Why do Tehran’s northern neighborhoods tend to be cooler and greener than southern neighborhoods?

Tehran’s northern neighborhoods are cooler and greener primarily due to the city's unique geography, which sits on the steep southern slopes of the Alborz Mountains.1

The city experiences a dramatic elevation difference of approximately 2,000 feet (600 meters) between its northern heights and southern edges. Historically, the northern foothills were favored for summer residences because they offered a more moderate climate and more plentiful trees compared to the south. In contrast, the southern parts of the city are situated in the vicinity of the Kavir, a desert region that contributes to hotter, dustier summers and naturally features fewer trees.12

This north-south divide remains a defining characteristic of the city's structure today. While the north benefits from higher elevations and proximity to the mountains, the south is more susceptible to environmental challenges, including higher temperatures and increased pollution, exacerbated by the city's location between the mountains and the desert.23