Mount DerakMount Derak at a Glance
About Mount Derak
Mount Derak is a limestone ridge in Fars province of Iran that overlooks the city of Shiraz. It forms a conspicuous backdrop to the city and is visible from many neighborhoods.
The slopes and lower ridges are visited for short local walks and panoramic viewpoints over Shiraz rather than long-distance mountaineering. Vegetation is typical of the Zagros foothills and conditions are semi-arid.
As a natural ridge it has long formed part of the local landscape and cultural setting around Shiraz. There are no major modern constructions on the summit that alter its role as a city landmark.
The mountain sits immediately adjacent to the urban area of Shiraz in southern Iran, forming part of the Zagros foothills in Fars province.
- Prominent location: Sits on the skyline above the city of Shiraz and is a prominent visual landmark for the city and surrounding plain.
Best Time to Visit Mount Derak
Best visited in spring or autumn when temperatures are moderate and visibility is good; summers can be hot on the lower slopes.
Weather & Climate near Mount Derak
Mount Derak's climate is classified as Hot-Summer Mediterranean - Hot-Summer Mediterranean climate with hot summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -4°C to 34°C. Very dry conditions with minimal rainfall with a pronounced dry season.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Acceptable | -4° - 7° | 0° | 40 mm | some cloud | 60% | 1.4 m/s | 0.8 moderate | 10.4h |
| February | Good | -2° - 10° | 2° | 35 mm | some cloud | 58% | 2.1 m/s | 1.1 high | 11.0h |
| March | Good | 1° - 13° | 5° | 47 mm | some cloud | 52% | 2.6 m/s | 1.6 very high | 11.9h |
| April | Very Good | 4° - 19° | 11° | 21 mm | some cloud | 47% | 2.7 m/s | 2.1 extreme | 12.8h |
| May | Ideal | 10° - 25° | 17° | 11 mm | mostly sunny | 33% | 2.6 m/s | 2.6 extreme | 13.5h |
| June | Ideal | 14° - 31° | 22° | 1 mm | clear | 17% | 2.4 m/s | 2.9 extreme | 13.9h |
| July | Ideal | 17° - 34° | 25° | 4 mm | clear | 16% | 2.0 m/s | 2.7 extreme | 13.7h |
| August | Ideal | 16° - 33° | 25° | 4 mm | clear | 18% | 1.9 m/s | 2.6 extreme | 13.1h |
| September | Ideal | 12° - 30° | 21° | 1 mm | clear | 19% | 1.8 m/s | 2.1 extreme | 12.2h |
| October | Excellent | 7° - 24° | 15° | 4 mm | clear | 28% | 1.7 m/s | 1.5 very high | 11.3h |
| November | Excellent | 2° - 17° | 9° | 13 mm | mostly sunny | 47% | 1.7 m/s | 0.9 moderate | 10.6h |
| December | Good | -1° - 11° | 4° | 38 mm | some cloud | 57% | 1.5 m/s | 0.7 moderate | 10.2h |
How to Get to Mount Derak
Mount Derak is reachable from Shiraz, the provincial capital of Fars. Local roads and short drives from the city lead to trailheads; the mountain is visible from many parts of Shiraz and makes for a convenient day trip. Local taxis and minibuses serve nearby access points.
Tips for Visiting Mount Derak
- If visiting from Shiraz, plan a full-day trip and combine the mountain visit with historic sites in the city.
- Local shepherds and residents know the best vantage points for sunrise and sunset; ask around for vantage recommendations.
- Respect local customs-some slopes are used for grazing and have cultural significance.