Kabul, Afghanistan: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2022]
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Traveling to Kabul, Afghanistan? If you're planning to go to Kabul, the following is some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.
Contents
- When to go to Kabul
- Important essentials for Kabul
- Activities for Kabul
- Kabul in January: weather and what to pack
- Kabul in February: weather and what to pack
- Kabul in March: weather and what to pack
- Kabul in April: weather and what to pack
- Kabul in May: weather and what to pack
- Kabul in June: weather and what to pack
- Kabul in July: weather and what to pack
- Kabul in August: weather and what to pack
- Kabul in September: weather and what to pack
- Kabul in October: weather and what to pack
- Kabul in November: weather and what to pack
- Kabul 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 Kabul, Afghanistan
Based on the climate and weather in Kabul, the best time to go is September. See below for details.
Important essentials for Kabul, Afghanistan
Here are some general tips on what to wear in Kabul, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.
IMPORTANT COVID-19 ESSENTIALS
Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
A vaccine card protector
Vaccine cards can get worn. An unreadable card can have severe consequences. This vaccine card protector helps stop that.
Kids' KN95 masks
N95 masks are not available for kids. These are a good alternative (and can also be used by adults if N95 masks are not available).
N95 masks
These N95 masks provide the best level of COVID protection you can have.
Touchless thermometer
A touchless thermometer is important to have.
-
Proof of COVID-19 vaccination/negative test
Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is an easy-to-carry plane-friendly option.
Other health necessities
Emergency water purifier
Some areas of this country may have unreliable tap water, so it's important to bring an emergency water purifier like this one.
Travel first aid kit
This one is a excellent kit.
Emergency rapid COVID-19 test
U.S. residents can get them free here. Otherwise, you can buy them here.
Emergency motion sickness relief
Don't forget these
Money/passport pouch
A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.
Plug adapter
A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. This one should work in most locations, but you may want to check with your hotel.
For families with young children
Photography accessories
- cell phone photography gimbal
- camera drone for outdoor shots
- extra batteries
- extra memory cards
Voice and data SIM card
A SIM card that works in Kabul. 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.
Airplane or car necessities
Power bank for devices
A portable power bank, like this one
Activities for Kabul, Afghanistan
Here are some activity recommendations and activity-specific packing tips for Kabul.
If you go to Bagh-e Babur, you'll probably do a lot of walking. These are a must:
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
Binoculars
Good hiking shoes
These are designed for this kind of walking, and can breathe and can get wet
If you see National Museum of Afghanistan, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
Comfy walking shoes
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
Castle hopping? For Darul Aman Palace, take:
What to wear/what to pack for Kabul, Afghanistan by month
Already know when you're traveling?
January
January in Kabul is frigid. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the low 20s F (single digits below 0 C), with a few days below 10 F (10+ below zero C). With the colder weather comes lower humidity, which is in the 50% to 60% range on average.
What to wear/what to pack:
February
If you are traveling to Kabul in February, you will notice that it is brisk. Daytime temperatures are in the high 30s F (single digits C).
What to wear/what to pack:
March
If you are traveling to Kabul in March, you will notice that it can be brisk. Daytime temperatures are in the low 50s F (low 10s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
April
If you vacation in Kabul during April, you might find 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 40s F (single digits C). Humidity is generally around 40 during the day.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Dresses
Pants or jeans
Light and heavy skirts
Light jacket or fleece
-
Standard footwear
Extra socks
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
Rain poncho
A quality rain poncho to wear over your jacket will avoid travel headaches by protecting your main coat. We like this one.
Rainy weather makes rubber rain boots essential. These boots are well-suited for stormy weather:
An umbrella
This excellent one is made for bad weather.
-
Waterproof luggage cover
So your things don't get wet. The most durable suitcases can let water in. We suggest:
Rain pants
Rain pants can be a lifesaver in a rainstorm.
May
If you go to Kabul in May, you will notice that it is warm and very dry. Daytime temperatures are in the low 70s F (low 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
Bug repellent
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
Light skirts
Sandals
Sunscreen lotion
Short pants or heavy shorts
Extra socks
Breathable footwear or sandals
Rain poncho
A quality rain poncho to wear over your coat saves you time and money by protecting your nice jacket. We like this one.
Rainy weather makes rubber rain boots a must. These boots are great for stormy weather:
An umbrella
This excellent one is built for bad weather.
-
Waterproof luggage cover
So your belongings don't get wet. The most durable suitcases can let water in. We like:
Rain pants
These will be essential in a storm.
June
June is pretty consistently hot and very dry. Temperatures average in the low 80s F (high 20s C) during the day.
What to wear/what to pack:
Bug repellent
Loose-fit shorts
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
Breatheable shirts
A cooling shirt can keep you comfortable and protect you from the sun:
Sunglasses
Waterproof sandals
Skirts
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses include UV protection and keep you cool.
Insulated water bottle
Our favorite:
July
If you go to Kabul in July, you will notice that it is extremely hot and very dry. Daytime temperatures are in the high 80s F (low 30s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
Breatheable shirts
A good breatheable shirt can cool you down quickly and protect you from skin damage:
Skirts
Insulated water bottle
Our favorite:
Sunglasses
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses to provide UV protection and cool you.
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
Loose-fit shorts
Bug repellent
Waterproof sandals
August
August in Kabul is consistently hot and very dry. Temperatures average in the 80s F (low 30s C) during the day.
What to wear/what to pack:
Skirts
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses include UV protection and help you stay cool.
Bug repellent
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
Sunglasses
Insulated water bottle
Our choice:
Waterproof sandals
Breatheable shirts
A breatheable shirt can keep you cool and protect you from the sun:
Loose-fit shorts
September
September for Kabul is warm and very dry. Temperatures average in the high 70s F (mid 20s C) during the day.
What to wear/what to pack:
Breathable footwear or sandals
Sandals
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
Extra socks
Sunscreen lotion
Light skirts
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
Bug repellent
Short pants or heavy shorts
October
October in Kabul is mild and very dry. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the 40s F (single digits C). With the colder weather comes lower humidity, which is in the 20% to 30% range on average.
What to wear/what to pack:
November
If you vacation in Kabul during November, you may see that it is chilly. Temperatures tend to hover around the 50s F (low 10s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the 30s F (single digits C). Humidity is generally between 20 and 30% during the day.
What to wear/what to pack:
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