Last updated: January 18, 2025
Al Muthanná, Iraq, is characterized by a BWh climate classification, indicative of a hot desert environment. This region experiences a broad range of temperatures, with a notable minimum of -3°C (26°F) in February, rising to an average of 26°C (80°F) throughout the year. The summer months can be particularly extreme, with maximum temperatures reaching a scorching 52°C (126°F) in July. Such climatic conditions feature pronounced temperature fluctuations, contributing to the distinctive arid landscape and influencing local ecosystems and human activities.
In Al Muthanná, Iraq, temperature patterns exhibit significant seasonal variation, with chilly winters transitioning to sweltering summers. January and February introduce colder conditions, where minimum temperatures can dip below freezing, reaching -3°C (26°F) in February, while average highs gradually increase from 27°C (81°F) in January to 30°C (86°F) in February. As spring approaches in March and April, temperatures rise notably, peaking at an average of 26°C (79°F) in April, with maximums reaching 43°C (110°F). The onset of summer is marked by increasingly intense heat in May and June, where average temperatures soar to 32°C (90°F) and 36°C (98°F), respectively, culminating in the extreme peak of 52°C (126°F) in July. August and September maintain this torrid trend before a slow decline during the autumn months of October and November, where temperatures begin to moderate, with minimums dropping and average highs settling at a comfortable 29°C (84°F) by October. Throughout the year, Al Muthanná's climate demonstrates a robust warm period, with notable contrasts between the relatively mild winters and scorching summers.
As Salman experiences a minimum temperature of -3°C (26°F) in February and a maximum of 49°C (121°F) in July, while Ar Rumaythah records a minimum of 0°C (31°F) in January and peaks at 52°C (126°F) in July. Similarly, As Samawah has a minimum temperature of -1°C (31°F) in February and matches Ar Rumaythah's maximum of 52°C (126°F) in July. For detailed monthly temperatures, visit monthly temperatures in As Salman, monthly temperatures in Ar Rumaythah, and monthly temperatures in As Samawah.
Precipitation in Al Muthanná, Iraq, is characterized by a marked seasonal pattern, with the majority of rainfall occurring during the winter months. January sees a modest rainfall of 7 mm (0.3 in) over approximately 1 day, followed by an uptick in February to 17 mm (0.7 in) across 2 days. Spring months bring varying amounts of rain, with March receiving 8 mm (0.3 in) and April yielding 11 mm (0.4 in), but this trend quickly declines as May concludes with just 5 mm (0.2 in) over 1 day.
As summer approaches, the region encounters prolonged dry spells, with no recorded precipitation from June through September. This dry period is punctuated by a slight return of rain in October, which records a minimal 2 mm (0.1 in). The fall season witnesses a resurgence in precipitation, peaking in November with 27 mm (1.1 in) across 3 days, before tapering off again in December, which receives 14 mm (0.6 in) over another 3 days. This bimodal distribution emphasizes the harsh aridity of the region's summer months juxtaposed with brief, wetter winters.
In Al Muthanná, Iraq, sunshine duration exhibits a clear seasonal trend, with a consistent increase in hours from winter into summer. Starting in January with 229 hours of sunlight, the region gradually transitions into spring, where February and March see a rise to 269 hours and 328 hours, respectively. April continues this upward trajectory, reaching 334 hours. The most remarkable increase occurs in late spring and early summer, with May basking in 370 hours and June extending this to 378 hours, marking the onset of the hottest months.
The peak of sunshine duration occurs in July, with 385 hours illuminating the landscape, just before a slight decrease in August to 366 hours. Even as temperatures remain high during this time, the amount of sunshine begins to taper off, leading to a decline in sunlight hours through the autumn months, as reflected in September's 333 hours and further to 315 hours in October. November and December see a notable drop, with 276 hours and 277 hours, respectively, indicating a significant seasonal variation. This pattern underscores Al Muthanná's characteristic climate, where long, sun-drenched summers contrast sharply with the shorter, cooler days of winter.
The UV Index in Al Muthanná, Iraq, reveals significant fluctuations throughout the year, indicating varying levels of sun exposure risk for residents and visitors. In the winter months of January and December, the UV Index remains moderate at 5, allowing for a burn time of 30 minutes without adequate skin protection. February sees a rise to 6, categorized as high exposure, decreasing the safe burn time to 25 minutes, signaling the approach of sunnier days ahead as spring approaches.
As spring unfolds into summer, the UV Index peaks dramatically, with March and April witnessing values of 9 and 10, respectively, both categorized as very high, necessitating a mere 15 minutes of unprotected sun exposure. The summer months intensify this trend, with May reaching an extreme UV Index of 12, and June slightly lowering to 11—both requiring a burn time of just 10 minutes. Although the UV Index eases slightly during July and August to 10, it remains dangerous. The index begins to gradually decline in the fall, reaching 8 in October and further diminishing to 6 in November, showcasing the region's transition toward cooler temperatures and less intense sunlight exposure.
UV Risk Categories
Daylight duration in Al Muthanná, Iraq, demonstrates a clear seasonal cycle, reflecting the shifting position of the sun throughout the year. In January, residents experience 10 hours of daylight, gradually extending to 11 hours in both February and March as spring approaches. The trend continues with an increase to 12 hours in April, reaching a peak of 13 hours in May as summer approaches. June enjoys the longest daylight period of 14 hours, providing ample opportunities for outdoor activities under the sun.
As summer transitions into autumn, daylight hours begin to decrease, with July, August, and September maintaining around 13 to 12 hours of light per day. By October, the duration drops to 11 hours, and the decline continues into November and December, both returning to 10 hours. This pattern highlights the seasonal nature of daylight in Al Muthanná, where the midyear months offer an abundance of sunlight, while the winter months provide shorter daylight hours, thereby influencing daily routines and lifestyle choices in the region.
The climate in Ar Rumaythah, Iraq, is characterized by extremely hot summers and mild winters. Average temperatures peak in July, reaching around 40°C (104°F), while winter months like January see averages of about 13°C (56°F). Precipitation is minimal, especially in the summer months, with June to September receiving no rainfall at all, while November is the wettest month with 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain. The region enjoys ample sunshine throughout the year, with the highest in July at 388 hours. For more details, visit Ar Rumaythah climate.
As Salman, Iraq experiences a distinct climate characterized by hot summers and mild winters. January temperatures range from a chilly -2°C (29°F) to a warm 27°C (80°F), while summer months, particularly July and August, can soar with maximum temperatures reaching up to 49°C (121°F). Precipitation is sparse, with the driest months being June to September, averaging little to no rainfall. Sunshine is abundant, peaking in July with 382 hours, contributing to the region's arid conditions. For more details, visit As Salman climate.
As Samawah, Iraq experiences a hot desert climate characterized by extreme temperatures and minimal rainfall. The hottest months are July and August, with average temperatures reaching up to 40°C (104°F) and maximums of 52°C (126°F). Winter months are mild, with January averages at 13°C (56°F), while precipitation is limited, peaking at 28 mm (1.1 in) in November. The region enjoys abundant sunshine, especially in summer, with July boasting 385 hours of sunlight. For more details, visit As Samawah climate.
In conclusion, Al Muthanná, Iraq, exhibits a diverse range of climatic and environmental features that significantly influence the lives of its inhabitants. The region's temperature patterns showcase extreme heat during the summer months juxtaposed with cooler winters, while precipitation remains scarce, particularly during the peak of summer. The high sunshine duration emphasizes the area's arid nature, with prolonged sunny days dominating the summer season. Additionally, the UV Index data signifies the necessity for sun protection during periods of intense solar radiation, particularly from spring through early autumn. Together, these elements underscore the importance of adapting lifestyles and health practices to accommodate the unique climatic conditions of Al Muthanná, enhancing both the well-being and the outdoor experiences of those who inhabit or visit this vibrant region.