Iraq

Iraq Weather & Climate: Monthly Averages

Monthly climate averages for Iraq, temperatures, rainfall and the best time to visit.

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Erbil Baghdād As Sulaymānīyah Karbala

Climate overview of Iraq

Iraq is a southwestern Asian country well-known for its historical Mesopotamia region where the world's earliest cities were built. Iraq has a semi-arid climate and a very breathtaking and diverse terrain where the desert, valleys, highlands, and plains meet, making the country home to unique plant species that thrive under high temperatures.

Because Iraq is predominantly made up of desert, the monthly average temperatures in Iraq range from higher than 48°C (118°F) in July and August to below freezing in January. Roughly 90 percent of the annual rainfall occurs between November and April, most of it in the winter months from December through March. The remaining six months, particularly the hottest ones of June, July, and August, make up the dry season of Iraq.

The combination of rain shortage and extreme heat makes much of Iraq a desert where mean annual rainfall for the country ranges around 133 mm (5.2 in). January is Iraq's wettest month of the year which is within the country’s winter season. The north and northeast regions of Iraq experience low precipitation during winter with low precipitation in Ar-Rutbah of 15 mm (0.6 in) rainfall to moderate rainfall in Kirkuk of 67 mm (2.6 in).

Does it snow in Iraq?
Snow is a common occurrence exclusively for Iraq's highest altitudes. In particular, the mountain Cheekha Dar experiences heavy snowfall at an altitude of 3611 meters (11847 ft).

On the other hand, snowfall is incredibly rare for the rest of the country in lower altitudes, particularly in the desert and plains. January is the coldest month of the year when the winter season in Iraq entails moderate temperatures ranging from 13°C (55°F) in Ar-Rutbah to 17°C (63°F) in Nasiriya. At night, temperatures typically drop to 6°C (43°F) in Nasiriya and 1°C (34°F) in Ar-Rutbah.

Does Iraq get hurricanes?
As Iraq is a semi-arid country, it does not get hurricanes in the context of heavy rainfall. Instead, Iraq gets dust storms lifted into the air by strong winds and immense pressure, causing mass displacement of sand and dust. For this reason, the country has adapted to such harsh weather conditions where people in the country wear protective clothing and infrastructure is specifically built to keep dust under control and at bay. When is the best time to visit Iraq?
The best time to visit Iraq is during the mellow months of spring from April to May, as well as during autumn or fall from September to November. In April, the city of Ar-Rutbah has a warm maximum daytime temperature of 25°C (77°F), while Nasiriya gets very warm temperatures of 32°C (90°F). Nighttime temperatures in Nasiriya generally drop to 18°C (64°F) and 10°C (50°F) for Ar-Rutbah.

Because dust storms in Iraq generally occur during summer, we do not recommend traveling to Iraq from overseas in the months of June, July, and August. If you plan on staying in Iraq during these months, we recommend staying indoors at your accommodation instead. As much as possible, wear clothing that protects your eyes, nose, and mouth such as bandannas, neckerchiefs, and goggles.

Explore Iraq by month

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Erbil Baghdād As Sulaymānīyah Karbala Kirkuk Ar-Rutbah

Day temperature (°C)

Monthly rainfall (mm)

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Climate map

Average daily temperature, monthly rainfall & sunshine hours across cities.

Avg day temp (°C)

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Average daytime and nighttime temperatures, yearly rainfall and sunshine.


Erbil	13°C (55°F) – 43°C (109°F)	3°C (37°F) – 27°C (81°F)	564 mm (22 in)	—
Baghdād	18°C (64°F) – 47°C (117°F)	7°C (45°F) – 32°C (90°F)	164 mm (6.5 in)	3,244 hours
As Sulaymānīyah	10°C (50°F) – 40°C (104°F)	-1°C (30°F) – 23°C (73°F)	796 mm (31 in)	—
Karbala	18°C (64°F) – 46°C (115°F)	7°C (45°F) – 31°C (88°F)	112 mm (4.4 in)	3,244 hours
Kirkuk	14°C (57°F) – 44°C (111°F)	5°C (41°F) – 29°C (84°F)	454 mm (18 in)	—
Ar-Rutbah	14°C (57°F) – 40°C (104°F)	3°C (37°F) – 25°C (77°F)	108 mm (4.3 in)	—

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FAQ

What is the best time to visit Iraq?

The warmest month in Al Başrah is July, with daytime highs of 48°C (118°F). Bagdad is the sunniest destination, with 353 hours of sunshine in August. Iraq has a distinct dry season from January to December. Explore Iraq weather by month for a detailed breakdown.

What temperatures can I expect in Iraq?

Al Başrah is the warmest destination, reaching 48°C (118°F) in July with nights around 33°C (91°F). As Sulaymānīyah is the coolest, with January daytime highs of just 10°C (50°F) and nights dropping to -1°C (30°F). Temperatures vary significantly between regions and seasons. See the city comparison for a full overview.

How much rain does Iraq get?

Rainfall varies across Iraq. As Sulaymānīyah is the wettest, receiving 796 mm (31 in) per year, with February the wettest month at 149 mm (5.9 in). Baghdād is the driest at 164 mm (6.5 in) per year. Use the climate map to explore rainfall patterns across regions.

How sunny is Iraq?

Bagdad is the sunniest destination in Iraq, enjoying 3,244 hours of sunshine per year, with August the brightest month at 353 hours. Overall, Iraq enjoys abundant sunshine year-round. Compare sunshine across cities in the charts above.

What is the climate like across Iraq?

Erbil has very hot summers reaching 43°C (109°F) in July and mild winters dropping to 13°C (55°F), with 0 hours of sunshine and 564 mm (22 in) of rain per year. Baghdād has very hot summers reaching 47°C (117°F) in July and pleasant winters dropping to 18°C (64°F), with 3,244 hours of sunshine and 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain per year. As Sulaymānīyah has very hot summers reaching 40°C (104°F) in August and cold winters dropping to 10°C (50°F), with 0 hours of sunshine and 796 mm (31 in) of rain per year. Explore the climate charts and comparison table for more cities.