Last updated: January 18, 2025
The climate of Wāsiţ, Iraq, is classified under the Köppen-Geiger system as BWh, indicating a hot desert climate characterized by extreme temperature variations. The region experiences a minimum temperature of -2°C (28°F) in February, highlighting the potential for chilly winter nights. As the year progresses, average temperatures soar to a warm 26°C (80°F), with maximum values reaching an astounding 52°C (126°F) in July. This compelling temperature profile emphasizes the harsh and arid conditions typical of desert climates, underscoring the challenges and adaptations faced by both the local ecosystem and human populations.
Wāsiţ, Iraq, exhibits pronounced seasonal temperature patterns, with a notable stark contrast between winter and summer months. January and February showcase cool temperatures, with minimums dropping to -2°C (28°F) and averages around 12°C (55°F) to 15°C (59°F), gradually warming into comfortable spring conditions by March. As the seasons shift toward summer, temperatures rise sharply, with May temperatures averaging around 32°C (90°F) and peaking dramatically in July, where the average reaches a scorching 40°C (104°F) and maximums soar to 52°C (126°F). Late summer and early fall bring slight relief, but temperatures remain high, with September still averaging 36°C (96°F) before transitioning back to milder weather in October. The pattern illustrates a classic desert climate, characterized by very warm summers and mild winters, with a swift escalation in heat as the year progresses.
In the region, Al Hayy experiences temperatures ranging from a minimum of 0°C (33°F) in February to a scorching maximum of 52°C (126°F) in July, as detailed in the monthly temperatures in Al Hayy. An Nu'maniyah witnesses slightly colder winters with a minimum of -1°C (30°F) in February, but also reaches the same peak of 52°C (126°F) in July, as outlined in the monthly temperatures in An Nu'maniyah. Similarly, Al Kut has February lows of 0°C (32°F) and July highs of 52°C (126°F), as shown in the monthly temperatures in Al Kut.
Precipitation in Wāsiţ, Iraq, is characterized by a highly seasonal pattern, with the majority of rainfall concentrated in the cooler months. January marks the onset of the rainy season, recording 23 mm (0.9 in) of precipitation over approximately 2 days, while February sees a slight increase to 34 mm (1.4 in) accompanied by 4 rainy days. March maintains this trend, featuring 34 mm (1.3 in) of rainfall over 3 days, followed by April, which brings a decrease to 25 mm (1.0 in). This wet period contributes significantly to the region's annual precipitation totals before the onset of a dry spell beginning in May.
The summer months of June through September experience virtually no rainfall, with these months reporting 0 mm of precipitation, highlighting the stark aridity characteristic of the desert climate. October marks a return to minimal precipitation with 7 mm (0.3 in), followed by a notable uptick in November, which sees the highest monthly total of 43 mm (1.7 in) across 5 rainy days. December concludes the year with moderate rainfall of 31 mm (1.2 in), further underscoring the dichotomy in Wāsiţ's climate between wet and dry periods.
Wāsiţ, Iraq, experiences a notable seasonal variation in sunshine duration, with a clear progression from winter to summer. In January, residents enjoy 227 hours of sunshine, which gradually increases to 266 hours in February. As spring unfolds, sunshine continues to rise, culminating in an impressive 333 hours in April and peaking at 376 hours in May. This upward trend showcases the gradual warming and lengthening of daylight hours leading into the summer months, setting the stage for even more sunshine.
The peak sunshine duration occurs in July, with an impressive 390 hours of radiant sunlight, closely followed by 384 hours in June. While August experiences a slight decline to 371 hours, sunshine remains abundant, making the summer period the most sun-filled of the year. As the year progresses into autumn, the hours of sunshine decrease, with October at 314 hours and November dropping further to 274 hours. By December, the sunshine duration falls to 271 hours, marking a return to the shorter days characteristic of winter. Overall, Wāsiţ's climate not only offers extended sunshine during the warmer months but also highlights the contrast between sun-drenched summers and the more subdued winter months.
In Wāsiţ, Iraq, the UV Index illustrates a significant seasonal shift, reflecting the intensity of solar radiation throughout the year. Starting at a moderate UV Index of 4 in January, residents can expect a burn time of approximately 30 minutes before safety measures are needed. As February arrives, the UV Index increases to 6, categorized as high, reducing the safe exposure time to 25 minutes. The transition to spring brings a stark rise in UV radiation, with March and April reaching 9—classified as very high—with burn times shortening to just 15 minutes.
The summer months bring the most extreme conditions, peaking in May with a UV Index of 12, which is categorized as extreme and significantly limits safe sun exposure to a mere 10 minutes. June follows closely with an index of 11, while July and August maintain a UV Index of 10, ensuring that the demand for sun protection remains critical during these months. As autumn approaches, the UV Index gradually decreases, with October presenting a 7 (high exposure) and November returning to a more moderate 5. December concludes the year similarly to January, with a UV Index of 4, emphasizing the cyclical nature of exposure risks throughout the seasons.
UV Risk Categories
In Wāsiţ, Iraq, daylight duration exhibits a clear seasonal progression, beginning with shorter days in the winter months. January features approximately 10 hours of daylight, a trend that slightly increases in February and March, both offering 11 hours of sunlight. As spring unfolds, daylight continues to grow longer, reaching 12 hours in April and extending further to 13 hours in May. The arrival of summer marks the peak of daylight, with June and July experiencing 14 hours of sunlight, providing ample opportunities for outdoor activities and warmth.
As summer transitions to autumn, daylight hours gradually decrease, starting with 13 hours in August and tapering off to 12 hours in September. The trend continues into October, with daylight reducing to 11 hours, before reverting to 10 hours for both November and December. This cyclical change in daylight duration highlights the predictable nature of Wāsiţ's climate, making the region's long summer days especially significant for its inhabitants as they enjoy the sun-filled months before the shorter days of winter set in.
Al 'Aziziyah, Iraq experiences a hot desert climate with extreme temperatures throughout the year. In the summer months, particularly July and August, temperatures can soar to a maximum of 52°C (125°F) and average around 39°C (102°F). Precipitation is minimal during the summer, with June to September receiving little to no rainfall, while the heaviest rains occur in November. The city enjoys ample sunshine, particularly in the summer, with July boasting up to 388 hours of sunshine. For more detailed information, visit Al 'Aziziyah climate.
Al Hayy, Iraq experiences a hot desert climate characterized by extremely high summer temperatures, often exceeding 50°C (122°F) in July and August. Winter months are milder, with January averages around 13°C (56°F), and the region receives most of its annual precipitation between November and February, peaking in November at 44 mm (1.7 in). The sun shines prominently throughout the year, with maximum sunlight hours recorded in June at 384 hours. This stark temperature variation and limited rainfall define the climatic conditions of Al Hayy. For more details, visit Al Hayy climate.
Al Kut, Iraq experiences a hot desert climate characterized by extreme temperature variations throughout the year. The summer months, particularly July and August, see average highs reaching up to 40-41°C (104-106°F), while winter nights can drop to as low as 0°C (32°F) in January and February. Precipitation is minimal, with the majority of rainfall occurring from November to March, totaling only 4 mm in May and none from June to September. The city enjoys abundant sunshine, particularly in the summer, with July boasting an impressive 391 hours of sunlight. For more details, visit Al Kut climate.
The climate in An Nu'maniyah, Iraq, is characterized by hot summers and mild winters. January temperatures range from a minimum of 0°C (32°F) to a maximum of 25°C (78°F), while July sees extremes, with temperatures reaching up to 52°C (126°F). Precipitation is minimal during the summer months, with June to September receiving no rainfall, while November and March are relatively wetter with 37 mm (1.4 in) and 33 mm (1.3 in) respectively. The region enjoys substantial sunshine, peaking in July with 391 hours. For more detailed information, visit An Nu'maniyah climate.
As Suwayrah, Iraq experiences a hot desert climate, characterized by extreme temperatures and limited rainfall. January temperatures range from a chilly -1°C to a warm 25°C, while summer months like July can soar to 52°C. Precipitation is scarce, especially from June to September, with an annual high in November at 41 mm. Sunshine is abundant throughout the year, peaking in July with 388 hours. For more detailed information, visit As Suwayrah climate.
Badrah, Iraq experiences a stark climate with hot summers and mild winters. January temperatures range from -1°C to 25°C, gradually warming throughout the year, peaking in July with maximums reaching 52°C. Precipitation is relatively low during the summer months, with June to September seeing little to no rainfall, while the winter months receive the most precipitation, particularly in November (54 mm). The area enjoys ample sunshine, especially in the summer, with July averaging 393 hours. For more information, visit Badrah climate.
In conclusion, Wāsiţ, Iraq, presents a distinctive climate characterized by its extreme temperature variations, minimal precipitation, abundant sunshine, high UV exposure, and fluctuating daylight duration throughout the year. The region experiences scorching summers with peak temperatures exceeding 52°C (126°F) and a noteworthy absence of rainfall from June to September, creating a typical desert environment. In contrast, the cooler months bring intermittent rainfall and moderate temperatures, providing a brief respite from the heat. Furthermore, the shift in daylight duration across the seasons—from just 10 hours in winter to a maximum of 14 hours in summer—along with significant variations in UV Index levels, underscores the necessity for appropriate sun protection during the intense solar months. Together, these climatic elements shape the lifestyle and activities of Wāsiţ's residents, necessitating adaptations to thrive in such an arid and sun-drenched landscape.