Last updated: January 18, 2025
Diyālá, Iraq, epitomizes a stark climate characterized by the Koppen-Geiger classifications of BWh (hot desert) and BSh (semi-arid). The region experiences extreme temperature fluctuations, with winter months dipping as low as -4°C (25°F) in January, while summer months can soar to a scorching 52°C (126°F) in July. The average annual temperature hovers around 25°C (78°F), underscoring the intense heat prevalent during much of the year. This climatic profile presents unique challenges and dynamics impacting both the local environment and the lifestyle of its inhabitants.
In Diyālá, Iraq, temperature patterns reveal a distinct seasonal rhythm characterized by sharp contrasts between winter and summer extremes. January begins the year with chilly minimums reaching -4°C (25°F), gradually transitioning into milder temperatures by February as averages climb to 13°C (56°F). As spring approaches, March marks a significant warming trend with temperatures averaging 18°C (64°F), leading into April, where the rising heat peaks at a maximum of 44°C (111°F). The transition into summer is marked by increasingly intense heat during May and June, with average temperatures soaring to 30°C (87°F) and 36°C (96°F), respectively. July and August represent the culmination of this climatic extremity, boasting maximum highs of 52°C (126°F) and 51°C (123°F), before a gradual retreat into milder fall temperatures in September and October. By November, the chill returns, with averages dipping back down to 19°C (67°F), and December settles into cooler conditions, rounding out the year with minimums as low as 0°C (32°F). This temperature cycle highlights the dramatic seasonal shifts that define Diyālá's climate, influencing both the local ecosystem and the lifestyle of its residents.
The cities in the Diyala Governorate of Iraq experience extreme temperature variations throughout the year. In Khalis and Baqubah, winter temperatures can drop to a minimum of -3°C (27°F) in February, while summer sees scorching highs of 52°C (126°F) in July, as detailed in their respective climate profiles: monthly temperatures in Khalis and monthly temperatures in Baqubah. Khanaqin also faces similar extremes, with January temperatures dipping to -4°C (25°F) before July reaches a peak of 49°C (121°F), further illustrated in the monthly temperatures in Khanaqin.
Diyālá, Iraq, exhibits a distinct precipitation pattern that aligns closely with its seasonal climate variability. The winter months, particularly January through April, are the wettest times of the year, with January receiving 33 mm (1.3 in) of rainfall over approximately 4 days, peaking in February with 61 mm (2.4 in), and followed by 53 mm (2.1 in) in March. This period engages a cycle of intermittent rain that nurtures the local ecosystem, although it diminishes significantly by the time May arrives, where only 8 mm (0.3 in) is recorded over 2 days.
As Diyālá transitions into its scorching summer, from June to September, precipitation virtually halts, resulting in 0 mm during these months. The return of moisture in October is minimal, with only 11 mm (0.4 in) falling on just 1 day. The late autumn and winter months see a resurgence in rainfall, with both November and December receiving 54 mm (2.1 in), each distributed over 4 to 6 days, marking a return to the wetter conditions that characterize the beginning of the year. This precipitation cycle underscores the significant dry spell during the summer, contrasting with the more abundant winter rains that support both agriculture and natural vegetation in the region.
In Diyālá, Iraq, the sunshine duration exhibits a clear seasonal trend, with a steady increase in sunlight hours as winter transitions into summer. January kicks off the year with 224 hours of sunshine, which gradually rises in February to 264 hours. This upward trajectory accelerates in the spring months, peaking in May at 380 hours. As summer approaches, June and July bring some of the most sun-drenched days of the year, recording 384 hours and 389 hours, respectively. This period of abundant sunshine not only enhances the region's arid landscape but also supports agricultural growth, making these summer months vital for local farmers.
As summer wanes into late summer and early fall, sunshine hours begin to decline gradually. August sees a slight drop to 371 hours, followed by a more pronounced decrease in September, with 335 hours of sunlight. The downward trend continues through October, November, and December, with the final months of the year receiving fewer hours of sun, reaching 272 hours in November and 267 hours in December. Although the sun still shines brightly during the winter months, these later months signify a return to the cooler, dimmer days where shorter daylight hours remind residents of the impending winter season. Overall, Diyālá's sunshine patterns highlight the dramatic shift from the vibrant sun of summer to the more subdued light of winter.
The UV Index in Diyālá, Iraq illustrates a marked seasonal fluctuation, reflecting the intensity of sun exposure throughout the year. Starting with a moderate UV Index of 4 in January and increasing to 5 in February, the early months of the year present a manageable risk of overexposure, with burn times set at 30 minutes. However, as spring progresses, the index sharply rises, peaking in May at an extreme UV Index of 12, which drastically reduces the safe exposure time to 10 minutes. April also witnesses a high index of 9 and a very high rating, emphasizing the arrival of more hazardous sun conditions as warmer weather settles in.
During the peak summer months of June and July, the UV Index maintains a very high level, registering 11, reiterating the importance of sun protection through reduced exposure times of just 10 minutes. As summer transitions into autumn, the index gradually decreases; August records a very high index of 10, followed by a decline to 9 in September and 7 in October, where the exposure risk shifts to high. By November and December, the index falls back to 5 and 3, respectively, marking a return to a more moderate classification, with burn times extending back to 30 minutes. This seasonal pattern underscores the critical need for adequate sun protection during the intense summer months while allowing for more leisurely outdoor activities in the cooler months.
UV Risk Categories
Daylight duration in Diyālá, Iraq, exhibits a seasonal pattern that reflects the region's geographic positioning and climatic variations throughout the year. In the winter months of January and February, residents experience approximately 10 hours of daylight, providing a stable but shorter daylight period. As March arrives, the days begin to lengthen slightly, reaching 11 hours of light, and this trend continues into April and May, where daylight extends to 13 hours. The transition into summer brings the longest days of the year, with June and July offering 14 hours of daylight, allowing ample time for outdoor activities and agricultural pursuits under the bright sun.
As summer fades into autumn, daylight hours gradually decrease, starting with 13 hours in August and tapering off to 12 hours in September. October sees a further decline to 11 hours, followed by a return to 10 hours in November and 9 hours in December, marking the shortest days of the year. This cyclical pattern of daylight duration not only influences the daily routines and agricultural practices in Diyālá but also underscores the region's adaptation to the varying light conditions that accompany each season.
The climate in Al Khalis, Iraq, features hot summers and mild winters, with temperatures reaching a maximum of 52°C (126°F) in July and minimums dropping to -3°C (27°F) in February. Rainfall is generally scarce, concentrated mainly in the winter months, with January receiving the highest at 25 mm (1.0 in) and dry spells occurring from June to September. The region enjoys abundant sunshine, especially in the summer, with July boasting 385 hours of sunlight. This climate variability contributes to the unique environmental conditions in Al Khalis. For more details, visit Al Khalis climate.
The climate in Al Miqdadiyah, Iraq, features hot summers and mild winters, with temperatures peaking in July at an average of 39°C (102°F) and dropping to a minimum of -3°C (27°F) in February. Precipitation is primarily concentrated in the winter months, with January and February receiving the most rainfall, while June through September experience little to no precipitation. Sunshine hours are abundant, reaching a high of 386 hours in July, contributing to the area's overall arid conditions. For more detailed information, visit Al Miqdadiyah climate.
Baladruz, Iraq experiences a diverse climate characterized by hot summers and mild winters. January temperatures range from a chilly -1°C to a pleasant 24°C, while July sees extreme highs up to 52°C. The region receives most of its precipitation between November and February, with June to September being notably dry. Sunshine is abundant, peaking in the summer months with up to 387 hours in July. For detailed information, visit Baladruz climate.
Baqubah, Iraq experiences a hot desert climate characterized by extreme temperature variations throughout the year. Winters are mild with January temperatures ranging from -1°C to 25°C, while summers can reach scorching highs of 52°C in July. The region sees the majority of its annual rainfall between November and March, with June to September being almost completely dry. Sunshine is abundant year-round, peaking at 385 hours in July. For more detailed information, visit Baqubah climate.
Khalis, Iraq experiences a hot desert climate characterized by extreme temperatures and minimal rainfall. Summers, particularly from June to August, see average highs exceeding 39°C (102°F), while winters are mild with January averaging around 12°C (53°F). Precipitation is scarce, with the wettest months being February and November, receiving about 49 mm (1.9 in) and 45 mm (1.8 in), respectively. Sunshine is abundant, peaking in July with 385 hours. For more detailed information, visit Khalis climate.
The climate in Khanaqin, Iraq, features a pronounced seasonal variation, with cold winters and extremely hot summers. January temperatures range from -4°C to 23°C, while July can soar between 24°C and 49°C. Precipitation peaks in the winter months, particularly February (86 mm) and March (79 mm), but drops significantly in summer, with July and August experiencing no rainfall. Sunshine is abundant, averaging nearly 400 hours in July, indicating a strong sun exposure during the warmer months. For more detailed information, visit Khanaqin climate.
Kifri, Iraq, experiences a continental climate with hot summers and mild winters. Temperatures peak in July and August, reaching up to 50°C (122°F), while January can see lows of -4°C (25°F). Precipitation is minimal during the summer months, particularly in July and August when it averages 0 mm, but January and February receive the most rainfall, with 43 mm and 81 mm respectively. The area enjoys abundant sunshine, particularly from May to August, when it exceeds 384 hours per month. For more details, visit Kifri climate.
Mandali, Iraq, experiences a climate characterized by hot summers and mild winters. Average temperatures range from a chilly 12°C (53°F) in January to a scorching 39°C (102°F) in July. Precipitation is minimal during the summer months, with June through September receiving no rainfall, while January and February see the highest amounts, around 39 mm and 64 mm respectively. With abundant sunshine, particularly in the summer, Mandali enjoys over 390 hours of sun in July. For more information on the climate, visit Mandali climate.
In conclusion, the climatic characteristics of Diyālá, Iraq, reveal a fascinating interplay of temperature, precipitation, sunshine duration, UV Index, and daylight hours throughout the year. The region experiences extreme heat during the summer months, accompanied by a significant drop in precipitation and a stark increase in sunshine hours, making these months critical for agricultural productivity but also demanding caution against high UV exposure. Conversely, the cooler winter months bring moderate temperatures and a resurgence in rainfall, while daylight hours gradually decrease, reminding residents of the region’s stark seasonal transitions. Understanding these climatic dynamics is essential for effective planning in agriculture, health, and daily life, ultimately enhancing resilience against the challenges presented by an environment marked by both extremes and seasonal rhythms.