Karkheh National Park National Park

Protected area in Khuzestan conserving marshes and wildlife

Protected area in Khuzestan province along the Karkheh River; visitors come for wetlands, birdwatching, riverine marshes and seasonal wildlife viewing.

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Karkheh National Park at a Glance#

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How to Get to Karkheh National Park#

The park lies in Khuzestan province east of Ahvaz. The usual access is by road from Ahvaz (about 40-80 km depending on which sector is being visited) via Road 37 and local rural roads toward Shush/Susa and the Karkheh River crossings. A 4x4 is highly recommended; hire a local driver or guide in Ahvaz or Shush to navigate the last miles and any permit requirements.

Tips for Visiting Karkheh National Park#

  • Bring binoculars and a good camera: the park is prized for migratory waterfowl and shorebirds that concentrate along the channels.
  • Check local security and conservation notices before travelling-parts of Khuzestan can have restricted access and conditions change seasonally.
  • Hire a local guide from Shush or Ahvaz who knows the seasonal pools and safe viewing spots; tracks can be indistinct and the terrain changes after floods.

Best Time to Visit Karkheh National Park#

Best visited outside the searing Khuzestan summer; autumn through winter concentrates migratory birds and makes wetlands accessible.

Winter (Dec-Feb)
Dec-Feb · 8-20°C (46-68°F)
Cooler air and higher water levels bring migrants and make fieldwork comfortable.
Autumn migration (Sep-Nov)
Sep-Nov · 18-30°C (64-86°F)
Falling temperatures and receding river flows concentrate birds into remaining wetlands.
Spring (Mar-May)
Mar-May · 18-33°C (64-91°F)
Breeding season for resident species but increasingly hot toward May.

Weather & Climate near Karkheh National Park#

Climate

Karkheh National Park's climate is classified as Hot Semi-Arid - Hot Semi-Arid climate with very hot summers (peaking in July) and cool winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 6°C to 45°C. Semi-arid with limited rainfall with a pronounced dry season.

Air Quality: AQI 117 Unhealthy (Sg)
Best Time to Visit
OctoberJuneJuly
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
54°
Warmest Month
-4°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions
Month Comfort Temp Feels Rain Sky Humidity Wind UV Daylight
January Very Good 6° - 17° 11° 79 mm some cloud 58% 2.3 m/s 0.5 moderate 10.1h
February Very Good 8° - 19° 13° 49 mm some cloud 54% 3.1 m/s 0.8 moderate 10.9h
March Excellent 11° - 24° 17° 55 mm some cloud 44% 3.1 m/s 1.2 high 11.9h
April Ideal 16° - 30° 23° 24 mm partly cloudy 38% 3.0 m/s 1.7 very high 12.9h
May Excellent 21° - 38° 30° 6 mm mostly sunny 23% 3.4 m/s 2.2 extreme 13.7h
June Ideal 25° - 43° 34° 0 mm clear 12% 3.7 m/s 2.7 extreme 14.1h
July Ideal 27° - 45° 36° 0 mm clear 12% 3.4 m/s 2.5 extreme 13.9h
August Ideal 27° - 44° 35° 0 mm clear 12% 3.2 m/s 2.3 extreme 13.2h
September Ideal 22° - 41° 31° 0 mm clear 13% 2.7 m/s 1.8 very high 12.2h
October Ideal 17° - 34° 26° 8 mm mostly sunny 23% 2.3 m/s 1.2 high 11.2h
November Excellent 12° - 26° 19° 39 mm mostly sunny 45% 2.0 m/s 0.7 moderate 10.4h
December Very Good 7° - 19° 13° 76 mm some cloud 56% 2.0 m/s 0.5 low 9.9h