Last updated: January 18, 2025
Baghdad, Iraq, is classified under the Köppen-Geiger climate classification as BWh, denoting a hot desert climate. This locale experiences a striking temperature range, with minimum readings dropping to -3°C (27°F) in February, while soaring to an extreme maximum of 52°C (126°F) in July. The average temperature throughout the year is approximately 26°C (79°F), underscoring the region's characteristic warmth and arid conditions. These climatic features contribute significantly to Baghdad's environmental dynamics and have a profound influence on its agricultural practices and daily life.
In Baghdad, Iraq, temperature patterns exhibit distinct seasonal trends characterized by significant fluctuations across the year. Winter months (December through February) see cooler conditions, with January recording a minimum of -1°C (31°F) and average temperatures around 12°C (53°F). As spring approaches in March and April, temperatures rise quite sharply, culminating in April's average of 24°C (76°F), while reaching maximums of 43°C (111°F). The summer months of May through August are marked by extreme heat, with July peaking at a staggering 52°C (126°F), while average temperatures soar to 39°C (103°F). The onset of autumn in September sees a gradual cooling, with average temperatures of 35°C (95°F), and by November, temperatures dip to around 20°C (68°F). December brings a return to winter-like conditions, as the cycle recommences, illustrating Baghdad's stark climatic contrasts and the pronounced seasonal variations that define its weather.
Abu Ghurayb experiences a temperature range with a minimum of -2°C (29°F) in February and a maximum of 51°C (125°F) in July, making it one of the hotter areas in the region. For comparison, Baghdad sees slightly milder winter temperatures with a minimum of -1°C (30°F) in February and can reach up to 52°C (126°F) in July. Nearby, At Tarmiyah records the coldest minimum temperature at -3°C (27°F) in February, while matching Baghdad's peak July temperature of 52°C (126°F) monthly temperatures in Abu Ghurayb, monthly temperatures in Baghdad, and monthly temperatures in At Tarmiyah.
Baghdad experiences a notably arid climate with precipitation concentrated in the winter and early spring months. January and February are the wettest months, receiving 20 mm (0.8 in) and 40 mm (1.6 in) of rainfall respectively, with rain typically occurring over 2 to 5 days during these months. As the seasons progress into spring, March and April continue to see some precipitation, with 29 mm (1.2 in) and 25 mm (1.0 in) of rain recorded, but the total begins to decrease significantly as temperatures rise. The late spring and summer months of May to September experience near-total drought, with less than 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, and often, no precipitation at all.
As autumn arrives, some rainfall returns in October with a modest 5 mm (0.2 in). However, it is during November that Baghdad receives the bulk of its late-year precipitation at 38 mm (1.5 in), occurring over approximately 3 days. December follows with 26 mm (1.0 in) of rainfall spread over 3 days, marking a seasonal return to wetter conditions. Overall, Baghdad's precipitation is primarily limited to the cooler months, contributing to its overall classification as a hot desert climate characterized by long, dry summers and brief, modestly wet winters.
In Baghdad, Iraq, sunshine duration showcases a clear seasonal trend, with a steady increase from winter to summer. January starts with 225 hours of sunshine, gradually rising to 265 hours in February. As spring approaches, March and April witness a significant boost, with totals of 325 hours and 332 hours, respectively. By May, days are noticeably sunnier, with an average of 376 hours of sunlight, heralding the onset of Baghdad's intense summer months.
The peak sunshine occurs in the peak summer months of June through August, where the city basks in an impressive 381 to 387 hours of sun. Although August experiences a slight drop to 369 hours, it still retains high levels of sunlight. As summer gives way to autumn, sunshine hours gradually decline, with September recording 333 hours and October at 311 hours. Notably, November and December bring the least sunshine, with totals of 271 and 266 hours respectively, illustrating how the city's extended sun-soaked summer days contrast starkly with the shorter, cooler winter months. This seasonal variability in sunshine plays a critical role in shaping the region's climate and the daily activities of its inhabitants.
The UV Index in Baghdad, Iraq, distinctly varies throughout the year, with significant implications for sun safety and health. During the winter months of January and February, the index remains relatively low, rated at 4 and 5, respectively, indicating a moderate risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure, with recommended burn times of 30 minutes. As spring arrives, conditions begin to intensify, with the UV Index jumping to 8 in March and reaching 9 in April, both categorized as very high. The burn time decreases to just 15 minutes, highlighting the growing need for sun protection as the season turns warmer.
The summer months bring the most intense UV exposure, with the index peaking at an extreme level of 12 in May and then slightly diminishing to 11 in both June and July. During these months, the recommended burn time shortens to just 10 minutes, emphasizing the critical nature of sun protection. As summer concludes, August and September still show a very high UV Index of 9, requiring vigilant sun safety practices. By October, the index drops to 7, labeled as high, and further declines through November and December, where it reaches a low of 3 in winter, marking a transition back to moderate factors for sun exposure. This clear seasonal pattern underscores the importance of adapting sun safety measures throughout the year, particularly during the peak months of spring and summer.
UV Risk Categories
In Baghdad, Iraq, daylight duration exhibits a clear seasonal cycle, closely aligned with the rhythms of winter and summer. During the winter months of January and February, residents experience approximately 10 hours of daylight, which gradually begins to increase in March to 11 hours. As spring transitions into summer, daylight reaches its peak in June and July, with both months offering around 14 hours of sunlight. This extended period of daylight not only enhances environmental conditions for outdoor activities but also signifies the onset of warmer temperatures.
As autumn approaches, daylight duration starts to decline, dropping to 13 hours in August and further decreasing to 12 hours by September. October continues this downward trend with 11 hours of daylight, while November and December witness shorter days, falling to 10 and 9 hours, respectively. This cyclical variation encapsulates the distinct seasonal changes in Baghdad, reflecting how daylight influences daily life and activities throughout the year. The notable increase and decrease in daylight duration highlight the importance of adapting to the natural rhythms of the environment as the city transitions through its seasons.
Abu Ghurayb, Iraq experiences a hot desert climate, characterized by extreme temperature variations throughout the year. Winter months (December to February) see mild temperatures, averaging around 12°C (53°F) in January, with minimal precipitation. In contrast, summer months (June to August) can reach scorching highs of up to 51°C (125°F) in July, coupled with little to no rainfall. The region enjoys abundant sunshine, particularly in the summer, with July averaging 388 hours of sunlight. For more details, visit Abu Ghurayb climate.
Al Mahmudiyah, Iraq experiences a hot desert climate with extreme temperature variations throughout the year. Winters are mild, with January averages around 12°C (53°F) and occasional lows of -1°C (31°F), while summers can soar to averages of 39°C (102°F) in July and August, peaking at 51°C (124°F). Rainfall is scarce, with the majority occurring from November to February, totaling around 34 mm (1.3 in) in February and virtually none during the hot months of June to September. The region enjoys abundant sunshine, peaking in July with approximately 388 hours. For more detailed information, visit Al Mahmudiyah climate.
At Tarmiyah, Iraq, the climate exhibits extreme temperature variations, with July and August being the hottest months, averaging around 39-38°C (103-101°F). The winter months, particularly January and February, see colder temperatures, dropping as low as -3°C (27°F). Rainfall is minimal, concentrated mostly between January and April, with June to September experiencing little to no precipitation. The region enjoys abundant sunshine, especially during the summer months, peaking at 385 hours in July. For more detailed information, visit At Tarmiyah climate.
Baghdad experiences a hot desert climate with extreme temperature variations throughout the year. Winters (December to February) are mild, with average highs ranging from 12°C (54°F) to 14°C (58°F) and some rainfall, peaking at 40 mm (1.6 in) in February. In stark contrast, summers (June to August) are exceedingly hot, with average highs soaring to 39°C (103°F) in July and maximums reaching 52°C (126°F). Precipitation is minimal during the summer months, averaging 0 mm from June to September, while the city enjoys ample sunshine year-round, particularly in June and July with over 380 hours. For more detailed information, visit Baghdad climate.
In conclusion, Baghdad, Iraq, exemplifies a climate marked by significant seasonal variations in temperature, precipitation, sunshine duration, UV Index, and daylight duration. The city's hot desert climate is characterized by scorching summers and cooler winters, with peak temperatures soaring beyond 52°C during the hottest months. Precipitation is minimal, primarily concentrated in the cooler months, while sunshine duration peaks during the long summer days, providing ample sunlight for outdoor pursuits. However, the high UV Index during spring and summer months necessitates heightened awareness of sun safety. As daylight hours fluctuate throughout the year, the city's residents are encouraged to adapt their daily activities to align with these natural cycles, emphasizing the profound connection between climate and lifestyle in Baghdad. Understanding these climatic patterns not only informs personal health and well-being but also enhances appreciation for the unique environment of this historical city.