Herat, Afghanistan: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2023]

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Ready to pack for Herat, Afghanistan? If you're planning to go to Herat, the following is some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.

Contents

When to go to Herat, Afghanistan

Based on the climate and weather in Herat, Afghanistan, the best time to go is May. See below for details.

What to wear/what to pack for Herat, Afghanistan

Already know when you're traveling?

Here are some general tips on what to wear in Herat, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.

What to wear/what to pack for Herat, Afghanistan by month

January

January in Herat can be very chilly. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the high 20s F (single digits below 0 C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Afghanistan has some specific safety concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Herat. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing things nowadays, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel pillow

    A great choice is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive prices for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. It's important that you find the correct type. The vast majority of adapters available are just plugs and require your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could burn up. This one should be appropriate for most locations.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

Mosques often require certain dress, so if you want to check out the beautiful The Friday Mosque, take the following:

Note that there may be restrictions on who is allowed to enter the building; you should check with the Herat tourism authority.

If you see the Herat National Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

February

February for Herat is relatively cool. Temperatures average in the 50s F (low 10s C) during the day. It rains once in a while.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Afghanistan has some specific safety concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Herat. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines frequently losing luggage nowadays, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. It's important that you pick the necessary type. The vast majority of adapters that you can buy are simply plugs and require your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one should work in most locations.

  • Travel pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

Mosques often require certain dress, so if you want to check out the beautiful The Friday Mosque, take the following:

Note that there may be restrictions on who is allowed to enter the building; you should check with the Herat tourism authority.

If you see the Herat National Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

March

If you visit Herat during March, you may notice that it is crisp. Temperatures tend to hover around the 60s F (high 10s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the high 30s F (single digits C). In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain once in a while.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Afghanistan has some specific safety concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Herat. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports repeatedly losing luggage these days, an AirTag can locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel neck support pillow

    Our fave is this one

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Make sure to find the right kind. A lot of adapters currently sold are simply plugs and require your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get fried. This one should work in most countries.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

Mosques often require certain dress, so if you want to check out the beautiful The Friday Mosque, take the following:

Note that there may be restrictions on who is allowed to enter the building; you should check with the Herat tourism authority.

If you see the Herat National Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

April

April in Herat is a perfect temperature. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the low 60s F (mid 10s C) to 70s F (low 20s C), although night temperatures can dip into the low 30s F (single digits C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Afghanistan has some specific safety concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Herat. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing luggage these days, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel neck pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive amounts for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Take care to get the right type. Many adapters currently being sold are simply plugs and expect your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one should be sufficient for most countries.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

Mosques often require certain dress, so if you want to check out the beautiful The Friday Mosque, take the following:

Note that there may be restrictions on who is allowed to enter the building; you should check with the Herat tourism authority.

If you see the Herat National Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

May

May for Herat is pretty consistently hot and very dry with almost no rain. Temperatures average in the 80s F (high 20s C) during the day.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Afghanistan has some specific safety concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Herat. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing bags these days, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Make sure to choose the right kind. The vast majority of adapters currently available are simply plugs and expect your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be appropriate for most locations.

Mosques often require certain dress, so if you want to check out the beautiful The Friday Mosque, take the following:

Note that there may be restrictions on who is allowed to enter the building; you should check with the Herat tourism authority.

If you see the Herat National Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

June

June in Herat is sizzling and very dry with almost no rain. Temperatures average in the 90s F (mid 30s C) during the day.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Afghanistan has some specific safety concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Herat. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing luggage nowadays, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large prices for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Ensure that you choose the right kind. Most adapters on sale are just plugs and require your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could burn up. This one works in most locations.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

Mosques often require certain dress, so if you want to check out the beautiful The Friday Mosque, take the following:

Note that there may be restrictions on who is allowed to enter the building; you should check with the Herat tourism authority.

If you see the Herat National Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

July

July for Herat can be blisteringly hot and very dry with almost no rain. Temperatures average in the high 90s F (high 30s C) during the day.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Afghanistan has some specific safety concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing bags these days, an AirTag can locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Herat. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel pillow

    What we like is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Be careful to choose the correct kind. A lot of adapters for sale now are just plugs and require your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one works in most places.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large prices for overweight luggage. Save money with this

Mosques often require certain dress, so if you want to check out the beautiful The Friday Mosque, take the following:

Note that there may be restrictions on who is allowed to enter the building; you should check with the Herat tourism authority.

If you see the Herat National Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

August

If you visit Herat during August, you are likely to see that it is blindingly hot and very dry with almost no rain. Temperatures tend to hover around the 90s F (mid 30s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the 60s F (high 10s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Afghanistan has some specific safety concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Herat. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports repeatedly losing luggage these days, an AirTag can locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck support pillow

    Our favorite is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive amounts for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Make sure to pick the correct type. The vast majority of adapters on sale are simply plugs and require your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get fried. This one should be sufficient for most locations.

Mosques often require certain dress, so if you want to check out the beautiful The Friday Mosque, take the following:

Note that there may be restrictions on who is allowed to enter the building; you should check with the Herat tourism authority.

If you see the Herat National Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

September

If you vacation in Herat during September, you are likely to find that it can be very hot and very dry with almost no rain. Temperatures tend to hover around the high 80s F (low 30s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the 50s F (low 10s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Afghanistan has some specific safety concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Herat. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines frequently losing luggage nowadays, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Make sure to find the correct kind. Most adapters that you can buy are just plug changers and require your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be sufficient for most locations.

  • Travel pillow

    An excellent option is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge prices for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

Mosques often require certain dress, so if you want to check out the beautiful The Friday Mosque, take the following:

Note that there may be restrictions on who is allowed to enter the building; you should check with the Herat tourism authority.

If you see the Herat National Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

October

If you go to Herat in October, you will notice that it is warm and very dry with almost no rain. Daytime temperatures are in the high 70s F (mid 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Afghanistan has some specific safety concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing luggage these days, an AirTag can find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Herat. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Check that you pick the correct kind. The majority of adapters currently being sold are just plug changers and expect your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one should work in most areas.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck support pillow

    Our fave is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive prices for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

Mosques often require certain dress, so if you want to check out the beautiful The Friday Mosque, take the following:

Note that there may be restrictions on who is allowed to enter the building; you should check with the Herat tourism authority.

If you see the Herat National Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

November

November in Herat can be chilly. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the low 30s F (single digits C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Afghanistan has some specific safety concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing things nowadays, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Herat. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Take care to pick the right kind. The majority of adapters available are simply plug changers and require your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should work in most areas.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Travel pillow

    What we like is this one

Mosques often require certain dress, so if you want to check out the beautiful The Friday Mosque, take the following:

Note that there may be restrictions on who is allowed to enter the building; you should check with the Herat tourism authority.

If you see the Herat National Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

December

If you go to Herat in December, you will notice that it is cold. Expect it to rain occasionally. Daytime temperatures are in the low 50s F (low 10s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Afghanistan has some specific safety concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing bags these days, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Herat. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. It's important that you pick the correct type. The majority of adapters currently sold are just plug changers and require your devices to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should work in most locations.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large prices for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

Mosques often require certain dress, so if you want to check out the beautiful The Friday Mosque, take the following:

Note that there may be restrictions on who is allowed to enter the building; you should check with the Herat tourism authority.

If you see the Herat National Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

What to do in Herat, Afghanistan

Herat is a beautiful city in western Afghanistan that boasts of rich cultural and historical significance. For many years, it has been an important hub for trade and commerce, attracting visitors from all over the world. Since the Taliban regime was overthrown, tourism in the city has grown immensely due to the abundance of tourist attractions that have been opened up to visitors. Here are the top tourist attractions in Herat that you should not miss while visiting:

1. Herat Citadel: The citadel is a 3,000-year-old fort that was built by Alexander the Great. It is a massive structure that has stood the test of time, and it is an iconic symbol of the city. The fortress is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and offers breathtaking views of the city from its ramparts.

2. Masjid-i-Jami: The grand mosque is the largest mosque in Afghanistan and is considered one of the most beautiful in the world. It has 24 domes, four minarets, and is lavishly decorated with intricate tilework and calligraphy. The mosque dates back to the 12th century and is still used for daily prayers.

3. Goharshad Mosque: This mosque is another stunning piece of architecture in Herat. It was built in the 15th century by Queen Goharshad Begum, who was the wife of the ruler of the Timurid dynasty. The mosque is renowned for its turquoise blue tiles and its stunning dome, which is decorated with intricate geometrical designs.

4. Musalla Complex: The Musalla Complex is a collection of buildings that were built in the 17th century for religious and educational purposes. The complex consists of a mosque, a madrasa, and a school. The complex is an excellent example of Persian architectural style, with intricate tilework and calligraphy adorning the walls.

5. Khwaja Abd Allah Ansari Shrine: The shrine is one of the most visited shrines in Afghanistan and is named after the famous Sufi saint, Khwaja Abdullah Ansari. The shrine is an important center for pilgrimage and attracts visitors from all over Afghanistan and beyond. The shrine is decorated with beautiful paintings, calligraphy, and other types of art.

6. Herat Bazaar: The bazaar is the heart of Herat's marketplace. It is a vast and bustling marketplace that has been in existence for over 500 years. The bazaar is a great place to experience the culture of the city and buy handmade crafts, carpets, and other souvenirs.

Herat is a fascinating city that offers a wealth of attractions to its visitors. Its rich cultural history and traditions make it a top tourist destination in Afghanistan. If you plan to visit Afghanistan, be sure to include Herat on your itinerary.

About your travel guide

Hi! I'm Dev. I've traveled all over the world and in my travels, I have made many packing lists. In this series, my team and I have compiled the most useful information, as well as things we couldn't live without, to help you plan your trip.

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