Kabul sits at 1,800 meters elevation in a semi-arid continental climate zone, delivering scorching summers and bitterly cold winters with dramatic daily temperature swings.

Most rainfall arrives between winter and spring, meaning waterproof layers earn their keep from December through April while summers remain persistently dry.

Summer temperatures regularly exceed 32°C, while winter nights plunge well below freezing with January lows around -7°C.

The high-altitude air stays remarkably dry year-round, and strong winds sweeping down from surrounding mountains can amplify both summer heat and winter chill.

The dust kicked up by those persistent winds makes sunglasses and a scarf for face protection as essential as any jacket in your Kabul wardrobe.