Climate and monthly weather forecast
Erbil, Iraq

Climate and monthly weather forecast

The climate of Erbil

Erbil, situated in Iraq, has a Köppen climate classification of Csa, which is described as a Mediterranean, hot summer climate zone. This signifies that this city experiences hot, dry summers and cool, somewhat rainy winters. This climate pattern is characterized by noticeable temperature differences throughout the year and variations in humidity and rainfall as well.

Throughout the year, students of the weather will notice that the highest temperature average occurs in July at 42.1°C (107.8°F), while January typically records the coldest average low at 5.2°C (41.4°F). The vast range between the warmest and coldest temperatures illustrates the diversity of Erbil's climate. Looking at the rainfall, it is clear that the wettest month is March with 72mm (2.83"), in contrast to several summer months that report nearly no rain at all.

Further revealing the city's unique climate is the humidity level, which varies considerably from a relative high of 57% in January to a mere 15% from July to August. Adding to this intricate climate dance is the snowfall - while it is a rare occurrence, January and March may see a slight dusting with 7mm (0.28") and 1mm (0.04") respectively.

The best time to visit Erbil

For tourists focused on comfortable climate conditions and outdoor activities, also considering sunshine hours and daylight period, April and May are the most appealing months to visit Erbil. Temperatures during these months range from 18.3°C (64.9°F) to 31.5°C (88.7°F), providing a warm yet bearable climate for sightseeing. Additionally, rainfall decreases significantly after the wet season in March, resulting in a drier period of the year with rainfall amounts reducing from 49mm (1.93") in April to 17mm (0.67") in May. Relative humidity too drops noticeably from 47% in April to 30% in May, while hours of sunshine increase, making these months both pleasant and enjoyable.

The worst time to visit Erbil

Given Erbil's hot Mediterranean climate, the sweltering summer period from June to August would likely be the least favorable time to visit. As temperatures soar to a sizzling average high of over 38.4°C (101.1°F) in June to 41.9°C (107.4°F) in August, outdoor activities might prove difficult to bear. Moreover, rainfall is almost non-existent, and the humidity level drops to a low range of 15% to 18%, making the atmosphere quite arid.

Spring weather in Erbil

The spring season in Erbil, which spans from March to May, welcomes visitors with a transition from moderately cool to warm weather. March starts off with a decent average high temperature of 18.3°C (64.9°F), rising to 31.5°C (88.7°F) by the end of May. As spring progresses, the amount of rainfall decreases, giving way to more sunlit days. The city basks under more than 11 hours of sunlight towards the end of spring, with the relative humidity dropping to around 30%.

Summer weather in Erbil

Erbil's summer season, extending from June to August, is generally hot and dry. The heat reaches its peak with high temperatures averaging from 38.4°C (101.1°F) in June to 41.9°C (107.4°F) in August. The city receives virtually no rainfall during these months, and the humidity drops to 15% in July and August. Despite the extreme heat, there is a considerable amount of sunshine, an average of 12.3 hours of sunlight per day throughout this season.

Autumn weather in Erbil

Autumn in Erbil, occurring from September to November, signals a gradual reduction in temperature from a sweltering hot summer. September starts with a high average temperature of 36.6°C (97.9°F), which lowers to a more bearable 19.5°C (67.1°F) by November. Rainfall shows a gradual increase through to November, and humidity also returns to moderate levels, typically around 42% by the end of this season.

Winter weather in Erbil

Winter in Erbil runs from December through February, and generally features mild temperatures and a reasonable amount of rainfall. December starts with an average high temperature of 13.8°C (56.8°F), dropping to a chilly 11.9°C (53.4°F) in February. Winter brings the most significant rainfall of the year with December and January witnessing a rise in precipitation up to 59mm (2.32") and 58mm (2.28"), respectively. Furthermore, relative humidity peaks to 57% in January, providing a damp and cool atmosphere during this season.

Weather in January

January in Erbil, Iraq, is characterized by distinctly cold weather, with a typical winter ambiance. This month experiences the chilliest average minimum temperatures, dropping to a low of 5.2°C (41.4°F). As the starting point of the year, January showcases a considerably higher relative humidity of 57% compared to the months that follow. Weather in January »

Weather in February

February in Iraq's city of Erbil witnesses a subtle rise in temperature, which gradually blends into the upcoming spring season. With an increase in minimum temperature to 6.3°C (43.3°F), the climatic conditions of Erbil become slightly less harsh. Weather in February »

Weather in March

March marks the onset of a pleasant spring in Erbil, with the weather progressively becoming warmer. Upholding an average daily high temperature of 18.3°C (64.9°F), the city experiences agreeable temperatures that are perfect for exploring its rich history and culture. Weather in March »

Weather in April

April in Erbil brings a distinct shift from the rainy month of March, reducing rainfall to 49mm (1.93") while pushing up temperatures. The city begins to exhibit average high temperatures of 24.5°C (76.1°F), signaling an approaching summer. Weather in April »

Weather in May

May in Erbil is marked by an evident incline in temperatures as the city veers towards its summer months. Showcasing a significant jump, the average high-temperature soars to 31.5°C (88.7°F), offering a bright and warm ambiance. Simultaneously, there occurs a drastic alternation in rainfall patterns, with the precipitation figures plummeting from the preceding month to 17mm (0.67"). Weather in May »

Weather in June

June welcomes the onset of summer in Erbil, characterized by soaring temperatures and excessive dryness. The catchiest meteorological phenomenon this month is the leap in maximum temperatures reaching a staggering 38.4°C (101.1°F). Weather in June »

Weather in July

July in Erbil displays the climax of summer, with the city undergoing its highest temperatures of the year. The weather escalates to its utmost level, reaching an extreme high of 42.1°C (107.8°F), giving the city the title of a true summer hotspot. Weather in July »

Weather in August

The city of Erbil in August continues to battle high temperatures, maintaining a consistent summer pattern. Showing a mild dip, the estimated high temperature hovers around 41.9°C (107.4°F), mirroring the weather experienced in July. Weather in August »

Weather in September

September in Erbil brings a gradual cessation to the city's fierce summer, with temperatures beginning to ease. As temperatures retreat to a high of 36.6°C (97.9°F), Erbil initiates the transition towards cooler months, a much-awaited relief following the intense summer. Weather in September »

Weather in October

As October sweeps over Erbil, a significant transformation occurs, chronologically bordering the summer and autumn months. Cooler days and pleasant weather dominate the forecast with a notable decline in maximum temperatures to 28.9°C (84°F). Weather in October »

Weather in November

November in Erbil invites the late autumn season, with the city witnessing a substantial downswing in temperatures. Heralding the colder season, average high temperatures plunge to 19.5°C (67.1°F), significantly cooler than the preceding months. Weather in November »

Weather in December

December denotes the advent of winter in Erbil, with temperatures further dropping and a visible increase in precipitation. Displaying a drastic reduction, the city encounters an average high temperature of 13.8°C (56.8°F), reaffirming the winter onset. Weather in December »

Frequently asked questions

What is the coldest time of year?
Erbil reaches its average lowest temperatures in January, measuring 11.9°C (53.4°F) at the peak and 5.2°C (41.4°F) at the lowest.
What is the most humid month?
With an average relative humidity of 57%, January is the most humid month in Erbil.
How many days does it rain?
Throughout the year, there are 82.8 rainfall days, and 365mm (14.37") of precipitation is accumulated.
When does it snow?
January through March and December are months with snowfall.
When does it snow the most?
The months with the most snowfall are January and February, with an average 7mm (0.28") of accumulated snow.
How much does it snow?
In Erbil, during the entire year, snow falls for 1.6 days and aggregates up to 16mm (0.63") of snow.
What is the month with the least sunshine?
January and December, with an average of 6h of sunshine, are months with the least sunshine in Erbil, Iraq.
What are the months with the lowest UV index?
The months with the lowest UV index are January and December, with an average maximum UV index of 3.
What is the wettest month?
The month with the most rainfall is March, when the rain falls for 15.2 days and typically aggregates up to 72mm (2.83") of precipitation.
When it does not snow?
In Erbil, snow does not fall in April through November.
When are the longest days?
June has the longest days of the year, with an average of 14h and 36min of daylight.
What time of the year is the hottest?
In Erbil, July is the month with the highest recorded average temperatures, measuring a high of 42.1°C (107.8°F) and a low of 27.8°C (82°F).
What are the least humid months?
July and August, with an average relative humidity of 15%, are the least humid months.
What is the driest month?
In Erbil, rain does not fall in July and August.
What is the month with the highest UV index?
July is the month with the highest UV index, with an average maximum UV index of 9.
What month has the most sunshine?
August has the most sunshine of the year, with an average of 12.5h of sunshine.
When does it rain?
January through June, September through December are months with rainfall.
What is the month with the shortest days?
With an average of 9h and 42min of daylight, December has the shortest days of the year in Erbil.
Is there Daylight Saving Time (DST)?
Erbil does not observe Daylight Saving Time (DST). +03 timezone is used throughout the entire year.
Average temperature - Erbil, Iraq
Average temperature
Erbil, Iraq

The warmest month (with the highest average high temperature) is July (42.1°C).
The month with the lowest average high temperature is January (11.9°C).

The month with the highest average low temperature is July (27.8°C).
The coldest month (with the lowest average low temperature) is January (5.2°C).

Average pressure - Erbil, Iraq
Average pressure
Erbil, Iraq

The month with the highest atmospheric pressure is December (1020.9mbar).
The month with the lowest atmospheric pressure is July (1001.7mbar).

Average wind speed - Erbil, Iraq
Average wind speed
Erbil, Iraq

The windiest month (with the highest average wind speed) is June (10.3km/h).
The calmest month (with the lowest average wind speed) is November (6.9km/h).

Average humidity - Erbil, Iraq
Average humidity
Erbil, Iraq

The month with the highest relative humidity is January (57%).
The months with the lowest relative humidity are July and August (15%).

Average rainfall - Erbil, Iraq
Average rainfall
Erbil, Iraq

The wettest month (with the highest rainfall) is March (72mm).
The driest months (with the least rainfall) are July and August (0mm).

Average rainfall days - Erbil, Iraq
Average rainfall days
Erbil, Iraq

The month with the highest number of rainy days is March (15.2 days).
The month with the least rainy days is August (0.1 days).

Average snowfall - Erbil, Iraq
Average snowfall
Erbil, Iraq

The months with the highest snowfall are January and February (7mm).
The months with the least snowfall are April, May, June, July, August, September, October and November (0mm).

Average snowfall days - Erbil, Iraq
Average snowfall days
Erbil, Iraq

The month with the highest number of snowfall days is February (0.8 days).
The months with the least snowfall days are April, May, June, July, August, September, October and November (0 days).

Average daylight / Average sunshine - Erbil, Iraq
Average daylight / Average sunshine
Erbil, Iraq

The month with the longest days is June (Average daylight: 14h and 36min).
The month with the shortest days is December (Average daylight: 9h and 42min).

The month with the most sunshine is August (Average sunshine: 12h and 30min).
The months with the least sunshine are January and December (Average sunshine: 6h and 0min).

Average sunshine days - Erbil, Iraq
Average sunshine days
Erbil, Iraq

The month with the most sunshine days is August (30.8 days).
The month with the least sunshine days is March (14 days).

Average visibility - Erbil, Iraq
Average visibility
Erbil, Iraq

The months with the highest visibility are January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November and December (10km).
The months with the lowest visibility are January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November and December (10km).

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