Last updated: January 18, 2025
Sulaymaniyah, Iraq, exhibits a diverse climatic profile classified primarily under the Köppen-Geiger system as Csa and BSh, indicating a mix of Mediterranean and semi-arid conditions. The region experiences significant temperature fluctuations, with winter lows dipping to a minimum of -19°C (-2°F) in February, while summertime highs can soar to a scorching 49°C (121°F) in July. On average, the temperature hovers around 18°C (65°F), illustrating the stark contrasts that define Sulaymaniyah's climate and underscore its unique environmental characteristics.
Sulaymaniyah, Iraq, showcases distinct seasonal temperature patterns, transitioning from the harsh chill of winter to the intense heat of summer. January and February witness frigid temperatures, with lows reaching as low as -19°C (-2°F), gradually warming into early spring with daytime highs soaring to 32°C (89°F) in March. By April, temperatures rise significantly, peaking at a sweltering 40°C (104°F), while May and June bring even higher maximums, reaching 44°C (111°F) and 47°C (118°F), respectively. The height of summer in July presents the highest temperatures, where maximums can hit 49°C (121°F). As summer wanes, temperatures begin to cool in September and October, bringing a drop to around 20°C (68°F), and eventually settling into the cooler months of November and December, where temperatures dip down again, with December lows falling to -13°C (9°F). This stark seasonal contrast illustrates the dynamic climate of the region, reflecting its Mediterranean and semi-arid influences.
As Sulaymaniyah experiences a wide temperature range, with minimums dropping to -16°C (4°F) in January and peaking at 44°C (111°F) in July, as detailed in the monthly temperatures in As Sulaymaniyah. Similarly, Halabja shares this chilly January low of -16°C (3°F) but reaches slightly higher July maximums of 46°C (116°F), as noted in the monthly temperatures in Halabja.
Sulaymaniyah, Iraq, experiences a distinctive precipitation pattern, characterized by significant rainfall primarily during the winter and early spring months. January and February are the wettest months, recording 104 mm (4.1 in) and 149 mm (5.9 in), respectively. This is followed closely by March, which sees 142 mm (5.6 in) of rain. The rainfall during these months is crucial for replenishing water reserves, with wet days peaking at 14 days in March, ensuring the region's agricultural viability. April also contributes appreciably with 100 mm (3.9 in), while precipitation begins to taper off substantially in May to 38 mm (1.5 in).
As summer approaches, Sulaymaniyah's precipitation declines dramatically, with June and July experiencing virtually no rain, registering only 1 mm (0.0 in) and 0 mm (0.0 in), respectively. This dry spell extends into August and September, where rainfall remains negligible. The onset of autumn brings a slight revival in precipitation, with October and November producing 36 mm (1.4 in) and 68 mm (2.7 in), respectively. December concludes the year with 126 mm (4.9 in), marking a return to the wetter pattern. Overall, the annual distribution of rainfall highlights the stark contrast between the wet and dry seasons, shaping the climate and ecosystems of Sulaymaniyah.
In Sulaymaniyah, Iraq, sunshine duration reveals a clear seasonal trend, with hours of sunlight steadily increasing from winter to summer. Starting at 214 hours in January, daylight hours begin to lengthen as spring approaches, with February seeing a jump to 252 hours and March expanding further to 305 hours. The trend continues into April, where sunshine reaches 341 hours, marking a significant shift as the region transitions into warmer months. The peak of the summer months showcases the highest sunlight exposure, with July leading at 406 hours, just slightly ahead of June's 399 hours and August's 388 hours. This period not only enhances the warmth but also allows for optimal conditions for agricultural practices.
As summer fades into autumn, Sulaymaniyah experiences a gradual decline in sunlight hours. September maintains a robust 346 hours, but by October, this decreases to 319 hours. The diminishing daylight continues into November and December, dropping to 273 hours and 253 hours, respectively, as winter approaches. This clear dichotomy between the bright, sunny summer days and the shorter, cloudier winter months emphasizes the region’s vibrant agricultural cycle, benefiting from long summer days while also preparing for the chillier, less sunny season ahead. The consistent rise and fall of sunshine duration not only impacts local climate conditions but also shapes the lifestyle and cultural practices of the people in Sulaymaniyah.
The UV Index in Sulaymaniyah, Iraq, fluctuates significantly throughout the year, reflecting the region's dramatic seasonal changes. In the cooler months of January and February, the UV Index starts at a moderate 5, increasing to a high 6 in February, with recommended burn times of 30 and 25 minutes, respectively. As spring arrives, the intensity surges, particularly in March and April, where the UV Index peaks at 8 and 10, categorized as very high, demanding a shorter burn time of 15 minutes. The trend of rising UV levels continues into the summer months, with May reaching an extreme Index of 13, where exposure should be limited to just 10 minutes to prevent skin damage.
The extreme UV conditions persist through June, July, and August, maintaining an Index of 12 and 11, still requiring only 10 minutes of safe exposure. As autumn approaches, there’s a noticeable decline, with the Index dropping to 9 in September and further to 7 in October, where burn times return to 25 minutes. By late autumn and winter, the Index reduces again, falling to a moderate 5 in November and 3 in December, with the respective burn times allowing for safer sun exposure at 30 minutes. Understanding these fluctuations is crucial for residents and visitors alike, as they navigate outdoor activities while protecting against harmful UV radiation.
UV Risk Categories
In Sulaymaniyah, Iraq, daylight duration exhibits a clear seasonal pattern, beginning with around 10 hours of daylight in both January and February. As spring approaches, March sees an increase to 11 hours, signaling the gradual lengthening of days that culminates in the longer daylight hours of April and May, where residents enjoy 13 and 14 hours of sunlight, respectively. This peak daylight duration is consistent through June and July, providing ample time for outdoor activities and agricultural work, which are vital in this agriculturally driven region.
As summer transitions into autumn, daylight begins to decline, with August still maintaining 13 hours but dropping to 12 hours in September. The trend continues, resulting in a reduction to 11 hours in October and further down to 10 hours in November. By December, daylight reaches its annual low at 9 hours, marking the onset of winter. This cyclical variation in daylight duration not only influences daily life in Sulaymaniyah but also shapes cultural practices and agricultural schedules, emphasizing the importance of adapting to seasonal changes.
As Sulaymaniyah, Iraq experiences a continental climate with distinct seasons, featuring cold winters and hot summers. January sees temperatures ranging from -16°C (4°F) to 18°C (65°F), while July temperatures soar between 18°C (65°F) and 44°C (111°F). Precipitation is highest in the winter months, particularly in February with 144 mm (5.7 in), tapering off to almost none during July and August. Sunshine is abundant, especially in the summer, with July receiving up to 405 hours of sun. For more detailed information, visit As Sulaymaniyah climate.
Halabja, Iraq experiences a continental climate characterized by cold winters and very hot summers. January's temperatures range from -16°C to 19°C, with significant snowfall, while June through August sees soaring averages of 28°C to 33°C, and max temperatures reaching up to 46°C. Precipitation is highest in winter, peaking in February at 123 mm, but drops dramatically during the summer months, resulting in drought-like conditions. Sunshine is abundant, particularly in the summer, with July enjoying up to 404 hours of sunlight. For more detailed information, visit Halabja climate.
In conclusion, the climatic characteristics of Sulaymaniyah, Iraq, reveal a fascinating interplay of temperature, precipitation, sunshine duration, UV index, and daylight hours throughout the year. The region experiences extreme temperature variations, with hot summers and cold winters, while its precipitation patterns highlight distinct wet and dry seasons crucial for agriculture. Additionally, the ample sunshine in summer months, coupled with high UV indices, underscores the need for sun protection during outdoor activities. Understanding these climatic elements not only enhances knowledge of Sulaymaniyah's environmental dynamics but also aids residents and visitors in making informed decisions regarding health, agriculture, and lifestyle amid the region's seasonal transitions.