The best time to visit Iraq
The best time to visit Iraq for warm, sunny weather is February to May, when its destinations average a Sunshine Score of 76/100 with daytime highs around 26°C / 79°F. January is a quieter shoulder-season alternative with still-reliable sun. Midsummer peaks in July at about 45°C / 113°F — hot for sightseeing, ideal for the coast.
Iraq by month, averaged across 5 destinations from long-term climate normals — the best stretch is highlighted.
| Month | Sunshine Score | Avg day high | Rain | For a trip |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 50 | 14° / 57°F | 33 mm | Good |
| February | 71 | 17° / 63°F | 29 mm | Excellent |
| March | 90 | 23° / 73°F | 31 mm | Excellent |
| April | 90 | 29° / 84°F | 26 mm | Excellent |
| May | 52 | 36° / 97°F | 10 mm | Good |
| June | 12 | 42° / 108°F | 1 mm | Poor |
| July | 0 | 45° / 113°F | 1 mm | Poor |
| August | 2 | 44° / 111°F | 0 mm | Poor |
| September | 24 | 40° / 104°F | 1 mm | Poor |
| October | 79 | 33° / 91°F | 13 mm | Excellent |
| November | 90 | 22° / 72°F | 28 mm | Excellent |
| December | 65 | 16° / 61°F | 29 mm | Very good |
When to go — and when to think twice
Best overall: February to May — Iraq's warmest, most reliable stretch (Sunshine Score 76/100, ~26°C / 79°F days). Shoulder season: January — quieter, still sunny. Hottest: July, ~45°C / 113°F. Rain stays light most of the year (~202 mm total).
Where to base yourself for sunshine: Basra (3,445 h/yr), Najaf (3,445 h/yr), Baghdad (3,313 h/yr). See every Iraq destination with a full climate card, or where it's sunny worldwide, month by month.
