Baghdad, Iraq, experiences extreme temperatures. The hottest month is July, where the high can reach 112°F and the low can dip to 82°F.
The weather is dry, especially in the mid-year months. There is almost no rainfall from June to September. Winters can be chilly, notably in January, where the average low is 42°F and the high is 61°F.
Throughout the year, Baghdad’s climate varies widely. During summer, temperatures regularly soar past 100°F, making hydration and shade essential.
In contrast, the cooler season, which lasts from late November to early March, offers milder temperatures. During this time, the average temperature is below 71°F.
Baghdad’s yearly average rainfall is low, typically around 1.46 inches. This minimal precipitation, combined with high temperatures and low humidity, characterizes Baghdad as having a very arid climate. For more detailed information, refer to data from sources like Weather Spark and Weather Atlas.
Average Temperature in Baghdad, Iraq
Baghdad experiences a hot desert climate with extreme temperatures during the year.
Monthly Temperature Averages (°F)
| Month | High Temp (°F) | Low Temp (°F) |
|---|---|---|
| January | 61 | 42 |
| February | 65 | 46 |
| March | 73 | 53 |
| April | 84 | 62 |
| May | 96 | 71 |
| June | 106 | 78 |
| July | 112 | 82 |
| August | 110 | 80 |
| September | 100 | 73 |
| October | 88 | 63 |
| November | 73 | 51 |
| December | 63 | 43 |
January is the coldest month with an average low of 42°F and a high of 61°F.
July is the hottest month, where the average high temperature soars to 112°F and the low is 82°F.
During the warmest months, from June to August, temperatures often reach maximums of 113°F.
In contrast, the cold season spans from late November to early March, with cooler average temperatures hovering below 71°F.
Baghdad experiences minimal variation in night temperatures compared to daytime highs, especially in summer.
Temperatures begin to cool in September, with monthly averages showing a decline in high and low temperatures after the peak summer heat.
Visitors should be aware of the substantial temperature swings between seasons, particularly the scorching summer heat and more temperate winter conditions.
Average Precipitation in Baghdad, Iraq
Baghdad features a very dry climate with minimal rainfall throughout the year. Precipitation primarily occurs during the winter months, with virtually no rainfall in the summer.
Average Rainfall in Baghdad, Iraq
Rainfall in Baghdad is limited, especially during the summer months. The city experiences an average of about 15.72 millimeters (0.62 inches) of precipitation annually, with the wettest month usually being January.
| Month | Rainfall (Inches) |
|---|---|
| January | 1.4 |
| February | 0.9 |
| March | 0.7 |
| April | 0.6 |
| May | 0.2 |
| June | 0.0 |
| July | 0.0 |
| August | 0.0 |
| September | 0.0 |
| October | 0.2 |
| November | 0.5 |
| December | 1.1 |
Rainy days are few and far between, mostly occurring from November to April. The driest period spans from June to September, where rain is almost nonexistent.
Average Snow in Baghdad, Iraq
Snowfall is exceedingly rare in Baghdad due to its desert climate. The city’s temperatures during winter do not typically drop low enough to support snow and generally stay well above freezing.
Baghdad’s winter months are cold and dry. The average low temperature in winter is around 41°F.
For those interested in snow and ice, Baghdad does not offer much in terms of snow and ice. The lack of significant precipitation and cold temperatures means that snowfall events are almost unheard of.
Average Sun in Baghdad, Iraq
Baghdad is known for its bright and sunny weather throughout most of the year, providing ample daylight and clear skies. The city experiences minimal cloud cover, ensuring long hours of sunshine, especially during the summer months.
Average Daily Shortwave Solar Energy in Baghdad, Iraq
Baghdad receives significant shortwave solar energy thanks to its clear and sunny climate. In the summer, the city often sees high UV index levels due to the strong sunlight. This makes sunscreen necessary for outdoor activities.
Table: Average Daily Shortwave Solar Energy (kWh) by Month
| Month | kWh/m² |
|---|---|
| January | 2.5 |
| February | 3.2 |
| March | 4.5 |
| April | 5.8 |
| May | 6.7 |
| June | 7.1 |
| July | 6.9 |
| August | 6.4 |
| September | 5.7 |
| October | 4.4 |
| November | 3.1 |
| December | 2.6 |
The highest energy levels happen in June and July, reaching up to 7.1 kWh/m². The cloud cover is minimal during these months, leading to clear skies and long hours of sun.
In contrast, the winter months like December see lower levels of solar energy, around 2.6 kWh/m², with more varied weather.
The daylight hours vary throughout the year but remain consistent enough to support a high amount of daily sunshine.
For instance, during the peak summer months, daylight can extend up to 14 hours, providing plenty of time for sunlight to hit the city’s surface.
In winter, the overcast conditions are still relatively uncommon, ensuring that even the shortest days are reasonably sunny. This consistency in sunlight makes Baghdad a city with a highly reliable amount of solar energy year-round.
Average Humidity in Baghdad, Iraq
Baghdad experiences a range of humidity levels throughout the year, contributing to the overall comfort and feel of the climate. Humidity in Baghdad varies significantly by month and is generally higher during the cooler months.
Monthly Average Humidity
| Month | Average Humidity (%) |
|---|---|
| January | 63 |
| February | 52 |
| March | 47 |
| April | 38 |
| May | 27 |
| June | 18 |
| July | 17 |
| August | 19 |
| September | 23 |
| October | 34 |
| November | 52 |
| December | 65 |
January tends to have the highest average humidity at 63%, while July has the lowest at around 17%.
This significant drop in humidity during the summer months can lead to a very dry and hot atmosphere.
Dew Point
The dew point is a useful measure to understand how humid it feels. In Baghdad, the dew point varies:
- Winter Months: Dew points are higher, making the air feel more damp.
- Summer Months: Dew points drop significantly, resulting in drier air.
Baghdad’s average dew point during the cooler months can range from 34°F to 50°F. In contrast, during the summer months, the dew point can be as low as 20°F to 30°F, contributing to the arid conditions.
Average Wind in Baghdad, Iraq
In Baghdad, the wind speeds vary throughout the year.
During the spring months of March to May, the average wind speed ranges between 7 to 9 mph.
| Month | Average Wind Speed (mph) |
|---|---|
| March | 7 |
| April | 8 |
| May | 9 |
Summer months in Baghdad typically see average wind speeds of around 10 mph.
June, July, and August are relatively windy.
| Month | Average Wind Speed (mph) |
|---|---|
| June | 10 |
| July | 10 |
| August | 10 |
In the fall, from September to November, wind speeds decrease slightly. The average speeds are between 6 to 8 mph.
| Month | Average Wind Speed (mph) |
|---|---|
| September | 8 |
| October | 7 |
| November | 6 |
Winter months see further decreases in wind speeds, averaging between 5 to 7 mph.
| Month | Average Wind Speed (mph) |
|---|---|
| December | 6 |
| January | 5 |
| February | 6 |
The peak wind speeds often happen during the summer, making it the windiest time of the year.
Average Air Quality in Baghdad, Iraq
Air quality in Baghdad can vary throughout the year due to various factors like traffic, industrial activity, and weather conditions.
On many days, the air quality is affected by dust from desert winds. The city’s geography also plays a role, trapping pollutants, especially when there is little wind.
Real-time data from IQAir indicates that some areas like the US Embassy in Baghdad frequently report higher pollution levels.
For instance, an AQI level over 200, which is unhealthy, is not uncommon.
Below is a monthly breakdown of average AQI levels in Baghdad based on available data:
| Month | AQI Level | Classification |
|---|---|---|
| January | 120 | Unhealthy for Sensitive |
| February | 105 | Unhealthy for Sensitive |
| March | 95 | Moderate |
| April | 150 | Unhealthy |
| May | 165 | Unhealthy |
| June | 180 | Unhealthy |
| July | 190 | Unhealthy |
| August | 170 | Unhealthy |
| September | 140 | Unhealthy for Sensitive |
| October | 110 | Unhealthy for Sensitive |
| November | 130 | Unhealthy for Sensitive |
| December | 125 | Unhealthy for Sensitive |
Health Impact
High levels of air pollution can affect human health, especially for those with respiratory conditions.
On days with poor air quality, it is advisable to stay indoors and minimize physical activities outside.
Forecast and Monitoring
For up-to-date information, residents can monitor AQI levels using services like AccuWeather.
These platforms provide forecasts and help in planning activities to minimize exposure to pollutants.
Regular updates on weather conditions and dust levels are essential for residents, especially during the summer months when pressure and high temperatures contribute to more significant pollution levels.
Topography of Baghdad, Iraq
Baghdad is situated in the central part of Iraq, lying along the Tigris River. This river bisects the city into eastern and western halves. The presence of the Tigris provides a vital water source in an otherwise arid region.
The region surrounding Baghdad is predominately flat and lies within a subtropical desert climate (BWh).
This desert terrain extends in all directions with minimal elevation changes. The landscape is characterized by arid plains with sparse vegetation.
To the south, the land remains mainly flat and desert-like, continuing towards regions such as Basrah.
This area is known for its extreme temperatures, particularly during the summer months.
Moving north from Baghdad towards Mosul, the terrain starts to show slight variations, including small hills but still largely maintains a desert climate.
Despite being in an arid zone, these variations can offer some micro-environmental differences.
In the urban center, Baghdad’s landscape is dominated by built structures and some green spaces, mainly around the riverbanks. These urban areas break the monotony of the vast desert plains.
Here is a brief look at the elevation levels of nearby locations:
| Location | Elevation (feet) |
|---|---|
| Baghdad | 114 |
| Basrah | 16 |
| Mosul | 720 |
Baghdad, located in the heart of the Middle East, experiences a typical desert climate with long, scorching summers and mild winters. This climatic condition, combined with its topography, shapes the daily life and culture in the city.
The flat and open geographical features of Baghdad and its surroundings influence its climate and urban development. The mountainous regions are relatively distant, leaving the area around Baghdad predominantly flat and desert-like.
Extreme Weather Events that Occur in Baghdad, Iraq
Baghdad, the capital of Iraq, experiences a variety of extreme weather events. These events significantly impact daily life and overall well-being.
In summer, temperatures can soar to over 125 degrees Fahrenheit.
This extreme heat poses serious health risks, especially for those without access to consistent electricity for cooling.
Dust storms are another frequent problem. The United Nations Environment Programme predicted that Iraq could experience up to 300 dust events annually by 2026.
These storms reduce visibility, disrupt transportation, and can cause respiratory issues.
Winter temperatures in Baghdad are generally mild with occasional rain. The city rarely experiences severe cold, but it can still see fluctuations in weather that affect daily life.
Here’s a table summarizing extreme weather events by month:
| Month | Extreme Weather Event |
|---|---|
| January | Occasional rain, mild winter |
| March | Start of dust storm season |
| July | Extreme heat, over 120°F |
| October | Decrease in extreme temperatures |
Electrical outages are common during these extreme events, making it harder for residents to cope with the heat. This combination of extreme heat and power outages is particularly deadly.
These extreme weather patterns, coupled with existing vulnerabilities, make Baghdad a challenging place to live in terms of climate.
Best Time of the Year to Visit Baghdad, Iraq
Baghdad experiences very hot summers, mild winters, and minimal rainfall throughout the year. Each season offers a unique experience, whether you prefer the warm spring or the cooler winter months.
What is Baghdad, Iraq Like in Spring
Spring in Baghdad spans from March to May. Temperatures during these months range from the high 50s°F to the mid-80s°F, making it one of the most pleasant times to visit.
Rain is infrequent, but occasional showers can occur, especially in March and April, adding a refreshing touch.
Spring is ideal for outdoor activities since the weather is relatively mild compared to the hot summers.
The city experiences increased daylight hours, perfect for sightseeing historical landmarks and enjoying local markets.
Dust storms are less common in spring compared to summer.
Visitors can also enjoy the blooming flowers and the vibrant greenery in Baghdad’s parks and gardens during this time.
What is Baghdad, Iraq Like in Summer
Summer in Baghdad extends from June to August. These months are characterized by extreme heat, with temperatures often soaring above 110°F.
July and August are the hottest months, with temperatures regularly exceeding 113°F during the day and rarely dropping below 84°F at night.
Humidity levels are very low, typically under 10%, due to Baghdad’s distance from the Persian Gulf.
Dust storms from the deserts are common during the summer months, which can reduce visibility and create challenging conditions for outdoor activities.
Despite the heat, the dry climate can make the high temperatures slightly more bearable.
Staying hydrated and seeking air-conditioned environments is crucial for visitors during summer.
What is Baghdad, Iraq Like in Fall
Fall in Baghdad runs from September to November. This season sees a gradual decrease in temperature, ranging from the high 90s°F in September to the low 60s°F by November.
Rainfall during fall is still minimal, but the chance of rain increases slightly as the season progresses.
The weather becomes more comfortable for outdoor activities compared to the scorching summer months.
November is particularly pleasant, with temperatures mild enough to explore the city without the intense heat.
Fall is also a great time to experience cultural events and festivals that take place in Baghdad, making it an exciting time to visit.
| Month | Average High (°F) | Average Low (°F) | Rainfall (Inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| September | 99 | 69 | 0.01 |
| October | 88 | 61 | 0.3 |
| November | 72 | 48 | 0.6 |
What is Baghdad, Iraq Like in Winter
Winter in Baghdad lasts from December to February.
January is the coldest month, with average high temperatures around 61°F and lows near 42°F.
Despite being the coldest season, Baghdad’s winter is relatively mild compared to other regions.
Rainfall is more common in winter but still not abundant, with December and January receiving the highest precipitation.
The cooler temperatures make it an excellent time for visiting outdoor attractions and enjoying leisurely strolls in the city.
Layered clothing is recommended as temperatures can vary significantly between day and night.
Winter is also a peaceful time with fewer tourists, allowing for a more relaxed exploration of Baghdad’s cultural and historical sites.