Shiraz Weather in June

June's fierce afternoon heat

Shiraz is hot and dry in June. Afternoons reach 38°C, and rain is almost absent. The long, bright days can feel harsh once the sun climbs, so outdoor sightseeing works best in the morning. Save the covered halls of Vakil Bazaar or a relaxed meal of kalam polo, a local cabbage-and-rice dish, for later.

The gardens are lovely, but strolling around Eram Garden in the afternoon can be tiring. June isn't a good month for long walks in exposed places. You'll find cooler air indoors, though many historic sights still involve outdoor courtyards.

A quieter, cheaper month

June is summer, outside Shiraz's best spring and autumn seasons. It's generally less crowded than March and April, when the city's gardens are in bloom, and accommodation may cost less. July is even hotter, so June gives you a slightly gentler start to summer.

The main dates to know are the June anniversaries of Imam Khomeini's death and the 15 Khordad uprising. They're public holidays, and some businesses may close. The dates follow the Iranian calendar, so their Gregorian dates can shift.

Make the heat work for you

For couples who enjoy quiet galleries and slow mornings, June can suit you better than the busy spring rush. Just keep the hottest hours for indoor stops.

At Nasir al-Mulk Mosque, arrive near opening time to see sunlight pass through its coloured windows. The morning visit also avoids the worst heat in the mosque's courtyard. Then take a taxi to a shaded café near Vakil Bazaar, rather than walking between sights in the midday sun.