Last updated: January 18, 2025
Al Anbar, Iraq, falls under the Köppen-Geiger climate classification of BWh, indicative of a hot desert climate. Characterized by an extreme temperature range, the region experiences minimum temperatures plummeting to -6°C (21°F) in February, while soaring to sweltering maximums of 51°C (123°F) during the peak of summer in July. The average annual temperature hovers around a warm 24°C (75°F), shaping the local environment and influencing the region's ecological and agricultural practices.
In Al Anbar, Iraq, temperature patterns exhibit pronounced seasonal variation, reflecting the region's hot desert climate. The year begins with chilly winter months, where January and February record minimum temperatures as low as -6°C (21°F) and average highs around 28°C (83°F). As spring approaches, temperatures rise sharply, with March showcasing a notable increase to an average of 17°C (62°F) and maximums reaching 37°C (99°F). By May, the heat intensifies, leading to scorching summer conditions from June to August, where maximum temperatures soar above 46°C (115°F), peaking at 51°C (123°F) in July. As autumn arrives, temperatures gradually decline, with crisp evenings and daytime highs averaging around 32°C (91°F) in September. This seasonal transition continues into winter, where December brings a drop to minimums of -3°C (27°F) and average highs of 12°C (54°F), emphasizing the stark contrast between the extreme heat of summer and the cooler winter months.
In the Al Anbar region of Iraq, the temperature extremes highlight the stark climate variations. In Ramadi, the mercury can drop to a minimum of -2°C (29°F) in February and soar to a scorching 51°C (123°F) in July, as detailed in the monthly temperatures in Ramadi. Similarly, Al Fallujah experiences a minimum of -1°C (31°F) in winter and peaks at 50°C (123°F) during the summer, according to the monthly temperatures in Al Fallujah. Meanwhile, Hadithah records the coldest winter at -3°C (27°F) in February, with a maximum of 49°C (120°F) in July, as outlined in the monthly temperatures in Hadithah.
Al Anbar, Iraq, exhibits a highly variable precipitation pattern that aligns with its arid climate. The majority of the region’s rainfall occurs during the winter months, with January receiving 15 mm (0.6 in) over approximately 2 days, followed by February, which sees a slight increase to 25 mm (1.0 in) across 4 days. March experiences even higher precipitation of 27 mm (1.1 in) within 4 days, after which a gradual decline begins in April with 21 mm (0.8 in) over 3 days. By May, rainfall drops significantly, contributing only 6 mm (0.3 in), culminating in a dry span during the summer months when June, July, August, and September report no precipitation.
The trend of minimal rainfall continues into the autumn, with October yielding a mere 4 mm (0.1 in), and November seeing a slight resurgence with 16 mm (0.6 in) over 2 days. December closes the year with 22 mm (0.9 in) of precipitation across 3 days. Overall, the annual totals reflect Al Anbar's classification as a dry region, where the summer months are characterized by prolonged drought conditions, sharply contrasting with the more temperate winter months that bring essential moisture to the stark desert landscape.
In Al Anbar, Iraq, sunshine duration exhibits a clear seasonal pattern, with a remarkable increase from winter to summer months. January begins the year with 224 hours of sunshine, progressing to 265 hours in February and further accelerating into March, which enjoys 318 hours. April marks a significant turning point, as it witnesses a continued rise to 336 hours and leads into May with a robust 380 hours of bright sunshine, setting the stage for the peak season. By June, the region reaches its zenith with 382 hours, followed closely by July at 390 hours. This period epitomizes the quintessential sun-drenched summer, where daylight hours are maximized, providing favorable conditions for daytime activities.
However, as summer wanes, the trend begins to shift, signaling a gradual decline in sunshine hours. August retains an impressive 370 hours, although it indicates the start of a downward trajectory as September dips to 335 hours. This descent continues into the fall months, with October providing 310 hours and November further reducing to 274 hours. Finally, December rounds out the year with 263 hours of sunshine, emphasizing the stark contrast in light availability compared to the bright summer months. Overall, Al Anbar's sunshine data highlights a distinct seasonal rhythm, where the region capitalizes on abundant sunlight during the hotter months, punctuated by a noticeable decrease as winter approaches.
The UV Index in Al Anbar, Iraq, exhibits substantial variability throughout the year, reflecting the influence of seasonal changes on solar radiation exposure. Early in the year, January sees a moderate UV Index of 4, allowing for a burn time of approximately 30 minutes. As February rolls in, the index increases to 6, categorized as high, reducing the safe sun exposure time to 25 minutes. The trend intensifies in March and April, where the Index jumps to 8 and 10, respectively, marking a period of very high UV levels and a burn time of just 15 minutes. The pinnacle of UV radiation occurs during the summer months, particularly May and June, with an extreme Index of 12 and 13, respectively, necessitating caution due to a reduced burn time of only 10 minutes.
As summer transitions into late summer and autumn, the UV Index remains notably elevated, although a gradual decline begins. July's index stands at 11, followed by 10 in August, maintaining extreme ratings and corresponding burn times of 10 to 15 minutes. The UV levels continue to decrease in September with an index of 9 and in October at 8, both classified as very high but allowing for slightly longer safe exposure times. By November and December, the UV Index drops back to moderate levels of 5 and 4, respectively, extending burn times once again to 30 minutes. Overall, Al Anbar's fluctuating UV Index underscores the critical need for sun protection, especially during the peak summer months when the risk of skin damage is significantly heightened.
UV Risk Categories
In Al Anbar, Iraq, daylight duration exhibits a distinctive pattern throughout the year, characterized by gradual increases leading up to the summer months and a subsequent decline as winter approaches. January and February both experience 10 hours of daylight, providing a consistent, though relatively limited, amount of light. As spring unfolds, March sees a slight increase to 11 hours, followed by a more significant jump in April and May, with both months offering 13 hours of daylight. This upward trend culminates in June and July, where daylight reaches its peak at 14 hours, allowing for extended periods of outdoor activity and sunlight exposure.
However, as summer transitions to autumn and eventually winter, daylight hours begin to taper off. In August, daylight decreases slightly to 13 hours, and by September, it further reduces to 12 hours. The decline continues through October, where only 11 hours of sunlight are available. November experiences a return to 10 hours, while December presents the shortest daylight duration of the year, with just 9 hours of light. This seasonal cycle highlights the importance of adaptation to varying light conditions, as residents experience longer, sunlit days in the summer contrasted with shorter, darker days in the winter months.
Anah, Iraq experiences a stark continental climate characterized by hot summers and mild winters. Peak temperatures in July and August can reach up to 48°C (119°F), while average winter temperatures in January hover around 10°C (50°F), with lows dropping to -1°C (30°F). Precipitation is minimal, particularly during the summer months when rainfall is virtually nonexistent, accumulating mainly from January to March, with a total annual average of around 100 mm (4 in). The region enjoys ample sunshine throughout the year, peaking in June and July with over 390 hours per month. For more details, visit 'Anah climate.
Al Fallujah, Iraq experiences a desert climate characterized by hot summers and mild winters. January sees average temperatures of around 11°C (53°F), while summers can soar up to 38°C (101°F) in July. Rainfall is scarce, with most precipitation occurring between January and November, peaking in February with 36 mm (1.4 in) and completely dry from June to September. The city enjoys abundant sunshine, especially in the summer months, with July receiving about 387 hours of sun. For more details, visit Al Fallujah climate.
Al Haqlaniyah, Iraq experiences a hot desert climate with extreme temperature variations throughout the year. Winters are relatively mild, with January averaging around 10°C (50°F) and some precipitation, peaking in March with 28 mm (1.1 in). As summer approaches, temperatures soar, with July and August hitting averages of 36°C (97°F) and maximums reaching up to 48°C (119°F). Rainfall is scarce, particularly from June to September, when almost no precipitation occurs, while sunshine hours peak during the summer months, providing abundant sunlight. For more detailed information, visit Al Haqlaniyah climate.
The climate in Al Qa'im, Iraq, experiences a wide range of temperatures throughout the year, with highs reaching up to 48°C (119°F) in peak summer months like July and August, while winter nights can drop to as low as -4°C (26°F) in February. Precipitation is minimal during the summer months, with June through September receiving no rainfall, while the wetter months are concentrated from January to March. The region enjoys significant sunshine, particularly in the summer, with July boasting about 390 hours of sun. For more detailed information, visit Al Qa'im climate.
Ar Rutbah, Iraq experiences a desert climate characterized by hot summers and mild winters. January temperatures range from a minimum of -5°C (23°F) to an average of 8°C (47°F), while July peaks reach up to 45°C (114°F). Precipitation is minimal, with most months receiving little to no rain, particularly during the summer months of June to September. Sunshine is abundant, with July boasting around 395 hours, making it one of the sunniest months. For more detailed information, visit Ar Rutbah climate.
The climate in Hadithah, Iraq is characterized by hot summers and mild winters. Average temperatures range from a chilly 10°C (50°F) in January to a scorching 36°C (97°F) in July and August, with peak temperatures reaching up to 49°C (120°F). Precipitation is minimal during the summer months, with June to September recording no rainfall, while January and March experience the most rain, receiving 19 mm and 33 mm respectively. The region enjoys substantial sunshine throughout the year, particularly in the summer when it records up to 391 hours in July. For more details, visit Hadithah climate.
Hit, Iraq experiences a distinctive climate characterized by hot summers and mild winters. Average temperatures range from a winter low of -2°C (28°F) in January to a scorching high of 50°C (122°F) in July. Precipitation is minimal, primarily occurring in the cooler months, with June to September being particularly dry. The region enjoys abundant sunshine, peaking at 387 hours in July. For more detailed information on the weather patterns, visit Hit climate.
Ramadi, Iraq experiences a hot desert climate characterized by extremely high summer temperatures, with July and August peaking at around 51°C (123°F) and 49°C (120°F), respectively. Winters are mild, with January temperatures ranging from -1°C (31°F) to a maximum of 22°C (72°F). Rainfall is scarce, particularly in the summer months when average precipitation drops to zero, while the wettest months are February and November. The region enjoys ample sunshine throughout the year, with June and July receiving the highest hours at 380 and 386, respectively. For more details, visit Ramadi climate.
Rawah, Iraq experiences a continental climate characterized by hot summers and mild winters. Temperatures in July and August can reach as high as 48°C (118°F), while January averages around 10°C (49°F), with lows dipping to -4°C (25°F) in February. Precipitation is minimal, with summer months seeing nearly no rainfall and January marking the wettest month at 19 mm (0.7 in). The region enjoys abundant sunshine, peaking in summer with up to 391 hours in July. For more information, visit Rawah climate.
In conclusion, Al Anbar, Iraq, presents a distinct climatic profile characterized by significant seasonal variations in temperature, precipitation, UV index, and daylight duration. The region experiences scorching summers marked by extreme heat and extended daylight hours, while winters offer a welcome respite with moderate temperatures and shorter days. Precipitation is scarce, concentrated mainly in the winter months, which are crucial for replenishing water sources in this arid environment. The rising UV index during the summer underscores the importance of sun safety, as prolonged exposure can pose health risks. Understanding these climatic trends is essential for residents, planners, and policymakers alike, as they navigate the challenges and opportunities presented by Al Anbar's unique weather patterns throughout the year.