Determining the Right Time for Tourism Using the Rayman Method (Case Study: Alangdareh Forest Park, Golestan Province)

One of the most important parameters affecting the quality of tourism is the climate and weather conditions of the tourist destination. Most of the studies have focused on the seasons and months that are suitable for tourism. However, to determine the right time for tourism, this study has examined the differences in hours conditions during the whole of the year in Alangdareh Forest Park, Golestan province. To do this, meteorological data from the statistical period (2017-2022) was used to calculate the average value of the SET index (standard effective temperature). Then, this index was evaluated as an indicator of thermal comfort using Rayman software. Meteorological data, including temperature, relative humidity, wind speed, and cloudiness were entered into the software five times a day. Based on the results, the comfortable days were divided into two separate periods. The first period starts in the middle of April and continues until the middle of May, and the second period is in October. The results of the SET index in terms of hours showed the best time for tourists to visit the park during the winter season is between 12:30 PM and 3:30 PM and during the summer season at 6:30 AM. This information can help tourists choose the best travel time according to their personal preferences. Additionally, the results indicate a continuous increase in the SET index during the six years of the statistical period which indicates a warming climate and a decrease in thermal comfort.