Tehran in August

Spring and fall are golden seasons when Tehran sheds its harsh reputation. April through May brings perfect weather and the city's parks burst with Persian New Year celebrations. October and November offer crisp mountain air and clear views of snow-capped peaks. Summer heat can be brutal — temperatures hit 40°C (104°F) and the smog gets worse. But summer also means fewer crowds and rock-bottom hotel prices. Winter brings snow to the mountains and surprisingly cold temperatures downtown. The ski season runs December through March, making it perfect for combining city exploration with slope time at Dizin or Shemshak resorts just two hours north.