Last updated: January 18, 2025
The climate of Dhi Qar, Iraq, is characterized by a BWh Koppen-Geiger classification, indicating a hot desert environment. The region experiences a wide temperature range, with minimum temperatures dropping to 0°C (32°F) in February, and soaring to a staggering 53°C (127°F) during the peak of July. The average temperature across the year is approximately 28°C (82°F), highlighting the intense heat that defines this arid landscape. Understanding these climatic patterns is essential for addressing environmental challenges and promoting sustainable practices in this unique region.
Dhi Qar, Iraq, exhibits distinct seasonal temperature patterns that reflect its hot desert climate. The winter months of January and February start with cool temperatures, featuring minimums around 1-0°C and averaging between 14-16°C, before transitioning into warmer spring months. As March arrives, temperatures rise sharply, with maximums reaching up to 42°C by the end of April. The heat intensifies in May and continues through June, where maximum temperatures often exceed 50°C, peaking at an extreme 53°C in July. The summer heat persists into August, although a slight decrease in temperatures is evident by September, as the region experiences a gradual cooling trend into the fall months of October and November, where averages return to more moderate levels between 21-30°C. Overall, Dhi Qar's climate demonstrates a pronounced shift from mild winters to blistering summers, leading to significant variations throughout the year.
The temperatures in the Dhi Qar region of Iraq exhibit extreme variations between winter and summer. In Nahiyat al Fuhud, February temperatures drop to a minimum of 0°C (33°F) and can soar to a maximum of 53°C (127°F) in July monthly temperatures in Nahiyat al Fuhud. Similarly, Nasiriyah experiences a minimum of 0°C (32°F) in February and reaches up to 52°C (127°F) in July monthly temperatures in Nasiriyah. Ash Shatrah follows suit with February lows of 0°C (33°F) and high summer temperatures peaking at 52°C (126°F) in July monthly temperatures in Ash Shatrah.
Precipitation in Dhi Qar, Iraq, follows a distinct seasonal pattern, characterized by a pronounced wet and dry cycle. The year begins with modest rainfall in January, receiving 12 mm (0.5 in) over approximately 1 day. February sees a notable increase, with 27 mm (1.1 in) falling over 3 days, marking the peak of the region's winter precipitation. As the season transitions into spring, March and April maintain relatively light rainfall, averaging 15 mm (0.6 in) and 20 mm (0.8 in) respectively, before plunging to minimal levels in May and continuing through the summer months with no recorded precipitation from June to September.
The first significant rainfall returns in November, when Dhi Qar receives 50 mm (2.0 in) over 4 days, signaling the arrival of the wet season. December continues this trend with 21 mm (0.8 in) across 3 days. This seasonal shift underscores the arid conditions prevalent during the summer months, where the absence of rainfall can significantly impact the local environment and agriculture. Overall, the region's precipitation pattern reflects a stark contrast between the brief but intense wet season and the long, dry summer climate typical of hot desert environments.
In Dhi Qar, Iraq, sunshine duration exhibits a notable seasonal trend, with hours of sunlight steadily increasing from the winter months to a peak during the summer. The year begins with 229 hours of sunshine in January, gradually climbing to 271 hours in February as daylight starts to extend. This upward trajectory continues into spring, where March and April receive 329 and 335 hours respectively, setting the stage for the abundant sunshine that characterizes the summer. May marks a significant turning point, with sunshine duration reaching 373 hours, and this surge culminates in July, which boasts an impressive 388 hours of sunshine, underscoring the intensity of the region's summer climate.
As summer transitions into autumn, sunlight hours begin to decrease, though they remain substantial. August still retains a robust 371 hours of sunshine, but a gradual decline is observable as the year progresses. September and October deliver 335 and 315 hours respectively, paving the way for the return of shorter days in winter. By November and December, sunshine duration settles at 275 hours in both months, reflecting the seasonal cycle of light in Dhi Qar. This pattern highlights the stark contrast between the sun-drenched summer and the relatively dimmer winter months, emphasizing the region's significant solar potential throughout much of the year.
The UV Index in Dhi Qar, Iraq, illustrates a significant seasonal variation, indicating the potential for harmful effects from sun exposure throughout the year. Starting at a moderate UV Index of 5 in January, the region experiences a gradual increase in UV levels as winter transitions to spring. February sees a jump to 6, categorized as high, while March and April reach 9 and 10 respectively, both classified as very high. During these months, individuals are warned to limit their sun exposure to just 15-25 minutes to avoid sunburn, highlighting the increasing intensity of sunlight as the days grow longer and warmer.
The peak UV index occurs in late spring and early summer, with May showing an extreme level of 12 and burn times dropping to just 10 minutes. June and July maintain this extreme UV exposure at 11, posing significant risks for unprotected skin. As summer wanes in August and September, the UV Index slightly decreases to values of 10 and 9, still reflecting very high risk levels. The autumn months of October and November revert to high and moderate UV categories, with burn times increasing back to 25-30 minutes. December rounds out the year with a UV Index of 4, classified as moderate, indicating a safer time for outdoor activities. Overall, understanding UV exposure is crucial for residents and visitors in Dhi Qar to protect their skin and reduce health risks associated with high sunlight intensity.
UV Risk Categories
Daylight duration in Dhi Qar, Iraq, showcases a clear cyclical pattern that correlates with seasonal changes throughout the year. In January, the region experiences only 10 hours of daylight, gradually increasing as winter gives way to spring. February sees a modest rise to 11 hours, with March maintaining the same length of daylight. The transition into April marks the beginning of longer days, with daylight extending to 12 hours, followed by May and June, which boast 13 and 14 hours respectively—representing the peak daylight duration of the year. This increase in sunlight during the spring and summer months not only enhances outdoor activities but also influences agricultural practices across the region.
As summer transitions into autumn, daylight hours begin to wane. July returns to 13 hours, with August maintaining this level before a gradual decline begins in September, dropping to 12 hours. The trend continues in October with 11 hours of daylight, and by November and December, daylight shortens back to 10 hours, mirroring the patterns observed at the start of the year. This rhythmic cycle of daylight not only informs daily routines and seasonal changes in Dhi Qar but also underscores the importance of light in the region’s ecological and agricultural dynamics throughout the year.
Al Jabayish, Iraq, experiences a desert climate characterized by extremely high temperatures, especially in summer, with July peaking at an average of 41°C (105°F) and maximums reaching 53°C (127°F). Winters are milder, with January averages around 14°C (57°F) and minimal precipitation. Rainfall is scarce, mainly occurring from November to February, with June through September seeing virtually no rain. The region enjoys abundant sunshine, accumulating over 380 hours in peak months like July and June. For more detailed information, visit Al Jabayish climate.
Ar Rifa'i, Iraq experiences a hot desert climate characterized by high temperatures and low precipitation. The hottest months are typically July and August, with average temperatures reaching around 40°C (105°F) and peak values up to 52°C (125°F). Winter months are milder, with average temperatures ranging from 13°C (56°F) in January to 29°C (85°F) in October, accompanied by minimal rainfall. Rainfall is heaviest in November, with 44 mm (1.7 in) recorded, while summer months see almost no precipitation. For detailed climate patterns, visit Ar Rifa'i climate.
The climate in Ash Shatrah, Iraq, is characterized by hot summers and mild winters. January temperatures range from a minimum of 1°C (33°F) to a maximum of 27°C (80°F), with July peaking at a sweltering 52°C (126°F). Precipitation is sparse, with most rainfall occurring between November and February, and the summer months typically seeing no rain at all. Sunshine is abundant year-round, peaking in July with 388 hours. For more detailed information, visit the Ash Shatrah climate page.
The climate in Nahiyat al Fuhud, Iraq, features extremely high temperatures during the summer months, with July peaking at a scorching average of 41°C (105°F) and maximums reaching 53°C (127°F). In contrast, winter sees milder temperatures, with January averaging 14°C (57°F) and dipping to a minimum of 1°C (35°F). Precipitation is scarce, particularly in the summer, where months like June, July, August, and September record no rainfall at all, while November sees the highest precipitation at 53 mm (2.1 in). The region enjoys abundant sunshine, especially from June to August, averaging over 380 hours per month. For more detailed information, visit Nahiyat al Fuhud climate.
Nasiriyah, Iraq experiences a hot desert climate characterized by extreme summer temperatures and minimal rainfall. January temperatures range from 1°C (33°F) to a maximum of 27°C (80°F), while July can see highs of up to 52°C (127°F). Rainfall is sparse, peaking in November at 48 mm (1.9 in) and typically absent during the summer months. The region enjoys abundant sunshine, with July receiving the most hours at 387. For more detailed information, visit Nasiriyah climate.
Suq ash Shuyukh, Iraq, experiences a desert climate characterized by extreme heat, particularly in the summer months from June to August, where daily maximums can reach up to 53°C (127°F). Winters are milder, with January temperatures averaging around 14°C (57°F). Precipitation is scarce, with the majority falling between November and February, totaling minimal amounts in summer. The region enjoys abundant sunshine, peaking in July with approximately 387 hours. For more detailed information, visit Suq ash Shuyukh climate.
In conclusion, the climate, precipitation, sunshine duration, UV Index, and daylight hours in Dhi Qar, Iraq, collectively shape the region's unique environmental dynamics. With its hot desert climate characterized by extreme summer temperatures and minimal annual rainfall, Dhi Qar highlights the challenges of sustaining life and agriculture in such an arid landscape. The significant seasonal variations in sunshine duration and UV Index underscore the need for awareness and protective measures during the intense summer months when sunlight is most potent. Additionally, the cyclical nature of daylight hours presents opportunities and constraints for residents, influencing everything from daily activities to agricultural practices. Understanding these climatic factors is essential for adapting to the local environment and promoting sustainable development in Dhi Qar.