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 »