Last updated: January 18, 2025
An Najaf, Iraq, exhibits a BWh Köppen-Geiger climate classification, characterized by its arid conditions and significant temperature variability. The region experiences extreme temperature ranges, with winter lows plunging to a brisk -2°C (28°F) in January and soaring to a staggering 52°C (125°F) during the scorching summer months of July. The annual average temperature rests at a warm 26°C (79°F), underscoring the harsh climatic conditions that define this area. Understanding these temperature extremes is essential for assessing the environmental challenges and adaptations in An Najaf.
The temperature patterns in An Najaf, Iraq, reveal a striking seasonal variation, transitioning from chilly winter months to intense summer heat. January and February experience cold spells, with minimum temperatures dropping to -2°C (28°F) and averaging around 12°C (54°F). As spring approaches in March and April, temperatures begin to rise significantly; March sees maximums reaching 40°C (105°F), while April can hit 43°C (109°F). By May, the heat intensifies with average temperatures soaring to 31°C (88°F) and maximums peaking at 46°C (115°F). The summer months of June and July are characterized by extreme heat, with July recording maximum temperatures escalating to 52°C (125°F). As the season shifts to autumn in September and October, the relentless heat begins to wane, presenting noticeably cooler averages and maximums of 35°C (95°F) and 44°C (111°F), respectively. The year concludes in December, where temperatures start to drop once again, leaving behind a climate that oscillates dramatically between frigid winters and blistering summers.
Al Mishkhab experiences a temperature range from a minimum of -1°C (30°F) in February to a maximum of 51°C (125°F) in July, as detailed in the monthly temperatures in Al Mishkhab. In Najaf, temperatures dip to -2°C (28°F) in January and rise to 51°C (124°F) in July, which can be explored in the monthly temperatures in Najaf. Meanwhile, Kufa has a similar low of -1°C (30°F) in February and a peak of 52°C (125°F) in July, further elaborated in the monthly temperatures in Kufa.
Precipitation in An Najaf, Iraq, follows a distinct seasonal pattern, primarily concentrated in the cooler months. January marks the start of the year with a modest rainfall of 12 mm (0.5 in) over approximately 1 day. February experiences an uptick in precipitation, receiving 24 mm (0.9 in) across about 3 days. March and April see similar rainfall totals of 10 mm (0.4 in) and 12 mm (0.5 in), respectively, each distributed over only 2 days. However, this trend sharply declines as May approaches, yielding just 2 mm (0.1 in), with no recorded rainfall during the summer months of June, July, and August.
As autumn begins, October returns with a slight precipitation of 2 mm (0.1 in), but it is in November that a notable increase occurs, bringing 27 mm (1.1 in) of rain over 2 days. December mirrors January with 12 mm (0.5 in) of rainfall, again spread over 2 days. This cyclic pattern reflects the region's overall arid climate, emphasizing the dependency on winter and early spring for the majority of its limited rainfall, while the summer months remain starkly dry.
In An Najaf, Iraq, sunshine duration exhibits a pronounced seasonal trend, with a steady increase from the winter months to the peak summer period. January starts the year with 227 hours of sunlight, gradually rising in February to 267 hours. This upward trend accelerates through March and April, where hours of sunshine reach 326 and 333 respectively, signaling the transition into the warmer season. May continues this pattern with 370 hours, while June marks a notable surge to 380 hours, laying the groundwork for the upcoming peak.
The months of July and August represent the apex of sunshine duration in An Najaf, with July achieving 386 hours, followed closely by August at 367 hours. As summer wanes, sunshine hours begin to decrease, yet they remain substantially higher than in the preceding winter, with September and October recording 332 and 314 hours respectively. The descent continues into November and December, where sunlight drops to 275 and 274 hours, reflecting the region's overall shift towards shorter days. This annual cycle showcases not only the dominant summer sun but also highlights the stark contrasts in sunlight availability throughout the year, marking An Najaf as a region profoundly influenced by its climatic patterns.
The UV Index in An Najaf, Iraq, presents a compelling picture of varying solar radiation levels throughout the year, reflecting significant seasonal changes. Starting in January, the UV Index is relatively moderate at 4, allowing for a burn time of 30 minutes. As the year progresses into February, there is a notable rise to a UV Index of 6, classified as high, which reduces the permissible exposure time to 25 minutes. This trend intensifies in March and April, where the Index peaks at 9—designated as very high—shortening burn time to just 15 minutes. The month of May marks the onset of extreme UV conditions with an Index of 12, demanding only 10 minutes of exposure before risking skin damage.
Throughout the summer months, this pattern of elevated UV levels continues, peaking in June with 11 and July slightly decreasing to 10. The UV Index remains at 9 during August and September, indicating very high radiation levels and sustaining the short burn time of 15 minutes. As autumn sets in, the UV Index decreases to 7 in October and drops further to 5 in November, reverting back to a moderate level by December with another 4. Understanding these UV Index variations is crucial for residents and visitors in An Najaf, emphasizing the need for sun protection, especially during the peak months of May through September.
UV Risk Categories
Daylight duration in An Najaf, Iraq, illustrates a clear seasonal rhythm, with days gradually lengthening as winter transitions into summer. In January, the region receives approximately 10 hours of daylight. This duration slightly increases in February and March, maintaining a level of 11 hours as the days begin to stretch. April marks a more noticeable change as daylight extends to 12 hours, followed by 13 hours in May, heralding the arrival of summer. June reaches the peak of daylight with 14 hours, providing ample opportunity for outdoor activities under the sun.
As summer progresses into July and August, daylight remains steady at 13 hours. However, a gradual reduction occurs as September brings 12 hours, continuing the downward trend into October with 11 hours. By November and December, daylight once again dips back to 10 hours, closing the yearly cycle. This pattern emphasizes the significant contrast between the longest daylight in the mid-summer months and the shorter days of winter, reflecting the typical seasonal changes experienced in An Najaf.
Al Manadhirah, Iraq, experiences extreme temperature variations throughout the year. January starts with cooler temperatures, ranging from -1°C to 25°C, but steadily rises to scorching highs of 52°C in July. The region sees minimal precipitation, mainly during the winter and early spring months, with July and August being entirely dry. Sunshine is abundant, peaking at 386 hours in July, contributing to the intense summer heat. For more detailed information, visit Al Manadhirah climate.
Al Mishkhab, Iraq experiences a notably hot desert climate, with temperatures peaking in July and August, reaching maximums of 51°C (125°F). The winter months, particularly January and February, feature more moderate temperatures, with averages around 12°C (54°F) to 14°C (58°F). Precipitation is minimal, concentrated mostly in November and February, while the summer months are particularly dry. The region enjoys a high amount of sunshine, particularly from May to August, with June recording up to 379 hours of sunlight. For detailed information, visit Al Mishkhab climate.
Kufa, Iraq experiences a hot desert climate characterized by significant temperature variations throughout the year. January temperatures range from -1°C to 25°C, while summer months soar, with July averaging 39°C and reaching max temperatures of 52°C. Precipitation is minimal, predominantly falling in the cooler months, with the highest in February (25mm) and November (28mm). The city enjoys ample sunshine, particularly in summer, with July receiving about 386 hours. For more detailed information, visit Kufa climate.
Najaf, Iraq experiences a harsh and dry climate characterized by extreme temperatures. Summer months from June to August see average highs reaching up to 38-40°C (101-104°F), while winter months typically range from a minimum of -2°C (28°F) in January to an average of around 12°C (53°F). Rainfall is minimal, with the majority occurring between November and February; July and August are completely dry. The city enjoys abundant sunshine, particularly in the summer, with July boasting up to 386 hours of sun. For more details, visit Najaf climate.
In conclusion, An Najaf, Iraq, experiences distinct climatic features characterized by significant temperature variations, limited precipitation, high sunshine duration, elevated UV Index levels, and a clear seasonal pattern in daylight hours. The region's BWh climate fosters extreme summer temperatures, with a notable peak in July. Meanwhile, precipitation is sparse and largely concentrated during the winter and early spring months. Coupled with lengthy days during summer and intense UV radiation, these climatic factors dictate both environmental conditions and lifestyle adaptations for residents. Understanding these dynamics is essential for effective planning and ensuring public health, particularly in relation to sun exposure and agricultural practices in this arid landscape.