrish, Darband) average 3-5°C (5-9°F) cooler than central Tehran due to elevation - stay or spend afternoons in these areas during heat waves

Fruit vendors offer the best deals on seasonal produce in early morning hours - apricots, figs, and melons are at peak quality and 40-50% cheaper than imported alternatives

Many museums and cultural sites offer special early opening hours (7am instead of 8am) during August heat - call ahead to confirm these summer schedules that aren't widely advertised

Avoid These Mistakes

Scheduling outdoor sightseeing during midday hours (11am-5pm) - this leads to heat exhaustion, poor photos due to harsh lighting, and closed shops during siesta time

Underestimating hydration needs in dry heat - tourists often don't feel thirsty until dangerously dehydrated because sweat evaporates quickly in low humidity

Wearing synthetic fabrics or tight-fitting clothes - these trap heat and prevent proper cooling, making the temperature feel 5-8°C (9-14°F) hotter than actual air temperature