Urmia Lake National Park

National Park

A protected area around Lake Urmia's saline flats and wetlands; attracts birdwatchers, photographers and researchers keen on migratory waterfowl, salt‑tolerant landscapes and exposed lakebed scenery.

Urmia Lake National Park TabrizUrmiaArdabilTabriz Historic Bazaar ComplexBlue Mosque, TabrizTakht-e SoleymānSabalanSoltaniyeh DomeUrmia Lake National Park

Urmia Lake National Park essentials

Address: Urmia Lake National Park, West Azerbaijan province, Iran
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About Urmia Lake National Park

Urmia Lake National Park surrounds parts of Lake Urmia in Iran’s West Azerbaijan province, protecting wetland and saline-lake environments near the city of Urmia. The lake is a large endorheic salt lake in northwest Iran and has been an important habitat for migratory birds and saline-adapted wildlife.

The lake and adjacent protected areas have experienced significant water-level changes in recent decades, which have altered shorelines, exposed playas and affected ecological conditions. Conservation efforts and protected-area designations aim to conserve remaining wetlands and bird habitat.

The park and lake lie in northwest Iran near the city of Urmia, in a broad interior basin between mountain ranges; the protected area occupies shoreline, islands and adjacent wetlands.

  • Birdlife: Important wetland and saline-lake habitat that supports large numbers of migratory and resident waterbirds.
Things to Do
When to Go

Best Time to Visit Urmia Lake National Park

Best in spring and autumn for bird migrations and temperate conditions; summer can be hot and water levels vary.

Spring
March-May · 45-70°F (7-21°C)
Migration season and milder temperatures for birdwatching and shoreline exploration.
Autumn
September-November · 50-75°F (10-24°C)
Cooler weather and good visibility; possible migrations continue.

Weather & Climate near Urmia Lake National Park

Climate

Urmia Lake National Park's climate is classified as Cold Semi-Arid - Cold Semi-Arid climate with warm summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -5°C to 31°C. Semi-arid with limited rainfall with a pronounced dry season.

Air Quality: AQI 92 Moderate
Best Time to Visit
AugustJuneJuly
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
40°
Warmest Month
-18°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions
Month Comfort Temp Feels Rain Sky Humidity Wind UV Daylight
January Acceptable -5° - 2° -4° 28 mm partly cloudy 72% 1.8 m/s 0.4 low 9.8h
February Acceptable -4° - 4° -3° 27 mm partly cloudy 67% 2.1 m/s 0.6 moderate 10.7h
March Good 0° - 9° 2° 45 mm partly cloudy 60% 2.6 m/s 1.0 moderate 11.8h
April Very Good 6° - 16° 11° 56 mm partly cloudy 56% 2.8 m/s 1.5 high 13.0h
May Very Good 10° - 21° 16° 43 mm some cloud 48% 2.4 m/s 2.0 extreme 14.0h
June Ideal 15° - 27° 21° 12 mm mostly sunny 38% 2.6 m/s 2.6 extreme 14.5h
July Ideal 18° - 31° 25° 4 mm mostly sunny 36% 2.8 m/s 2.6 extreme 14.3h
August Ideal 18° - 31° 24° 2 mm mostly sunny 37% 2.7 m/s 2.2 extreme 13.4h
September Ideal 13° - 26° 20° 4 mm mostly sunny 41% 2.3 m/s 1.6 very high 12.3h
October Very Good 8° - 20° 14° 17 mm some cloud 51% 2.0 m/s 0.9 moderate 11.1h
November Good 2° - 11° 6° 36 mm partly cloudy 63% 1.6 m/s 0.5 low 10.0h
December Acceptable -2° - 5° 0° 32 mm partly cloudy 71% 1.6 m/s 0.3 low 9.5h
Getting There & Around

How to Get to Urmia Lake National Park

Urmia Lake National Park is accessed from the city of Urmia in West Azerbaijan province; drive along regional roads toward the lake’s shoreline. Services near the park are limited - use Urmia as a base for supplies and lodging.

Tips for Visiting Urmia Lake National Park

  • Check local guidance for birding and wetland routes; bring binoculars for migratory waterfowl in season.
  • Urmia's water levels can change dramatically; consult local environmental updates before planning shoreline walks.
  • Respect protected zones: some areas are restricted for breeding birds and seasonal closures apply.