Herat, Afghanistan: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2022]
Traveling to Herat, Afghanistan? If you're planning to go to Herat, we've got some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.
Contents
- When to go to Herat
- Important essentials for Herat
- Activities for Herat
- Herat in January: weather and what to pack
- Herat in February: weather and what to pack
- Herat in March: weather and what to pack
- Herat in April: weather and what to pack
- Herat in May: weather and what to pack
- Herat in June: weather and what to pack
- Herat in July: weather and what to pack
- Herat in August: weather and what to pack
- Herat in September: weather and what to pack
- Herat in October: weather and what to pack
- Herat in November: weather and what to pack
- Herat in December: weather and what to pack

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.
When to go to Herat, Afghanistan
Based on the climate and weather in Herat, the best time to go is May. See below for details.
Important essentials for Herat, Afghanistan
Here are some general tips on what to wear in Herat, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.
COVID-19 ESSENTIALS FOR 2022
-
A vaccine card protector
Vaccine cards frequently get worn. An unreadable vaccination card may result in severe consequences. This vaccine card protector helps avoid that.
Travel insurance
If you or a companion get COVID-19, your amazing trip can be ruined. Good travel insurance can help. See plans
-
Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
-
Kids' KN95 masks
N95 masks don't exist for kids. These are a good alternative (and can also be used by adults if N95 masks are not available).
-
Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is a good TSA-friendly choice.
-
N95 masks to use in crowded airports
These N95 masks provide the best level of protection possible.
General health necessities
Virus/bacteria filtering water bottle
Some rural areas may have unreliable tap water, so it's useful to take a contaminant filtering water bottle.
-
Travel first aid kit
This one is a excellent option.
-
Emergency motion sickness relief
Don't forget these
-
Airplane or car necessities
-
Power bank for devices
A portable power bank, like this one
-
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.
-
Plug adapter
A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. This one should be sufficient for most places, but check with your hotel.
-
For families with young children
-
Money/passport pouch
A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.
What to wear/what to pack for Herat, Afghanistan by month
Already know when you're traveling?
January
January in Herat is brisk. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the high 20s F (single digits below 0 C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Insulated water bottle
Our favorite:
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Heavy socks
Such as:
-
Sweaters
-
Gloves
-
Heavy jacket
-
Lip balm
Our choice: this one
-
Cold weather footwear
-
A rain poncho to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These will be essential in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is a perfect option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings don't get wet. We suggest:
Mosques often require certain dress, so if you are going to go to the must-see The Friday Mosque, take the following:
Note that there may be restrictions on who can enter the mosque; it is best to check with the Herat tourism authority.
-
Scarf for women
You may need to wear something to cover your head. This is a good option.
-
Dressy pants/trousers
Your pants should cover your knees:
-
Long sleeve shirts/blouses
-
Socks
You will need to take your shoes off.
If you visit the Herat National Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:
-
Comfy walking shoes
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
February
February in Herat can be chilly. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the 50s F (low 10s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Light gloves or mittens
-
Fleece
-
Extra socks
-
Jacket or coat
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best option: this one
-
Standard footwear
-
A rain poncho to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We like rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants are a lifesaver in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is a great one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags stay dry. We recommend:
Mosques often require certain dress, so if you are going to go to the must-see The Friday Mosque, take the following:
Note that there may be restrictions on who can enter the mosque; it is best to check with the Herat tourism authority.
-
Scarf for women
You may need to wear something to cover your head. This is a good option.
-
Dressy pants/trousers
Your pants should cover your knees:
-
Long sleeve shirts/blouses
-
Socks
You will need to take your shoes off.
If you visit the Herat National Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:
-
Comfy walking shoes
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
March
March here is cool. Temperatures average in the 60s F (high 10s C) during the day. It rains occasionally.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Jacket or coat
-
Light gloves or mittens
-
Fleece
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Extra socks
-
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best is: this one
-
Standard footwear
-
A rain coat to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants will be essential in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is an excellent one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings remain dry. We recommend:
Mosques often require certain dress, so if you are going to go to the must-see The Friday Mosque, take the following:
Note that there may be restrictions on who can enter the mosque; it is best to check with the Herat tourism authority.
-
Scarf for women
You may need to wear something to cover your head. This is a good option.
-
Dressy pants/trousers
Your pants should cover your knees:
-
Long sleeve shirts/blouses
-
Socks
You will need to take your shoes off.
If you visit the Herat National Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:
-
Comfy walking shoes
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
April
If you visit Herat during April, you will probably see that it is a perfect temperature. Temperatures tend to hover around the 70s F (low 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the high 40s F (single digits C). In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain occasionally.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Extra socks
-
Light skirts
-
Bug repellent
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Sandals
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
A rain poncho to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants are a lifesaver in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is an excellent choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags don't get wet. We suggest:
Mosques often require certain dress, so if you are going to go to the must-see The Friday Mosque, take the following:
Note that there may be restrictions on who can enter the mosque; it is best to check with the Herat tourism authority.
-
Scarf for women
You may need to wear something to cover your head. This is a good option.
-
Dressy pants/trousers
Your pants should cover your knees:
-
Long sleeve shirts/blouses
-
Socks
You will need to take your shoes off.
If you visit the Herat National Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:
-
Comfy walking shoes
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
May
If you are traveling to Herat in May, you will notice that it is hot and very dry with almost no rain. Daytime temperatures are in the 80s F (high 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses can provide UV protection and help you stay cool.
-
Insulated water bottle
Our fave also cleans dangerous contaminants:
-
Skirts
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Breatheable shirts
A cooling shirt can keep you cool and protect you from UV rays:
-
Sunglasses
-
Bug repellent
Mosques often require certain dress, so if you are going to go to the must-see The Friday Mosque, take the following:
Note that there may be restrictions on who can enter the mosque; it is best to check with the Herat tourism authority.
-
Scarf for women
You may need to wear something to cover your head. This is a good option.
-
Dressy pants/trousers
Your pants should cover your knees:
-
Long sleeve shirts/blouses
-
Socks
You will need to take your shoes off.
If you visit the Herat National Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:
-
Comfy walking shoes
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
June
If you vacation in Herat during June, you might notice that it is a scorcher 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:
-
Lightweight 'harem' pants
Bug bite relief
-
Thin short sleeve shirts
Don't forget pack extra, as these are likely to get wet or dirty.
-
Personal cooling fan
-
Cooling tank or crop tops
These are specially designed to cool you:
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Light linen shorts
-
Bug repellent
-
Insulated water bottle
-
Light dresses
These Columbia dresses are engineered to cool you and offer UV protection.
-
Skirts
-
High-SPF sunscreen lotion
-
Sunglasses
-
UV protecting pants/skirts
These will keep you safe from UV rays while also cool. Our favorites:
Mosques often require certain dress, so if you are going to go to the must-see The Friday Mosque, take the following:
Note that there may be restrictions on who can enter the mosque; it is best to check with the Herat tourism authority.
-
Scarf for women
You may need to wear something to cover your head. This is a good option.
-
Dressy pants/trousers
Your pants should cover your knees:
-
Long sleeve shirts/blouses
-
Socks
You will need to take your shoes off.
If you visit the Herat National Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:
-
Comfy walking shoes
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
July
If you visit Herat during July, you are likely to notice that it is sizzling and very dry with almost no rain. Temperatures tend to hover around the high 90s F (high 30s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 70s F (low 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Lightweight 'harem' pants
-
Insulated water bottle
Bug bite relief
-
Thin short sleeve shirts
You should bring extra, since these are likely to get wet or dirty.
-
Sunglasses
-
Skirts
-
Light dresses
These Columbia dresses are developed to keep you cool and can provide UV protection.
-
High-SPF sunscreen lotion
-
Sun protecting pants/skirts
These will keep you protected from UV rays while also cool. Our favorites:
-
Light linen shorts
-
Cooling tank or crop tops
These are specially designed to help you stay cool:
-
Bug repellent
-
Personal cooling fan
-
Waterproof sandals
Mosques often require certain dress, so if you are going to go to the must-see The Friday Mosque, take the following:
Note that there may be restrictions on who can enter the mosque; it is best to check with the Herat tourism authority.
-
Scarf for women
You may need to wear something to cover your head. This is a good option.
-
Dressy pants/trousers
Your pants should cover your knees:
-
Long sleeve shirts/blouses
-
Socks
You will need to take your shoes off.
If you visit the Herat National Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:
-
Comfy walking shoes
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
August
August in Herat is a scorcher 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:
-
Skirts
-
Insulated water bottle
Bug bite relief
-
Sunglasses
-
Light linen shorts
-
Protecting legwear
These will keep you protected from UV rays while also cool. Our favorites:
-
Cooling tank or crop tops
These are created for cooling:
-
Lightweight 'harem' pants
-
Thin short sleeve shirts
Do pack additional, since these easily get wet or dirty.
-
Light dresses
These Columbia dresses are specially designed to keep you cool and to provide UV protection.
-
Bug repellent
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Personal cooling fan
-
High-SPF sunscreen lotion
Mosques often require certain dress, so if you are going to go to the must-see The Friday Mosque, take the following:
Note that there may be restrictions on who can enter the mosque; it is best to check with the Herat tourism authority.
-
Scarf for women
You may need to wear something to cover your head. This is a good option.
-
Dressy pants/trousers
Your pants should cover your knees:
-
Long sleeve shirts/blouses
-
Socks
You will need to take your shoes off.
If you visit the Herat National Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:
-
Comfy walking shoes
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
September
September can be sweltering and very dry with almost no rain. Temperatures average in the high 80s F (low 30s C) during the day.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Bug repellent
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses can provide UV protection and cool you.
-
Insulated water bottle
Our choice also removes dangerous contaminants:
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Skirts
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Sunglasses
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Breatheable shirts
A breatheable shirt can keep you cool and protect you from the sun:
Mosques often require certain dress, so if you are going to go to the must-see The Friday Mosque, take the following:
Note that there may be restrictions on who can enter the mosque; it is best to check with the Herat tourism authority.
-
Scarf for women
You may need to wear something to cover your head. This is a good option.
-
Dressy pants/trousers
Your pants should cover your knees:
-
Long sleeve shirts/blouses
-
Socks
You will need to take your shoes off.
If you visit the Herat National Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:
-
Comfy walking shoes
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
October
October is a perfect temperature and very dry with almost no rain. Temperatures average in the high 70s F (mid 20s C) during the day.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Extra socks
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Sandals
-
Light skirts
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Bug repellent
-
Sunscreen lotion
Mosques often require certain dress, so if you are going to go to the must-see The Friday Mosque, take the following:
Note that there may be restrictions on who can enter the mosque; it is best to check with the Herat tourism authority.
-
Scarf for women
You may need to wear something to cover your head. This is a good option.
-
Dressy pants/trousers
Your pants should cover your knees:
-
Long sleeve shirts/blouses
-
Socks
You will need to take your shoes off.
If you visit the Herat National Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:
-
Comfy walking shoes
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
November
If you vacation in Herat during November, you will probably notice that it can be chilly. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 60s F (high 10s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 30s F (single digits C).
What to wear/what to pack:
Mosques often require certain dress, so if you are going to go to the must-see The Friday Mosque, take the following:
Note that there may be restrictions on who can enter the mosque; it is best to check with the Herat tourism authority.
-
Scarf for women
You may need to wear something to cover your head. This is a good option.
-
Dressy pants/trousers
Your pants should cover your knees:
-
Long sleeve shirts/blouses
-
Socks
You will need to take your shoes off.
If you visit the Herat National Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:
-
Comfy walking shoes
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
December
December in Herat is cold. Temperatures average in the low 50s F (low 10s C) during the day. It rains occasionally.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Insulated water bottle
Our first choice:
-
Heavy socks
Such as:
-
Sweaters
-
Gloves
-
Lip balm
Our pick is: here
-
Heavy jacket
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Cold weather footwear
-
A rain jacket to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants can be vital in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a perfect one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags stay dry. We recommend:
Mosques often require certain dress, so if you are going to go to the must-see The Friday Mosque, take the following:
Note that there may be restrictions on who can enter the mosque; it is best to check with the Herat tourism authority.
-
Scarf for women
You may need to wear something to cover your head. This is a good option.
-
Dressy pants/trousers
Your pants should cover your knees:
-
Long sleeve shirts/blouses
-
Socks
You will need to take your shoes off.
If you visit the Herat National Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:
-
Comfy walking shoes
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
Check out our guides for these other locations: El Valle, Panama, Santo Domingo, Venezuela, Odisha, India, Surinamese Rainforest, Suriname, Montemarciano, Italy, Northwestern Georgia, Georgia, Debre Zeyit, Ethiopia, St George, Queensland, Australia, Bir, India, Tierp, Sweden, and Churchill, Manitoba, Canada.