Climate and monthly weather forecast
Sulaymaniyah, Iraq

Sulaymaniyah, Iraq, has a Mediterranean climate, hot-summer type, as per the Köppen climate classification, denoted as Csa. It sits at an elevated position, affecting temperatures and rainfall factors. The geographical location accounts for its characteristic climate marked by distinct varying degrees of temperatures, levels of rainfall, and daylight hours in different months of the year.

Average high temperatures fluctuate from an annual low of 7.8°C (46°F) in January up to a peak of 38.8°C (101.8°F) during July and August. Conversely, typical low temperatures increase from -0.2°C (31.6°F) in January to 24.1°C (75.4°F) in August. The most significant swings occur between winter and summer seasons, showcasing a broad range in temperatures.

Rainfall in Sulaymaniyah varies tremendously from month to month. The city receives most precipitation at the year's start, with a peak of 146mm (5.75") in February, and towards the end with a peak of 129mm (5.08") in January and 110mm (4.33") in December. A sizeable decrease in rainfall is observed from May to September when typically no rain is recorded.

Daylight hours show more gradual fluctuations throughout the year. Fewest daylight hours are observed in December with 9.8 hours, while longest daylight periods are in June and July with 14.5 hours.

Taking into account the climatic conditions, the optimal time to visit Sulaymaniyah would be from April to May and October to November. During these months, tourists can enjoy mild and comfortable temperatures. April records an average high temperature of 20.8°C (69.4°F) and low of 9.7°C (49.5°F), with pleasant periods of daylight lasting 13.1 hours. Proportionally, October offers a desirable weather with an average high of 28.2°C (82.8°F) and low temperature of 14.1°C (57.4°F) alongside 11.3 hours of daylight.

June to September would empirically be the least favorable time to visit Sulaymaniyah due to excessive heat. Temperatures peak from June to August, reaching highs of 35°C (95°F) to 38.8°C (101.8°F). Additionally, these months experience minimum rainfall, effectively causing aridity that may not be suitable for all travelers.

Spring in Sulaymaniyah, from March to May, is marked by a steady rise in temperature and decrease in rainfall. March sees average high and low temperatures of 15.5°C (59.9°F) and 5.3°C (41.5°F), respectively. Rainfall registers at 132mm (5.2"), and daylight hours extend to 12 hours. By May, temperatures rise to average highs of 28.4°C (83.1°F) and lows of 14.5°C (58.1°F). Rainfall drops significantly to 41mm (1.61"), while daylight hours extend to 14 hours.

Summers, from June to August, in Sulaymaniyah are hot and dry, with the high temperature reaching a peak of 38.8°C (101.8°F) in July and August. Low temperatures also rise significantly to 20.3°C (68.5°F) in June and 24.1°C (75.4°F) in August. These months record zero rainfall, further intensifying the heat. Daylight hours peak in June and July at 14.5 hours.

Autumn, specifically from September to November, brings a gradual decrease in temperature. In September, the average high and low temperatures are 34.7°C (94.5°F) and 19.7°C (67.5°F), respectively. By November, these decrease to 18.7°C (65.7°F) and 7.6°C (45.7°F). Rainfall is scarce in September but begins to increase slowly in October and November, registering 13mm (0.51") and 74mm (2.91"), respectively. Daylight hours also reduce from 11.3 in October to 10.3 in November.

Winters are cold in Sulaymaniyah with average high temperatures dipping to 7.8°C (46°F) in January and low temperatures falling to -0.2°C (31.6°F). These months also see the return of heavier rainfall, peaking in December with 110mm (4.33"). Despite the cold, the days are relatively short with daylight hours ranging from 10.1 in January to 9.8 in December.

January in Sulaymaniyah, Iraq kicks off the calendar year with mild climate conditions, a hallmark of the winter season here. As a contrast to the incoming warmer months, January offers cooler days and colder nights. Transitioning from the chilling cold of December 2.3°C (36.1°F), the temperature sways between -0.2°C (31.6°F) and 7.8°C (46°F). Weather in January »

As Sulaymaniyah moves into February, a gradual shift from the harsh winter season is noticeable. The month showcases a weather pattern that epitomizes the transition phase from winter to early spring. The temperature slightly elevates from January values to a range of 1°C (33.8°F) to 10.3°C (50.5°F). Weather in February »

The weather in March in Sulaymaniyah, Iraq displays a clear onset of the pleasant spring season. Though it follows closely on the heels of the wet February, March sees a palpable enhancement in terms of temperature and daylight hours. Weather in March »

April in Sulaymaniyah brings a distinctive change with warmer days symbolizing the advent of early summer. The city experiences an appreciable climb on the heat scale with temperatures oscillating from 9.7°C (49.5°F) to 20.8°C (69.4°F). Weather in April »

May is synonymous with the definitive arrival of summer in Sulaymaniyah. With the departure of rain and rise in temperature, the weather accentuates the arid summer vibes. The temperature brackets from 14.5°C (58.1°F) to 28.4°C (83.1°F), indicating a notable jump from April's 20.8°C (69.4°F). Weather in May »

June epitomizes the sultry summer of Sulaymaniyah. It witnesses an extreme makeover in the weather, from moderate to torrid. The temperature margin extends from 20.3°C (68.5°F) to a scorching 35°C (95°F), the city's introduction to peak summer. Weather in June »

As the year progresses, July pushes into the heart of summer. The city of Sulaymaniyah endures its hottest period of the year. The temperature scale reaches the summit, hovering from 23.9°C (75°F) to an extreme 38.8°C (101.8°F). Weather in July »

August in Sulaymaniyah follows in July's footsteps, maintaining boiling summer temperatures. However, a slight plunge in daytime length indicates the early signs of transition to the milder fall season. Matching the July climate, it wrestles with temperatures ranging from 24.1°C (75.4°F) to 38.8°C (101.8°F), affirming the continuation of sweltering weather. Weather in August »

September, the gateway month to autumn in Sulaymaniyah, brings a welcome relief from the searing heat of the past months. A perceptible dip in temperature marks the end of summer and advent of the fall season. Oscillating from 19.7°C (67.5°F) to 34.7°C (94.5°F), a significant drop from August's scorching 38.8°C (101.8°F) is observable. Weather in September »

October, casting an autumnal spell over Sulaymaniyah, witnesses the weather stabilizing to a pleasant cool. Following the decline initiated in September, the temperature continues to decrease spanning from 14.1°C (57.4°F) to 28.2°C (82.8°F). Weather in October »

November in Sulaymaniyah signifies a shift towards a colder front. The month demonstrates a significant temperature drop, steering the city further into the abode of winter. Bracketed between 7.6°C (45.7°F) and 18.7°C (65.7°F), a noticeable deviation from October's 28.2°C (82.8°F) is prominent. Weather in November »

December, bringing in the winter chill, sets the stage for the coldest month ahead in Sulaymaniyah. The dip in temperature continues its course, ranging from 2.3°C (36.1°F) to 11.1°C (52°F). Signifying the beginning of the peak winter season, rainfall registers at 110mm (4.33"), a pronounced rise from November's 74mm (2.91"). Weather in December »