Isfahan: best months to visit

Isfahan (Esfahan), historic city of Iran: 2.2 million inhabitants at 1590m altitude in the heart of the Iranian plateau. Capital of the Safavid empire under Shah Abbas I (1598-1629), artistic and architectural peak of Persian civilisation. The Persian proverb says "Isfahan half of the world" ("Esfahan, nesf-e jahan") so much was it considered spectacular in the 17th century. May is my favourite month (9.4/10): 15-30°C, 7% rain, ideal temperatures before the heatwave. From April-May and September-October, these are the best seasons: 4-33°C, 0-18% rain, ideal dry climate. From June to August, it's the heatwave: 20-38°C (July 38°C+), avoid July (3.8/10). From December to February, expect -3/14°C and 11-15% rain: mild day, cool night, snow possible. Highlights: Naghsh-e Jahan Square ("Image of the World", UNESCO 1979, one of the largest squares in the world 89,000 m² 510×165m, designed by Shah Abbas I 1598-1629, 4 major monuments on its sides — iconic photo of trips to Iran), Shah Mosque / Imam Mosque (south side of the square, 1611-1638, considered masterpiece of world Islamic architecture, turquoise blue dome 54m high, 7-colour mosaics unique in the world, striking echo under the central dome), Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque (east side, 1602-1619, private mosque of the women of the royal harem, no minaret or courtyard, sand-pink dome colour changing at sunset), Ali Qapu Palace (west side, 1597, terrace-balcony where the shah received foreign ambassadors), Qeysarieh Bazaar (north side), Jameh Mosque / Friday Mosque (UNESCO 2012, 2 km away, covers 1300 years of Islamic architectural evolution from 8th to 18th century, one of the oldest mosques in Iran), Khaju Bridge (1650, 24 arches over the Zayandeh river, unique atmosphere at sunset with traditional songs in under-arch), Si-o-se Pol Bridge ("33 arches", 1602, 298m, longest bridge of its kind in the world), Vank Cathedral (in Jolfa Armenian quarter, 1655, Apostolic Armenian cathedral with biblical frescoes unique mixing Persian and European influences). Try beryani esfahani (local dish, shredded lamb and flatbread), faloodeh (sorbet), gaz (Persian nougat, Isfahan iconic), sohan (saffron-pistachio caramel), Persian tea tchaï.