The climate of Harir
Located in the northern Kurdistan region of
Iraq,
Harir is characterized by a Mediterranean climate with hot summers, as per the Köppen climate classification. This climate type is designated as Csa and is generally characterized by hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. A closer look at the climatological data reveals a deep contrast between the seasons.
Throughout the year, temperatures in Harir seesaw between extremes. The highest average temperature peaks at 38.3°C (100.9°F) in
July, and dips to a low average of 1.6°C (34.9°F) in
January. Relative humidity fluctuates from a dry 18% in July to a moist 63% in January.
Rainfall varies dramatically as well, with significant precipitation in the colder months, namely January and
March with 105mm (4.13") and 117mm (4.61") respectively. In stark contrast, the hot and dry period from
June to
September experiences nearly no rainfall, bringing the desert-like conditions often associated with the region.
The region experiences a high level of sunlight and long daylight hours, especially from June to
August with up to 14.6 daylight hours and a high UV index of 8. Coupled with low cloud cover, these months provide virtually uninterrupted sunshine.
The best time to visit Harir
The ideal period to visit
Harir largely depends on the visitor's tolerance to heat and preference for rain. However, considering all weather parameters, Spring, particularly in
April, seems to be the most favorable time to visit. Temperatures are comfortably warm during this period, averaging between 9.4°C (48.9°F) to 20°C (68°F), with a moderate rainfall of 72mm (2.83").
Moreover, days are longer with up to 13.1 hours of daylight and around 11 hours of sunlight. The UV index is also more manageable than in the scorching summer, standing at a moderate value of 5.
The worst time to visit Harir
The harsh summer months of
June to
August can be challenging for visitors not accustomed to intense heat. Average high temperatures reach 34.3°C (93.7°F) to 38.3°C (100.9°F), exacerbated by negligible rainfall and intense UV radiation reaching an index of 8.
On the other side of the spectrum,
January could also be a tough month due to its cooler temperatures, falling to an average low of 1.6°C (34.9°F). The month also sees the highest rainfall of the year at 105mm (4.13").
Spring weather in Harir
Spring, stretching from
March to
May, brings an awakening in the
Harir landscape. Average temperatures increase from 14.1°C (57.4°F) to 27°C (80.6°F), but remain comfortable with moderate rainfall, dropping from 117mm (4.61") to 27mm (1.06") over the season.
Days gradually lengthen, with daylight hours extending from 12 to 14.1 hours, and sunshine hours increasing from 8.1 to 11.9 hours towards the end of the season.
Summer weather in Harir
Summer in
Harir, from
June to
August, is defined by its extreme heat, intense sunshine, and absence of rainfall. Monthly average temperatures soar from 34.3°C (93.7°F) to 38.3°C (100.9°F), with nearly 14.6 daylight hours at their peak.
The cloud cover drops to a measly 1 to 3%, thus offering long hours of unobstructed sunlight. However, the UV index hits an extreme value of 8, making sun protection utterly important.
Autumn weather in Harir
Autumn, spanning from
September to
November, signals a reduction in temperature, rainfall resurgence, and shorter days. Average temperatures decline from 32.9°C (91.2°F) to 15.7°C (60.3°F).
Rainfall sees a gradual increase, although it only becomes significant in November at 44mm (1.73"). Daylight hours recede from 12.4 to 10.2 hours while sunshine hours drop from 11.7 to 6.8 hours.
Winter weather in Harir
Winter, from
December to
February, hosts
Harir’s coldest and wettest conditions of the year. Average temperatures fluctuate between 1.6°C (34.9°F) to 10.1°C (50.2°F), and rainfall peaks at 105mm (4.13") and 78mm (3.07") in
January and February.
Daylight hours contract further to approximately 9.7 to 10.9 hours, with sunshine hours dwindle to around 5.8 to 6.2 hours. The UV index drops to a low 2, indicating a minimal risk from unprotected sun exposure.
Weather in January
In
Harir,
January kicks off the year with chilly temperatures, and cloudy skies are typically present. A significant portion of the month sees temperatures dipping to as low as 1.6°C (34.9°F) with an average of 18mm (0.71") snowfall, painting a picture of wintry weather forecast for this part of
Iraq.
Weather in January »Weather in February
A shift in weather patterns can be observed from
January to
February with a moderate increase in temperatures. February continues to experience wintry conditions with an average snowfall of 36mm (1.42"). The month also experiences a slight reduction in cloud coverage and relative humidity as compared to the preceding month.
Weather in February »Weather in March
March represents a significant jump in temperatures with values climbing to 14.1°C (57.4°F). Notably, humidity stays relatively stable, with the average at 61%. The winter's frost starts to retreat, leaving only an average of 15mm (0.59") of snowfall.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April's atmospheric outlook underscores the change of seasons in
Harir, marking a departure from the chill of winter. As temperatures rise to an average high of 20°C (68°F), there is no recorded snowfall in April. A shift can be observed from the
March weather conditions where the UV Index increases to 5, indicating a change in atmospheric composition.
Weather in April » Weather in May
Harir exemplifies a true springtime in
May with a significant rise in temperatures. The weather forecasts now move towards a sunnier spectrum with an average of 14.1 daylight hours. Comprehensive changes from
April include a decrease in pressure to 1011.2mb.
Weather in May » Weather in June
June initiates the start of the hot summer months in
Harir. There's a record spike in temperature with averages soaring to a sweltering 34.3°C (93.7°F). Changes from the pleasant conditions in
May express themselves in minimal cloud percentage, down to 3%.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July sees the culmination of
Harir's hot summer weather with the mercury hitting a peak of 38.3°C (100.9°F). Compared to
June, an interesting weather trend surfaces here with no recorded rainfall. A consistent wind speed of 8.6km/h (5.3mph) helps mitigate the effects of the intense heat.
Weather in July » Weather in August
August maintains a similar weather pattern to
July's peak summer conditions.
Harir's temperatures stay hot at 38.2°C (100.8°F); however, there is no rainfall which delineates persistent dryness. Relative to July, visibility is at its maximum of 10km (6.2mi) due to lesser atmospheric particles.
Weather in August » Weather in September
September in
Harir marks the beginning of fall and brings a visible decrease in temperatures to 32.9°C (91.2°F). In contrast to a virtually rain-less
August, the weather forecast now sees an increase in rainfall albeit a minimal 3mm (0.12").
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October in
Harir continues the trend of decreasing temperatures felt in
September. Rainfall records rise to 36mm (1.42"), signaling the onset of the wet season. In relative to atmospheric conditions of September, average wind speeds stick to around 6.9km/h (4.3mph), while daylight hours steadily decrease.
Weather in October » Weather in November
Harir experiences a sharp decrease in temperatures in
November, dropping to an average of 15.7°C (60.3°F). The weather forecast witnesses a considerable increase in the precipitation amount to 44mm (1.73"), marking rainy weather for the month.
Weather in November » Weather in December
The year in
Harir wraps up with a return to colder weather in
December with average temperatures dipping to 10.5°C (50.9°F). A weather pattern similar to the start of the year resurfaces with an average of 9mm (0.35") of snowfall.
Weather in December »