imam Khomeini Mausoleum

Monument Vast mausoleum complex and pilgrimage site for Khomeini

The Imam Khomeini Mausoleum south of Tehran is a large memorial complex and pilgrimage site for supporters of Iran’s 1979 revolution, visited for religious commemoration and the complex’s scale.

Main image

The Imam Khomeini Mausoleum is a large commemorative complex in the southern Tehran area, built to house the tomb of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini following his death in 1989. It serves as a major pilgrimage and ceremonial site in Iran.

The complex comprises the central mausoleum building beneath a prominent dome, flanking minarets, large courtyards and several covered prayer halls, together with a museum and library. It is designed to receive large numbers of visitors and official delegations.

Construction and expansion of the complex began after 1989 and continued through the 1990s and later, creating the current multi-structure precinct used for religious observances, commemorations and official events.

Geographically the mausoleum lies in the Rey district on the southern edge of Tehran and is reachable by road from the city; it is one of the largest modern shrine complexes in Iran.

  • Construction timeline: Construction began after Ayatollah Khomeini's death in 1989 and the complex took shape through the 1990s; it functions as a major pilgrimage site.
  • Location and access: The site is located in the southern Tehran/ Ray area and is accessible by road and public transport from Tehran for visitors and pilgrims.

What to See #

  • Mausoleum tomb and dome: The main mausoleum houses the tomb of Ruhollah Khomeini under a large domed structure with flanking minarets and a central courtyard used by visitors and pilgrims.
  • Museum and prayer halls: The complex includes a museum, library and several prayer halls and portals that receive large numbers of visitors on national commemorative dates.
imam Khomeini Mausoleum
Imam Khomeini Mausoleum (Behesht-e Zahra complex), south Tehran, Tehran Province, Iran
35.5492, 51.3665
Daily
Free

How to Get to imam Khomeini Mausoleum #

The Imam Khomeini Mausoleum complex lies in southern Tehran province and is commonly accessed by car or taxi from Tehran or from Imam Khomeini International Airport (many visitors arrive via the airport and take a short taxi ride). The site is served by regional bus and shuttle services from Tehran and the airport; driving times vary with traffic (often under an hour from Tehran city centre, and a short drive from the airport).

Tips for Visiting imam Khomeini Mausoleum #

  • Plan visits on weekday mornings and avoid Fridays and major Shi'a holidays when the mausoleum and surrounding complex are busiest with worshippers.
  • Allow extra time for security screening and follow signage about restricted areas-certain parts of the complex, interior shrines, and displays prohibit photography or have controlled access.
  • Dress conservatively and follow local etiquette inside the complex; English signage is limited, so be prepared for minimal tourist facilities and to follow staff instructions.

Best Time to Visit imam Khomeini Mausoleum #

Visit in spring or autumn (March-May or September-November) for the most comfortable weather; avoid Fridays and major religious holidays if you prefer fewer crowds.

Spring / Autumn (best)
March-May, September-November · 15-30°C
Milder temperatures and comfortable conditions for visiting the mausoleum and moving around the city; generally less intense heat than summer.
Hot summer
June-August · 30-40°C
Very hot during the day - indoor visits are possible but expect high outdoor temperatures and stronger sun.
Crowd considerations
Fridays and religious holidays (various dates) · Varies by season
The mausoleum is busiest on Fridays and major religious or national commemorations; plan visits outside those times for shorter lines and a calmer experience.

Weather & Climate near imam Khomeini Mausoleum #

Climate

imam Khomeini Mausoleum's climate is classified as Cold Semi-Arid - Cold Semi-Arid climate with hot summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -1°C to 36°C. Very dry conditions with minimal rainfall with a pronounced dry season.

Air Quality: AQI 97 Moderate
Best Time to Visit
AugustSeptemberJune
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
43°
Warmest Month
-14°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is the coolest month with highs of 7°C and lows of -1°C. Moderate rainfall (37 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

57 Acceptable

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
-1°
58%
Humidity
Humid

Weather

37 mm
Rainfall
1.6 m/s
Wind
Calm
0.4
UV Index
Low
9.9h daylight

February

February is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 1°C. Moderate rainfall (33 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

65 Good

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
10°
55%
Humidity
Humid

Weather

33 mm
Rainfall
2.2 m/s
Wind
Calm
0.7
UV Index
Moderate
10.8h daylight

March

March is cold with highs of 15°C and lows of 5°C. The wettest month with 38 mm of rain and partly cloudy skies.

68 Good

Comfort

10°
Feels Like Cold
10°C
Temperature
15°
50%
Humidity
Comfortable

Weather

38 mm
Rainfall
3.0 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.1
UV Index
High
11.8h daylight

April

April is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 11°C. Light rainfall and partly cloudy skies.

80 Excellent

Comfort

17°
Feels Like Cool
17°C
Temperature
11° 22°
48%
Humidity
Comfortable

Weather

23 mm
Rainfall
3.1 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.5
UV Index
Very High
13.0h daylight

May

May is mild with highs of 27°C and lows of 15°C. Light rainfall.

89 Excellent

Comfort

21°
Feels Like Mild
21°C
Temperature
15° 27°
38%
Humidity
Comfortable

Weather

15 mm
Rainfall
2.9 m/s
Wind
Calm
2.1
UV Index
Extreme
13.9h daylight

June

June is warm with highs of 34°C and lows of 20°C. Almost no rain and clear sunny skies.

98 Ideal

Comfort

27°
Feels Like Warm
27°C
Temperature
20° 34°
25%
Humidity
Dry

Weather

5 mm
Rainfall
3.1 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
2.6
UV Index
Extreme
14.4h daylight

July

July is the hottest month with highs of 36°C and lows of 23°C. Almost no rain and mostly sunny skies.

98 Ideal

Comfort

30°
Feels Like Hot
30°C
Temperature
23° 37°
23%
Humidity
Dry

Weather

2 mm
Rainfall
3.2 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
2.5
UV Index
Extreme
14.1h daylight

August

August is hot with highs of 35°C and lows of 22°C. The driest month with just 1 mm and clear sunny skies.

99 Ideal

Comfort

29°
Feels Like Hot
29°C
Temperature
22° 35°
23%
Humidity
Dry

Weather

1 mm
Rainfall
2.9 m/s
Wind
Calm
2.3
UV Index
Extreme
13.3h daylight

September

September is warm with highs of 31°C and lows of 18°C. Almost no rain and clear sunny skies.

99 Ideal

Comfort

25°
Feels Like Warm
25°C
Temperature
18° 31°
28%
Humidity
Dry

Weather

3 mm
Rainfall
2.4 m/s
Wind
Calm
1.7
UV Index
Very High
12.3h daylight

October

October is cool with highs of 24°C and lows of 12°C. Light rainfall and mostly sunny skies.

93 Ideal

Comfort

18°
Feels Like Cool
18°C
Temperature
12° 24°
41%
Humidity
Comfortable

Weather

19 mm
Rainfall
2.2 m/s
Wind
Calm
1.1
UV Index
High
11.2h daylight

November

November is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 6°C. Light rainfall.

79 Very Good

Comfort

11°
Feels Like Cool
11°C
Temperature
16°
54%
Humidity
Humid

Weather

24 mm
Rainfall
2.0 m/s
Wind
Calm
0.5
UV Index
Moderate
10.2h daylight

December

December is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 1°C. Light rainfall.

69 Good

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
10°
59%
Humidity
Humid

Weather

29 mm
Rainfall
1.5 m/s
Wind
Calm
0.4
UV Index
Low
9.7h daylight

Nearby Attractions to imam Khomeini Mausoleum