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Contents
- The climate of Karbala
- The best time to visit Karbala
- The worst time to visit Karbala
- Spring weather in Karbala
- Summer weather in Karbala
- Autumn weather in Karbala
- Winter weather in Karbala
- Weather in January
- Weather in February
- Weather in March
- Weather in April
- Weather in May
- Weather in June
- Weather in July
- Weather in August
- Weather in September
- Weather in October
- Weather in November
- Weather in December
- Frequently asked questions
- Average temperature
- Average pressure
- Average wind speed
- Average humidity
- Average rainfall
- Average rainfall days
- Average snowfall
- Average snowfall days
- Average daylight
- Average sunshine
- Average sunshine days
- Average UV index
- Average cloud cover
- Average visibility
The climate of Karbala
Positioned in the heart of Iraq, Karbala features a subtropical desert climate, classified as BWh under the Köppen climate system. Governed by this climate classification, the city experiences high temperatures across the year with January being the coldest month with an average minimum temperature of 9.7°C (49.5°F). The town becomes especially sweltering in July and August as the temperature peaks to 44.7°C (112.5°F) and 44.4°C (111.9°F) respectively.
A notable characteristic of this climate type is the significantly low humidity rate, which hovers between a minimum of 14% in July and a peak of 45% registered both in January and December. Rainfall is not a dominant aspect of Karbala's climate with the town receiving the highest rainfall of 9mm (0.35") in January and February and no rainfall recorded between June and September. Additionally, the town receives very limited snow with only a 2mm (0.08") snowfall recorded in February.
As for solar energy and illumination, the city receives an average daily sunlight duration of between 7 hours in January and February to 12.5 hours in August. On the other hand, wind speed varies across the year with an average minimum of 11.5km/h (7.1mph) in November and a maximum of 18km/h (11.2mph) in July.
A notable characteristic of this climate type is the significantly low humidity rate, which hovers between a minimum of 14% in July and a peak of 45% registered both in January and December. Rainfall is not a dominant aspect of Karbala's climate with the town receiving the highest rainfall of 9mm (0.35") in January and February and no rainfall recorded between June and September. Additionally, the town receives very limited snow with only a 2mm (0.08") snowfall recorded in February.
As for solar energy and illumination, the city receives an average daily sunlight duration of between 7 hours in January and February to 12.5 hours in August. On the other hand, wind speed varies across the year with an average minimum of 11.5km/h (7.1mph) in November and a maximum of 18km/h (11.2mph) in July.
The best time to visit Karbala
The ideal time for tourists to explore Karbala is between November and March when the temperature remains at a manageable level, ranging from 11.5°C (52.7°F) to 24.1°C (75.4°F). The weather during these months is relatively comfortable compared to scorching summer months. Moreover, this period coincides with the city's minimal humidity levels. Visitors can also experience a balance of daylight hours and sunshine, with an estimation of 10 to 11.4 daylight hours and 7 to 7.5 sunshine hours in a day.
The worst time to visit Karbala
Tourists planning their trip to Karbala should avoid the sweltering summer months from June to August. With an average maximum temperature soaring up to 44.7°C (112.5°F) in July, these months remain extremely hot, leading to discomfort and potential heat-related health issues. Moreover, the low rainfall and humidity during this time add to the aridity, making outdoor excursions difficult and less enjoyable.
Spring weather in Karbala
During spring, Karbala experiences a significant rise in temperature from March to May, with the average high temperature leaping from 24.8°C (76.6°F) to 36.8°C (98.2°F). Despite the progressing heat, rainfall is not a prevalent component of this season, registering just around 8mm (0.31") to 6mm (0.24"). Humidity levels during spring drop from 31% in March to 20% in May. Spring also marks the start of longer sunshine hours as daylight duration stretches from 12 hours in March to 13.8 hours in May.
Summer weather in Karbala
Summer, stretching from June to August, is marked by extremely high temperatures in Karbala. With the high temperature soaring to around 44.7°C (112.5°F) in July, the city encounters an average minimum temperature of 33°C (91.4°F) in June, which further rises to 33.7°C (92.7°F) in July. This season is devoid of rainfall with no precipitation recorded. Notwithstanding the harsh temperature, summer brings the longest daylight durations, peaking at 14.3 hours in June.
Autumn weather in Karbala
As autumn sets in, Karbala witnesses a noticeable drop in temperature from September to November. The high temperature during this season descends from 40.8°C (105.4°F) in September to 24.1°C (75.4°F) by November. The humidity levels also begin to increase slightly, reaching from 17% to 38%. Though autumn brings relief from the summer temperature, rainfall remains quite scarce with only 4mm (0.16") in October, rising marginally to 8mm (0.31") in November.
Winter weather in Karbala
Winter months, from December to February, are characterized by fairly moderate temperatures in Karbala. The average high temperature during this period ranges from 16.8°C (62.2°F) to 19.7°C (67.5°F), while the average low temperature hovers between 9.7°C (49.5°F) and 11.3°C (52.3°F). Relative humidity during these months is the highest across the year, escalating from 45% in December to 40% in February. Interestingly, Karbala experiences the least sunshine hours in winter, ranging from 7 hours in December to a slight increase to 7.2 hours in February.
Weather in January
The onset of the new year in Karbala, Iraq brings moderate daily temperatures and relative humidity of 45%. The daylight duration increases to 10.3 hours, promoting greater visibility and contributing to a sense of freshness and clarity in the environment. Weather in January »
Weather in February
February continues the trend of moderate temperatures in Karbala, Iraq while the wind speed slightly increases to 13.3km/h (8.3mph). A noticeable shift occurs in daylight duration, stretching up to 11 hours. Rare snowfall is possible, with accumulations reaching up to 2mm (0.08"). Weather in February »
Weather in March
The arrival of March in Karbala marks the initiation of the warm season. With an increase in daylight to 12 hours and sunshine duration up to 9.8 hours, the city receives a boost in temperature. Nevertheless, the atmosphere remains quite dry, with daylight hours increasing to 9.8. Weather in March »
Weather in April
April continues the transition towards Karbala's summer, marked by warm temperatures and a continuation of the dry season. The UV index indicates a moderate rise, requiring residents and visitors to adapt appropriate sun protection measures. Weather in April »
Weather in May
May ushers in the sweltering summer in Karbala. The town prepares for high heat, as the mercury hits a striking 36.8°C (98.2°F). Given the increase in temperature, the relative humidity takes a sharp nosedive, reaching a mere 20%. Sunshine hours extend to nearly 12 a day, further escalating the temperature. Weather in May »
Weather in June
June stands as the zenith of summer in Karbala. The UV index blazes its way to 9, urging residents to guard themselves against potential sunburn. Daylight extends to its maximum of 14.3 hours. The decrease in relative humidity and consistency of wind speeds translate into warm, dry and dusty conditions. Weather in June »
Weather in July
July presents the dire core of the Iraqi summer. Karbala experiences a scorching peak temperature of 44.7°C (112.5°F). Efficient heat management becomes a necessity due to the escalating temperatures. The wind frequently thrashes at high speeds of upto 18km/h (11.2mph), occasionally stirring up sandstorms. Weather in July »
Weather in August
In August, Karbala maintains its sizzling weather albeit with a slight dip in peaks to 44.4°C (111.9°F). Despite the high temperatures, there is virtually no rainfall. The relentless sun shines for approximately 12.5 hours a day. Weather in August »
Weather in September
September welcomes the inception of a milder climate in Karbala. A decrease in sunshine duration and daylight hours paves the path for the change in season. Meanwhile, an increase in humidity to 17% provides slight relief from the persistent dry weather. Weather in September »
Weather in October
October brings noticeable changes in the Karbala climate. Rainfall returns, reaching up to 4mm (0.16"), marking the outset of the wet season. The considerable reduction in temperature and increase in relative humidity refreshes the environment. Weather in October »
Weather in November
With the arrival of November, Karbala sees the dawn of the winter season. The cooling trend continues, evidenced by the decrease in average maximum temperature to 24.1°C (75.4°F). Daylight hours shrink further, and the breeze picks up speed at 11.5km/h (7.1mph). Weather in November »
Weather in December
In December, Karbala moves further into the cold season, with temperatures dropping down to 18.7°C (65.7°F). The daylight duration stabilizes at 10 hours, and there is a decrease in sunshine duration. Despite it being mid-winter, the city experiences no snowfall, and rainfall averages at a measly 6mm (0.24"). Weather in December »
Updated: Aug 26, 2024
Published by: Weather Atlas | About Us
Data Sources | Weather Forecasting & Climate
Published by: Weather Atlas | About Us
Data Sources | Weather Forecasting & Climate
Frequently asked questions
What time of the year is the coldest?
January, characterized by an average high temperature of 16.8°C (62.2°F) and a low temperature of 9.7°C (49.5°F), is generally the coldest month.
What are the most humid months?
January and December, with an average relative humidity of 45%, are most humid months.
What is the wettest month?
The wettest months are January and February, with an average 9mm (0.35") of rainfall.
How many days does it rain?
In Karbala, during the entire year, the rain falls for 30.1 days and collects up to 54mm (2.13") of precipitation.
When it does not snow?
January, March through December are months without snowfall in Karbala.
How much does it snow?
Throughout the year, 2mm (0.08") of snow is accumulated.
What is the month with the least sunshine?
January and November, with an average of 7h of sunshine, are months with the least sunshine.
What are the months with the lowest UV index?
January and December, with an average maximum UV index of 4, are months with the lowest UV index in Karbala.
When does it snow?
The only month with snowfall is February.
When does it snow the most?
February is the month with the most snowfall. Snow falls for 0.1 days and accumulates 2mm (0.08") of snow.
What is the driest month?
In Karbala, Iraq, rain does not fall in June through September.
When are the longest days?
With an average of 14h and 18min of daylight, June has the longest days of the year.
What time of the year is the hottest?
Karbala experiences its average highest temperatures in July, reaching a peak of 44.7°C (112.5°F) and a minimum of 33°C (91.4°F).
What is the least humid month?
With an average relative humidity of 14%, July is the least humid month.
When is the highest UV index?
The month with the highest UV index is July, with an average maximum UV index of 10.
What month has the most sunshine?
The month with the most sunshine is August, with an average of 12.5h of sunshine.
When does it rain?
January through May, October through December are months with rainfall.
What is the month with the shortest days?
The month with the shortest days is December, with an average of 10h and 6min of daylight.
Is there Daylight Saving Time (DST)?
Karbala does not utilize Daylight Saving Time (DST). +03 timezone is used over the entire year.
Average temperature
Karbala, Iraq
The warmest month (with the highest average high temperature) is July (44.7°C).
The month with the lowest average high temperature is January (16.8°C).
The month with the highest average low temperature is July (33°C).
The coldest month (with the lowest average low temperature) is January (9.7°C).
Average pressure
Karbala, Iraq
- Average pressure in January:
1019.4mbar - Average pressure in February:
1017.2mbar - Average pressure in March:
1014.2mbar - Average pressure in April:
1011mbar - Average pressure in May:
1007.7mbar - Average pressure in June:
1002.8mbar
- Average pressure in July:
998.9mbar - Average pressure in August:
1000.5mbar - Average pressure in September:
1005.8mbar - Average pressure in October:
1012.1mbar - Average pressure in November:
1017.2mbar - Average pressure in December:
1019.8mbar
The month with the highest atmospheric pressure is December (1019.8mbar).
The month with the lowest atmospheric pressure is July (998.9mbar).
Average wind speed
Karbala, Iraq
- Average wind speed in January:
12.9km/h - Average wind speed in February:
13.3km/h - Average wind speed in March:
14.8km/h - Average wind speed in April:
13.9km/h - Average wind speed in May:
14.7km/h - Average wind speed in June:
17.2km/h
- Average wind speed in July:
18km/h - Average wind speed in August:
15.9km/h - Average wind speed in September:
13.4km/h - Average wind speed in October:
12.1km/h - Average wind speed in November:
11.5km/h - Average wind speed in December:
12.8km/h
The windiest month (with the highest average wind speed) is July (18km/h).
The calmest month (with the lowest average wind speed) is November (11.5km/h).
Average humidity
Karbala, Iraq
The months with the highest relative humidity are January and December (45%).
The month with the lowest relative humidity is July (14%).
Average rainfall
Karbala, Iraq
The wettest months (with the highest rainfall) are January and February (9mm).
The driest months (with the least rainfall) are June, July, August and September (0mm).
Average rainfall days
Karbala, Iraq
- Average rainfall days in January:
2.9 days - Average rainfall days in February:
2.7 days - Average rainfall days in March:
5.3 days - Average rainfall days in April:
4.4 days - Average rainfall days in May:
3.7 days - Average rainfall days in June:
0.3 days
- Average rainfall days in July:
0 days - Average rainfall days in August:
0 days - Average rainfall days in September:
0.5 days - Average rainfall days in October:
3.7 days - Average rainfall days in November:
3.5 days - Average rainfall days in December:
3.1 days
The month with the highest number of rainy days is March (5.3 days).
The months with the least rainy days are July and August (0 days).
Average snowfall
Karbala, Iraq
The month with the highest snowfall is February (2mm).
The months with the least snowfall are January, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November and December (0mm).
Average snowfall days
Karbala, Iraq
- Average snowfall days in January:
0 days - Average snowfall days in February:
0.1 days - Average snowfall days in March:
0 days - Average snowfall days in April:
0 days - Average snowfall days in May:
0 days - Average snowfall days in June:
0 days
- Average snowfall days in July:
0 days - Average snowfall days in August:
0 days - Average snowfall days in September:
0 days - Average snowfall days in October:
0 days - Average snowfall days in November:
0 days - Average snowfall days in December:
0 days
The month with the highest number of snowfall days is February (0.1 days).
The months with the least snowfall days are January, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November and December (0 days).
Average daylight / Average sunshine
Karbala, Iraq
- Average daylight in January:
10h and 2min - Average daylight in February:
11h and 0min - Average daylight in March:
12h and 0min - Average daylight in April:
13h and 0min - Average daylight in May:
13h and 5min - Average daylight in June:
14h and 2min
- Average daylight in July:
14h and 1min - Average daylight in August:
13h and 2min - Average daylight in September:
12h and 2min - Average daylight in October:
11h and 2min - Average daylight in November:
10h and 3min - Average daylight in December:
10h and 1min
The month with the longest days is June (Average daylight: 14h and 18min).
The month with the shortest days is December (Average daylight: 10h and 6min).
- Average sunshine in January:
7h and 0min - Average sunshine in February:
7h and 1min - Average sunshine in March:
9h and 5min - Average sunshine in April:
11h and 5min - Average sunshine in May:
11h and 5min - Average sunshine in June:
12h and 2min
- Average sunshine in July:
12h and 2min - Average sunshine in August:
12h and 3min - Average sunshine in September:
11h and 5min - Average sunshine in October:
7h and 3min - Average sunshine in November:
7h and 0min - Average sunshine in December:
7h and 1min
The month with the most sunshine is August (Average sunshine: 12h and 30min).
The months with the least sunshine are January and November (Average sunshine: 7h and 0min).
Average sunshine days
Karbala, Iraq
- Average sunshine days in January:
27.7 days - Average sunshine days in February:
25 days - Average sunshine days in March:
25 days - Average sunshine days in April:
24.7 days - Average sunshine days in May:
25 days - Average sunshine days in June:
29.6 days
- Average sunshine days in July:
30.9 days - Average sunshine days in August:
30.8 days - Average sunshine days in September:
29.4 days - Average sunshine days in October:
25.8 days - Average sunshine days in November:
25.8 days - Average sunshine days in December:
27.5 days
The month with the most sunshine days is July (30.9 days).
The month with the least sunshine days is April (24.7 days).
Average UV index
Karbala, Iraq
The month with the highest UV index is July (UV index 10).
The months with the lowest UV index are January and December (UV index 4).
Average cloud cover
Karbala, Iraq
The months with the most cloud cover are January and February (Cloud cover 18).
The months with the least cloud cover are July and August (Cloud cover 1).
Average visibility
Karbala, 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).
Karbala, Iraq
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