The Persian calendar and its months

Iran runs on its own solar calendar, and its months follow the seasons with real precision.

Iran uses the Solar Hijri calendar, one of the most astronomically accurate calendars in use. Its year begins at the spring equinox, around 21 March, with the festival of Nowruz.

Spring and summer

The spring months are Farvardin فروردین, Ordibehesht اردیبهشت, and Khordad خرداد. Summer is Tir تیر, Mordad مرداد, and Shahrivar شهریور.

Autumn and winter

Autumn brings Mehr مهر, Aban آبان, and Azar آذر. Winter is Dey دی, Bahman بهمن, and Esfand اسفند.

Why the lengths differ

The first six months have 31 days, the next five have 30, and Esfand has 29 or 30 in a leap year. Because the months track the seasons, the school year starts in autumn with Mehr, which is why Iranians often call the start of school "Mehr."

Knowing the months helps with dates, holidays, and conversation, and it connects directly to Nowruz, the most important celebration in the Persian year.