Last updated: January 18, 2025
Arbīl, Iraq, exhibits a diverse climate characterized by distinct Koppen-Geiger classifications of Csa (Mediterranean) and BSh (Semi-arid). This region experiences significant temperature fluctuations throughout the year, ranging from a chilling minimum of -20°C (-3°F) in December to scorching highs of 49°C (121°F) in July. The annual average temperature hovers around a moderate 19°C (67°F), reflecting the stark contrasts between seasons typical of the area. Such climatic variability underscores the unique environmental conditions that shape life and activities in Arbīl.
Temperature patterns in Arbīl, Iraq, depict a pronounced seasonal variation that transitions from the frigid winter months to the sweltering summer. January and February begin with biting cold, featuring lows that plunge to -18°C (-1°F), before gradually warming in March as average temperatures rise to 12°C (53°F). By April, the onset of spring brings milder weather, with averages reaching 17°C (63°F) and maximum temperatures soaring to 40°C (105°F). As the region approaches summer, May and June experience dramatic increases, peaking with July's record highs of 49°C (121°F). The intense heat persists into August before tapering off in September, where temperatures begin to cool significantly. The arrival of autumn brings a return to more moderate conditions in October and November, with average highs around 22°C (71°F), culminating in December's return to winter chills as temperatures drop to -20°C (-3°F). This cyclical pattern underscores Arbīl's diverse climatic character, influenced by its geographical setting.
Erbil experiences a significant temperature range throughout the year, with February seeing minimum temperatures drop to -5°C (23°F) and July peaking at a scorching 47°C (118°F). This stark contrast highlights the region's continental climate, where winters can be quite cold, while summers are intensely hot. For more detailed information, you can check the monthly temperatures in Erbil.
Arbīl, Iraq, experiences a distinct precipitation pattern characterized by a concentration of rainfall during the winter and early spring months. January and February see significant rainfall, measuring 94 mm (3.7 in) and 116 mm (4.6 in), respectively, with an increase in March to 140 mm (5.5 in). This damp spell continues into April, although it drops to 100 mm (4.0 in) by that month's end. Notably, these months also have a higher number of rainy days, with March experiencing the most at 13 days, before transitioning to a marked decrease in precipitation as summer approaches.
As the hot summer months roll in, Arbīl faces a stark decline in rainfall, with June, July, August, and September registering minimal amounts—just 2 mm (0.1 in) to 1 mm (0.0 in), often with no recorded rainfall at all. The dry conditions persist until October, where precipitation reemerges at 30 mm (1.2 in) over a mere 2 days. November sees a revival of rains at 62 mm (2.4 in) over 7 days, while December rounds the year out with significant precipitation at 120 mm (4.7 in) across 10 days, highlighting the seasonal shift back towards a wetter climate as winter returns to Arbīl.
In Arbīl, Iraq, sunshine duration demonstrates a clear seasonal trend, with hours of sunlight steadily increasing from the depths of winter to the peak summer months. January starts the year with a modest 209 hours of sunshine, which gradually rises through February to 253 hours. By March, the city basks in 304 hours, and as spring unfolds, April sees a marked increase to 341 hours. May continues this upward trajectory, culminating in an impressive 388 hours, as residents welcome longer, sunnier days.
The summer months solidify Arbīl's status as a sun-drenched locale, with June emerging as a bright highlight at 399 hours of sunshine, and July surpassing all with a peak of 407 hours. While August sees a slight dip to 390 hours, sunshine remains abundant, and September still features a respectable 344 hours. However, as autumn unfolds, the duration of sunlight begins to wane again, with October providing 314 hours and a notable reduction in November (268 hours) and December (245 hours). This pronounced seasonal variation underscores Arbīl's climate, characterized by long, sunlit summers, contrasting starkly with the shorter, cloudier days experienced in winter.
The UV Index in Arbīl, Iraq, exhibits significant seasonal variations, reflecting the increasing intensity of solar radiation as the year progresses. Beginning with January's moderate UV Index of 4, residents can safely enjoy outdoor activities with a burn time of 30 minutes. However, this trend rapidly escalates, with February registering a UV Index of 6, indicating high exposure risks. The bulge in UV levels becomes particularly pronounced from March onward, where the index spikes to a very high 9 and remains elevated through April (10), highlighting a critical time for sun safety awareness as burn times drop to just 15 minutes.
The peak UV conditions arrive in the late spring and summer months, with May and June reaching an extreme UV Index of 13, necessitating extra caution as burn time diminishes to a mere 10 minutes. July and August continue this trend with slightly lower yet still severe indices of 12 and 11, respectively. As the season transitions, September sees a reduction to a very high UV Index of 9, followed by a decline in October (7) categorized as high. By the end of the year, November and December return to moderate levels (4 and 3), allowing for safer sun exposure as the burn time extends back to 30 minutes. These fluctuations emphasize the importance of sun protection strategies throughout the year, particularly during the peak months.
UV Risk Categories
In Arbīl, Iraq, daylight duration follows a predictable seasonal cycle, marked by an increase in hours from winter to summer. Starting with January's shorter days at just 9 hours, sunlight gradually begins to extend in February, reaching 10 hours. March introduces an additional hour of daylight, and by April, days grow longer at 13 hours, setting the stage for even more illumination as spring transitions into summer. May continues this upward trend, peaking at 14 hours of daylight, which remains consistent throughout June and July, providing ample time for outdoor activities and sunshine.
As summer wanes, the daylight hours begin to decrease, starting in August, where Arbīl still enjoys 13 hours. The decline continues into September with 12 hours of daylight, followed by a gradual reduction to 11 hours in October. November sees daylight drop to 10 hours, and the cycle concludes with December returning to the shorter daylight of 9 hours. This rhythmic pattern underscores the region's diverse climate, offering a robust range of sunlight that varies significantly throughout the year, influencing both lifestyle and agricultural practices in Arbīl.
Erbil, Iraq experiences a continental climate with significant seasonal temperature variations. Winters (December to February) are chilly, with average temperatures ranging from 8°C (46°F) to 10°C (50°F) and notable precipitation, particularly in January and February. As summer approaches, particularly in June and July, temperatures can soar to as high as 47°C (117°F) with little to no rainfall. The city enjoys abundant sunshine during the warmer months, peaking at 406 hours in July. For more details, visit Erbil climate.
In summary, Arbīl, Iraq, showcases a dynamic climate characterized by notable seasonal variations in temperature, precipitation, sunshine duration, UV Index, and daylight. From the cold, rainy winters that transition into hot, sun-drenched summers, each season presents unique environmental challenges and opportunities. The significant increase in temperature and sunlight during the warmer months, coupled with extreme UV levels, necessitates careful sun protection measures for residents and visitors. Meanwhile, the rhythmic cycle of daylight duration influences daily activities and agricultural practices. Understanding these climatic patterns is essential for adapting to and thriving in Arbīl's diverse environment, ensuring that the population can both appreciate and protect the natural beauty that surrounds them.