Iraq, located in the heart of the Middle East, is bordered by several countries, including Turkey to the north, Iran to the east, Kuwait to the southeast, Saudi Arabia to the south, Jordan to the southwest, and Syria to the west. The country has a diverse landscape that includes desert plains, fertile river valleys, and mountainous regions. The two major rivers of Iraq, the Tigris and Euphrates, are central to the country’s geography, forming the fertile Mesopotamian plain that has historically supported agriculture and human settlements.

Iraq’s climate is predominantly desert, with very hot summers and mild winters. The north and northeastern regions are more mountainous, with cooler temperatures and more rainfall. The central and southern regions are characterized by dry, arid conditions with high temperatures in the summer. Iraq experiences four distinct seasons, but its extreme summer heat and dry desert conditions make it unique. Understanding the monthly weather patterns in Iraq is essential for planning travel and agricultural activities, as the country’s climate can vary dramatically depending on the region and time of year.

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Iraq’s Weather by Month

January: Winter’s Peak

Northern Iraq (Erbil, Duhok, Sulaymaniyah)

• Average Temperature: 8°C (46°F) during the day, 0°C (32°F) at night
• Rainfall: Moderate, around 70-100 mm
• Snowfall: Common in mountainous areas
• Winds: Light to moderate winds
• Humidity: Moderate, around 60-70%

Central Iraq (Baghdad, Fallujah)

• Average Temperature: 14°C (57°F) during the day, 5°C (41°F) at night
• Rainfall: Light, around 30-50 mm
• Winds: Light breezes with occasional stronger gusts
• Humidity: Low, around 50%

Southern Iraq (Basra, Nasiriyah)

• Average Temperature: 17°C (63°F) during the day, 8°C (46°F) at night
• Rainfall: Light, around 10-20 mm
• Winds: Light to moderate
• Humidity: Moderate, around 60%

Summary: January is the coldest month in Iraq, especially in the northern regions, where temperatures can drop below freezing at night, and snowfall is common in the mountainous areas. The central and southern regions experience milder winters, with cool nights and comfortable daytime temperatures. Rainfall is moderate in the north, but it remains light in the central and southern parts of the country.

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February: Gradual Warming

Northern Iraq

• Average Temperature: 10°C (50°F) during the day, 2°C (36°F) at night
• Rainfall: Moderate, around 60-80 mm
• Snowfall: Occasional in high altitudes
• Winds: Light to moderate
• Humidity: Moderate, around 65%

Central Iraq

• Average Temperature: 17°C (63°F) during the day, 7°C (45°F) at night
• Rainfall: Light, around 30-40 mm
• Winds: Light breezes, with occasional gusts
• Humidity: Low to moderate, around 50-55%

Southern Iraq

• Average Temperature: 19°C (66°F) during the day, 10°C (50°F) at night
• Rainfall: Minimal, around 10-20 mm
• Winds: Light, with occasional stronger breezes
• Humidity: Moderate, around 60%

Summary: February brings a slight increase in temperatures across Iraq, with northern regions still experiencing cold conditions, though snow begins to melt. Central and southern Iraq become more comfortable, with warm days and cool nights. Rainfall decreases in most areas, making it a favorable month for outdoor activities, especially in the south.

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March: Spring Approaches

Northern Iraq

• Average Temperature: 15°C (59°F) during the day, 6°C (43°F) at night
• Rainfall: Moderate, around 50-70 mm
• Snowfall: Rare, except in the highest elevations
• Winds: Light to moderate
• Humidity: Moderate, around 60%

Central Iraq

• Average Temperature: 22°C (72°F) during the day, 11°C (52°F) at night
• Rainfall: Light, around 20-30 mm
• Winds: Light breezes
• Humidity: Low, around 50%

Southern Iraq

• Average Temperature: 24°C (75°F) during the day, 14°C (57°F) at night
• Rainfall: Minimal, around 10 mm
• Winds: Light to moderate
• Humidity: Moderate, around 55%

Summary: March brings warmer temperatures to Iraq, particularly in the central and southern regions, where spring is in full bloom. The northern areas begin to thaw, with snow retreating to the highest mountains. Rainfall remains light, especially in the southern regions, making it an ideal time for travel and agricultural activities. Daytime temperatures are pleasant across the country, though nights can still be cool.

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April: Spring in Full Bloom

Northern Iraq

• Average Temperature: 20°C (68°F) during the day, 10°C (50°F) at night
• Rainfall: Moderate, around 40-60 mm
• Winds: Light, with occasional stronger gusts
• Humidity: Moderate, around 60%

Central Iraq

• Average Temperature: 28°C (82°F) during the day, 16°C (61°F) at night
• Rainfall: Minimal, around 10-20 mm
• Winds: Light, with warm breezes
• Humidity: Low, around 45-50%

Southern Iraq

• Average Temperature: 30°C (86°F) during the day, 18°C (64°F) at night
• Rainfall: Minimal, less than 10 mm
• Winds: Light to moderate
• Humidity: Moderate, around 50%

Summary: April marks the peak of spring in Iraq, with pleasant temperatures and minimal rainfall. The northern regions experience mild and comfortable weather, while the central and southern areas begin to warm up significantly. The dry conditions in the south make it an excellent time for outdoor activities before the extreme summer heat sets in.

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May: Transition to Summer

Northern Iraq

• Average Temperature: 26°C (79°F) during the day, 15°C (59°F) at night
• Rainfall: Light, around 20-40 mm
• Winds: Light, with occasional stronger gusts
• Humidity: Moderate, around 55%

Central Iraq

• Average Temperature: 34°C (93°F) during the day, 22°C (72°F) at night
• Rainfall: Minimal, less than 10 mm
• Winds: Light to moderate
• Humidity: Low, around 40-45%

Southern Iraq

• Average Temperature: 37°C (99°F) during the day, 24°C (75°F) at night
• Rainfall: Almost none, less than 5 mm
• Winds: Light to moderate, with hot winds
• Humidity: Low, around 40%

Summary: May marks the transition to summer, especially in southern and central Iraq, where temperatures begin to rise sharply. While northern Iraq still enjoys mild weather, the south starts to experience the onset of summer heat. Rainfall becomes almost nonexistent, particularly in the southern regions, where dry and hot winds become more common.

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June: The Heat Intensifies

Northern Iraq

• Average Temperature: 32°C (90°F) during the day, 20°C (68°F) at night
• Rainfall: Very low, around 10-20 mm
• Winds: Light, with occasional gusts
• Humidity: Low, around 45%

Central Iraq

• Average Temperature: 40°C (104°F) during the day, 27°C (81°F) at night
• Rainfall: None
• Winds: Light to moderate, with dry heat
• Humidity: Low, around 30-35%

Southern Iraq

• Average Temperature: 43°C (109°F) during the day, 30°C (86°F) at night
• Rainfall: None
• Winds: Moderate, with hot desert winds
• Humidity: Very low, around 20-30%

Summary: June brings the full force of summer heat to Iraq, especially in the central and southern regions, where temperatures regularly exceed 40°C (104°F). Rainfall is nonexistent across most of the country, and dry, hot winds become more common. Northern Iraq is still relatively mild but begins to feel the warmth of summer.

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July: Peak Summer Heat

Northern Iraq

• Average Temperature: 38°C (100°F) during the day, 24°C (75°F) at night
• Rainfall: None
• Winds: Light to moderate, with hot breezes
• Humidity: Low, around 35-40%

Central Iraq

• Average Temperature: 44°C (111°F) during the day, 30°C (86°F) at night
• Rainfall: None
• Winds: Moderate, with intense heat
• Humidity: Very low, around 20-25%

Southern Iraq

• Average Temperature: 46°C (115°F) during the day, 32°C (90°F) at night
• Rainfall: None
• Winds: Moderate, with hot desert winds
• Humidity: Very low, around 15-20%

Summary: July is the hottest month in Iraq, with scorching temperatures across the country. The central and southern regions experience extreme heat, with daytime temperatures often exceeding 45°C (113°F). The northern areas, while cooler than the south, still experience very high temperatures. The dry heat and lack of rainfall make July challenging for outdoor activities, and precautions are necessary to avoid heat-related illnesses.

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August: Continued Extreme Heat

Northern Iraq

• Average Temperature: 38°C (100°F) during the day, 23°C (73°F) at night
• Rainfall: None
• Winds: Light, with occasional gusts
• Humidity: Low, around 35-40%

Central Iraq

• Average Temperature: 43°C (109°F) during the day, 29°C (84°F) at night
• Rainfall: None
• Winds: Moderate, with hot winds
• Humidity: Very low, around 20-25%

Southern Iraq

• Average Temperature: 46°C (115°F) during the day, 31°C (88°F) at night
• Rainfall: None
• Winds: Moderate to strong, with hot desert winds
• Humidity: Very low, around 15-20%

Summary: August continues the extreme heat experienced in July, with temperatures remaining well above 40°C (104°F) in much of the country. The southern and central regions are particularly hot, with dry desert winds adding to the intensity. The north is somewhat cooler, but still experiences very high temperatures. Like July, August is not a favorable month for outdoor activities due to the extreme heat.

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September: Cooling Begins

Northern Iraq

• Average Temperature: 33°C (91°F) during the day, 19°C (66°F) at night
• Rainfall: Minimal, less than 10 mm
• Winds: Light to moderate
• Humidity: Moderate, around 45%

Central Iraq

• Average Temperature: 39°C (102°F) during the day, 25°C (77°F) at night
• Rainfall: Minimal, less than 5 mm
• Winds: Light, with occasional hot breezes
• Humidity: Low, around 30%

Southern Iraq

• Average Temperature: 41°C (106°F) during the day, 28°C (82°F) at night
• Rainfall: None
• Winds: Light to moderate, with warm winds
• Humidity: Very low, around 20-25%

Summary: September brings some relief from the extreme heat, especially in the northern and central regions, where temperatures begin to cool slightly. However, the southern areas remain hot, though not as intense as in July and August. Rainfall is still minimal, but the decrease in temperatures makes outdoor activities more bearable.

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October: Pleasant Autumn Weather

Northern Iraq

• Average Temperature: 26°C (79°F) during the day, 15°C (59°F) at night
• Rainfall: Light, around 20-30 mm
• Winds: Light, with cool breezes
• Humidity: Moderate, around 55%

Central Iraq

• Average Temperature: 32°C (90°F) during the day, 19°C (66°F) at night
• Rainfall: Minimal, around 10-20 mm
• Winds: Light, with gentle breezes
• Humidity: Moderate, around 40-45%

Southern Iraq

• Average Temperature: 35°C (95°F) during the day, 22°C (72°F) at night
• Rainfall: Minimal, less than 10 mm
• Winds: Light to moderate
• Humidity: Low, around 30%

Summary: October brings cooler, more comfortable weather to Iraq, particularly in the north, where temperatures drop significantly. The central and southern regions still experience warm days, but the extreme heat of summer is gone. Rainfall remains light, making it a good month for travel and outdoor activities.

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November: Cooler Temperatures Set In

Northern Iraq

• Average Temperature: 18°C (64°F) during the day, 9°C (48°F) at night
• Rainfall: Moderate, around 40-60 mm
• Winds: Light, with cooler breezes
• Humidity: Moderate, around 60%

Central Iraq

• Average Temperature: 24°C (75°F) during the day, 14°C (57°F) at night
• Rainfall: Light, around 20-30 mm
• Winds: Light to moderate
• Humidity: Moderate, around 45-50%

Southern Iraq

• Average Temperature: 26°C (79°F) during the day, 16°C (61°F) at night
• Rainfall: Minimal, around 10-20 mm
• Winds: Light, with cooler nights
• Humidity: Moderate, around 40%

Summary: November sees a significant drop in temperatures across Iraq, with pleasant daytime weather and cool nights. Rainfall begins to increase in the north, while the central and southern regions remain mostly dry. This is an ideal month for travel, as the cooler temperatures and light rainfall make for comfortable conditions.

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December: The Onset of Winter

Northern Iraq

• Average Temperature: 10°C (50°F) during the day, 2°C (36°F) at night
• Rainfall: Moderate, around 60-80 mm
• Snowfall: Possible in mountainous regions
• Winds: Light to moderate, with cool breezes
• Humidity: Moderate, around 65%

Central Iraq

• Average Temperature: 16°C (61°F) during the day, 8°C (46°F) at night
• Rainfall: Light, around 20-30 mm
• Winds: Light, with cool winds
• Humidity: Moderate, around 50-55%

Southern Iraq

• Average Temperature: 18°C (64°F) during the day, 10°C (50°F) at night
• Rainfall: Minimal, around 10-20 mm
• Winds: Light to moderate
• Humidity: Moderate, around 50%

Summary: December brings the onset of winter in Iraq, particularly in the northern regions, where temperatures drop significantly, and snow becomes a possibility in the mountains. Central and southern Iraq remain cool and pleasant, with light rainfall. This is a quiet and comfortable month for travel, with cool temperatures and minimal humidity making outdoor activities enjoyable.