Last updated: January 18, 2025
The climate of Maysan, Iraq, is classified under the Koppen-Geiger system as BWh, indicative of a hot semi-arid environment. Temperature variations are notable, with January marking the coldest month at a minimum of -1°C (31°F), while July experiences extreme heat with maximums soaring to 53°C (127°F). The region's average temperature stands at a warm 27°C (81°F), reflecting its characteristic dryness and significant thermal fluctuations throughout the year.
Maysan, Iraq, experiences pronounced seasonal temperature patterns, characterized by mild winters and scorching summers. January begins with cool temperatures, ranging from a minimum of 1°C (33°F) to a mild maximum of 26°C (80°F). As February transitions to spring, temperatures slightly rise, highlighted by an average of 15°C (60°F) and a notable maximum of 33°C (91°F). The arrival of March signals a more significant warming trend, peaking in July with extraordinary heat, where average temperatures reach 40°C (105°F) and maxima can soar to 53°C (127°F). Following the peak summer heat in August, temperatures begin to decline gradually through autumn, settling around 21°C (69°F) by November before returning again to the cooler conditions of winter in December. This stark seasonal contrast marks Maysan as a region of extreme temperature variability throughout the year.
In the region, temperatures can vary significantly throughout the year. Al Kahla' experiences a minimum of 0°C (33°F) in February and peaks at a scorching 53°C (127°F) in July, as outlined in the monthly temperatures in Al Kahla'. Similarly, Al 'Amarah records the same extremes with a minimum of 0°C (33°F) in February and a maximum of 53°C (127°F) in July, noted in the monthly temperatures in Al 'Amarah. Meanwhile, 'Ali al Gharbi faces slightly cooler temperatures, with a minimum of -1°C (31°F) in February and a maximum of 52°C (126°F) in July, detailed in the monthly temperatures in 'Ali al Gharbi.
Precipitation in Maysan, Iraq, exhibits a distinct seasonal pattern, with the majority of rainfall concentrated in the cooler months. January receives 21 mm (0.8 in) of rain over approximately 2 days, while February sees an increase to 44 mm (1.7 in) across 4 days. This wet trend continues into March and April, with precipitation levels of 28 mm (1.1 in) and 31 mm (1.2 in), respectively. The region experiences a significant drop in rainfall during the summer months, with zero precipitation recorded from June to September, underscoring the arid conditions characteristic of this period.
As autumn arrives, Maysan again witnesses a rise in rainfall, particularly in November with 65 mm (2.6 in) on 5 days, and December, which brings 42 mm (1.7 in) across 5 days. October provides a brief reprieve with 9 mm (0.4 in) of rain over just 1 day. Overall, Maysan's precipitation patterns highlight a clear dry season during the scorching summer, contrasted by a wetter interval in the cooler months, ultimately shaping the region's semi-arid climate.
In Maysan, Iraq, the duration of sunshine demonstrates a clear progression from winter's modest levels to summer's peak brilliance. Starting with 228 hours of sunshine in January, the month gradually warms as February enjoys 271 hours, signaling the approaching spring. The rise continues through March and April, with sunshine hours reaching 329 and 336 hours, respectively. This upward trend is particularly pronounced in May, when the region basks in 376 hours of sunlight, setting the stage for the blazing summer months ahead.
Summer in Maysan sees an impressive accumulation of sunshine, with June recording 384 hours, July slightly exceeding that with 389 hours, and August following suit with 370 hours. Although there is a slight decrease during these months, they remain the sunniest of the year. As the seasons transition into autumn, sunshine hours gradually decline, with September at 337 hours, October at 316 hours, and November dropping down to 274 hours. By December, sunshine levels dip to 272 hours, heralding the return to the winter months. Overall, the seasonal sunshine patterns in Maysan showcase not only the region's intense summer sunlight but also its significantly shorter days during the winter months.
The UV Index in Maysan, Iraq, reflects a marked seasonal variation that underscores the importance of sun safety throughout the year. January begins with a moderate UV Index of 5, requiring a burn time of 30 minutes for unprotected skin. As winter progresses into February, the index rises to 6, categorized as high, which shortens the burn time to 25 minutes. This upward trend continues into March and April, where the UV Index reaches 9 and 10, respectively, in the very high range, demanding vigilance with only 15 minutes of unprotected sun exposure before burning occurs.
The summer months present the greatest UV intensity, peaking in May and June with an index of 12 and 11, classified as extreme, whereby individuals must limit unprotected exposure to just 10 minutes. July maintains this high level, while August sees a slight decrease to 10 but remains in the very high category. In September, the index decreases to 9, continuing to indicate very high levels of UV radiation. As autumn approaches, October presents a moderate drop to a 7 UV Index, transitioning back to high. By November and December, the index settles at 5 and 4, respectively, returning to moderate levels, thus reminding residents to be alert to UV risks especially during the peak summer months.
UV Risk Categories
In Maysan, Iraq, the duration of daylight exhibits a predictable seasonal cycle that significantly influences daily activities and lifestyles. Starting with roughly 10 hours of daylight in January, the month gradually transitions into February and March, maintaining a consistent 11 hours. April marks a noticeable increase as daylight extends to 12 hours, and by May, residents can enjoy about 13 hours of sunshine each day, contributing to a vibrant spring atmosphere.
The summer months continue to capitalize on this daylight surge, with June reaching the peak at 14 hours of daylight, encouraging outdoor activities and agricultural pursuits. Although July and August see a slight reduction back to 13 hours, these months still reflect abundant sunlight. As autumn arrives, daylight begins to taper off, dropping to 12 hours in September and returning to 11 hours by October. November and December then revert to the shorter daylight hours of 10 hours, signaling the onset of winter. This cyclical pattern underscores Maysan's variation in daylight, creating distinct phases throughout the year that complement its climatic characteristics.
The climate in 'Ali al Gharbi, Iraq, is characterized by hot summers and mild winters. January temperatures range from a minimum of 1°C to a maximum of 26°C, while summer months from June to August peak with maximum temperatures exceeding 50°C. Precipitation is concentrated in the cooler months, particularly in February (54 mm) and November (62 mm), with virtually no rain falling from June to August. The area enjoys abundant sunshine, especially in the summer, with July receiving the most hours at 391. For more detailed climate information, visit 'Ali al Gharbi climate.
Al 'Amarah, Iraq experiences a desert climate characterized by hot summers and mild winters. January temperatures range from 1°C to 26°C, while summer months see highs exceeding 50°C, particularly in July. The area receives most of its precipitation between November and February, with the driest months being June to September. Despite limited rainfall, sunshine is abundant, with July enjoying up to 389 hours of sunlight. For more detailed information, visit Al 'Amarah climate.
Al Kahla', Iraq, experiences extreme temperatures, with summer highs reaching up to 53°C (127°F) in July, and winter averages around 13°C (56°F) in January. Precipitation is minimal during the summer months, with June to September receiving no rainfall, while November sees the highest at 68 mm (2.7 in). The city enjoys abundant sunshine, peaking at 389 hours in July. Despite the high temperatures, the winter months provide a respite with cooler averages and more frequent rainfall. For detailed weather patterns, visit Al Kahla' climate.
Al Maymunah, Iraq experiences a hot desert climate with significant temperature variations between seasons. From January to April, temperatures gradually rise, peaking in the summer months of June and July, where average highs reach around 40°C (104°F) and can go as high as 53°C (127°F). Precipitation is scarce, with most rainfall occurring in the winter months, particularly November which sees the highest at 65 mm (2.5 in). Sunshine is abundant, averaging over 300 hours monthly from March to August. For more detailed information, visit Al Maymunah climate.
Nahiyat Ali ash Sharqi, Iraq, experiences an extreme climate with hot summers and mild winters. Temperatures range from a chilly 1°C (34°F) in January to scorching highs of 52°C (127°F) in July. Precipitation is minimal, particularly during the intense summer months, with June to September receiving no rainfall, while November sees the highest at 62 mm (2.4 in). Despite the scarce rain, the area enjoys abundant sunshine throughout the year, peaking at 390 hours in July. For more details on the climate, visit Nahiyat Ali ash Sharqi climate.
Qal'at Salih, Iraq experiences a hot desert climate characterized by scorching summers and mild winters. Average temperatures soar in the summer months, peaking in July at around 41°C (105°F), while winter nights can drop to as low as 1°C (33°F) in February. Rainfall is sparse, with the majority occurring from November to February, while the summer months record virtually no precipitation. Sunshine is abundant throughout the year, with the sunniest months being June and July, boasting nearly 400 hours of sunshine. For more detailed climate information, visit Qal'at Salih climate.
In conclusion, the climate and environmental patterns of Maysan, Iraq, reveal a region characterized by extreme temperature fluctuations, distinct seasonal precipitation trends, and significant variations in sunlight and UV exposure. With scorching summers that see temperatures soar above 50°C and virtually no rainfall, contrasted by milder winters with limited precipitation, Maysan presents unique challenges and opportunities for its inhabitants. Additionally, the substantial daylight duration and high UV Index during the summer months underscore the importance of sun protection and responsible outdoor activity. Overall, understanding these climatic elements is crucial for effective planning in agriculture, health, and lifestyle choices within this semi-arid environment.