Last updated: January 18, 2025
Basra, Iraq, experiences a BWh climate, characterized by its arid conditions and significant temperature variations. The region sees a stark minimum temperature of 0°C (33°F) in February, contrasting sharply with the sweltering maximum of 53°C (127°F) in July. The average yearly temperature hovers around 28°C (82°F), underscoring Basra's hot desert climate and its implications for local ecosystems and human activities.
In Basra, Iraq, temperature patterns reveal a distinct seasonal progression, starting with mild winter months in January and February, where minimum temperatures dip to around 0°C (33°F) and averages reach 16°C (62°F). As spring approaches, temperatures surge, with March recording an average of 21°C (70°F), while April sees a steep rise, peaking near 43°C (110°F). The scorching summer months of June and July dominate the climate, showcasing extreme highs, with July witnessing maximum temperatures of 53°C (127°F) and average readings soaring to 40°C (104°F). By August, the intense heat persists, but temperatures begin a gradual decline in September as they revert to more temperate levels. The transition to autumn brings cooler nights and averages around 30°C (86°F) in October, while the year concludes with more moderate temperatures in November and December, embodying the region's characteristic desert climate.
Basrah experiences a wide temperature range throughout the year, with a minimum of 0°C (33°F) in February and soaring to a maximum of 52°C (127°F) in July. This dramatic difference highlights the extreme climate conditions that can be encountered in the region. For more detailed information, you can explore the monthly temperatures in Basrah.
Basra, Iraq, experiences a highly variable precipitation pattern, primarily concentrated in the winter months. January begins with a modest 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain over 1 day, while February sees a slight increase to 20 mm (0.8 in) across 3 days. March continues this trend with 17 mm (0.7 in) of rainfall, but by April, precipitation dwindles back to 10 mm (0.4 in). As the region transitions into summer, the months of May through September typically yield little to no rainfall, indicating a marked dry season that characterizes Basra's arid climate.
The autumn months bring a resurgence of precipitation, with October receiving 7 mm (0.3 in) over 1 day, followed by a significant spike in November, where total rainfall reaches 80 mm (3.1 in) across 5 days. December also contributes with 34 mm (1.3 in) over 3 days, illustrating the seasonal shift in moisture availability. This pattern highlights the pronounced contrast between the dry summer and the wetter winter, reflecting the challenges and adaptations necessary for both the environment and local communities in Basra.
Basra, Iraq, showcases a remarkable trend in sunshine duration that clearly delineates the seasonal shifts from winter to summer. The year begins with 228 hours of sunshine in January, gradually increasing to 275 hours in February. March marks a significant leap, with 329 hours, as daylight becomes more abundant. April and May continue this upward trajectory, achieving 333 hours and 371 hours, respectively, setting the stage for the intense sunlight of summer. June sees an impressive 381 hours, which culminates in July with the peak sunshine duration of 386 hours, showcasing the region's transformation into a sun-drenched environment.
As summer wanes, the hours of sunshine begin to decline, evidenced by August's 368 hours and further to 336 hours in September. The fading daylight continues into autumn, with October offering 315 hours, and November and December presenting the year's lowest totals at 278 hours and 274 hours, respectively. This seasonal pattern emphasizes the overwhelming presence of sunlight during the summer months, which is a defining characteristic of Basra's climate, contrasting sharply with the shorter, milder days of winter. The rich sunshine not only shapes the local environment but also influences agricultural practices and daily life in the region.
In Basra, Iraq, the UV Index exhibits a significant seasonal variation, reflecting the intense sun exposure typical of the region. January starts with a moderate UV Index of 5, allowing for a safer exposure time of 30 minutes. However, as winter progresses into February, the UV Index rises to 7, indicating a high exposure risk, with a reduced burn time of 25 minutes. The transition into spring sees a sharp increase, peaking in March and April with indices of 9 and 10, respectively, marking a shift to very high levels of UV radiation. This pattern indicates that skin protection becomes crucial as the days grow longer and sunnier.
The summer months present the most extreme UV levels, with May reaching an extreme UV Index of 12 and a minimal burn time of just 10 minutes, signaling a critical need for sun safety. June and July maintain a high UV Index of 11, reinforcing the risks associated with prolonged sun exposure. As summer ebbs into August and September, the Index slightly decreases but remains very high, with values of 10 and 9. October brings a return to high levels at 7, followed by drops back to moderate levels of 5 in November and 4 in December. This cyclical pattern emphasizes the necessity for effective sun protection, especially during the peak months when UV exposure can be dangerously high.
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In Basra, Iraq, daylight duration follows a clear seasonal rhythm that underscores the changes in sun exposure throughout the year. The year begins with 10 hours of daylight in January and December, which gradually increases to 11 hours in February and remains steady into March. With the arrival of spring in April, daylight expands to 12 hours, and by May, it reaches 13 hours, as the region embraces longer days and a more vibrant atmosphere. The longest daylight occurs in June with 14 hours, marking the summer solstice and the peak of sunlight.
As summer transitions into autumn, daylight begins to taper off slightly, with July, August, and September providing a consistent 13 hours, before decreasing again to 12 hours in September. October sees a further reduction to 11 hours, and the daylight returns to 10 hours in both November and December. This cyclical pattern not only affects the natural environment but also influences local activities and lifestyles, as communities in Basra adapt to the changing lengths of day and night throughout the seasons.
Basrah, Iraq experiences a sharply continental climate characterized by very hot summers and mild winters. Average temperatures peak in July and August, reaching around 41°C (105°F) to 39°C (103°F) respectively, while winters see milder averages of 14°C (57°F) in January. Rainfall is scarce, with the majority occurring in November (74 mm) and minimal precipitation from June to September. The city enjoys ample sunshine throughout the year, particularly in the summer months, with July receiving up to 386 hours of sunlight. For more detailed information, visit Basrah climate.
In conclusion, Basra, Iraq, presents a distinct climate characterized by its extreme temperatures, variable precipitation, robust sunshine duration, and fluctuating UV Index throughout the year. The city's arid BWh climate leads to scorching summers and mild winters, profoundly influencing local life and ecosystems. As daylight durations lengthen in spring and summer, sunlight exposure peaks, necessitating effective sun protection during the heightened UV Index periods. Conversely, winter months bring more moderate conditions and decreased sunlight, highlighting the seasonal contrasts that define Basra's weather. Understanding these climatic patterns is essential for residents and visitors alike, providing valuable insights for health, safety, and environmental awareness in this dynamic desert region.