Worst time to visit Kabul
Some months in Kabul are clearly tougher for travel — extreme heat, cold, drenching rain, or peak storm season. Here's what to skip.
Months to avoid
| Month | Why |
|---|---|
| January | freezing (-8°C overnight) |
| February | freezing (-6°C overnight) |
| June | very hot (30°C / 87°F) |
| July | very hot (33°C / 91°F) |
| August | very hot (32°C / 89°F) |
| December | freezing (-3°C overnight) |
What to expect in the worst months
January. Overnight lows of -8°C / 17°F push some outdoor attractions and seasonal restaurants to close, and daylight hours are shortest.
February. Overnight lows of -6°C / 21°F push some outdoor attractions and seasonal restaurants to close, and daylight hours are shortest.
June. Highs in the 30°C range are tolerable in the shade but draining if you're walking all day.
Better times to go
Better months: April (19°C, 9 rain days) · May (24°C, 9 rain days) · October (21°C, 3 rain days)
Better in the same region in January
If you're set on Asia in January, these cities have more comfortable conditions in the same window:
If you still have to go — what to bring
- Heat: UPF-rated long-sleeve sun shirt, refillable insulated bottle, electrolyte tablets, lightweight wide-brim hat. Plan indoor activities for 11 a.m.–4 p.m.
- Cold: Merino base layer, insulated mid-layer, waterproof shell, grippy boots, hand warmers. Daylight is short — start mornings later, finish before sunset.
Related Kabul guides
The positive counterpart: which months are great and why.