Weather in Basra

Planning your day in Basra? Here you will find the most up-to-date weather information, including detailed forecasts and visual charts.

The climate in Basra can be described as hot desert, with an abundance of sunny days and extremely low humidity levels. The weather here is stable and predictable: for most of the year, the sky remains clear, and rainfall is very rare, occurring mainly in the winter period and in minimal quantities.

The seasons are quite distinct, but the main difference lies in air temperature. Summer in Basra is truly sweltering and arid: from June to September, the thermometer regularly exceeds the 40°C mark, and rain is completely absent. This time of year requires travelers to be specially prepared for the heat and to actively protect themselves from the sun.

Winter, on the contrary, brings pleasant mildness and comfort. From December to February, the average temperature holds around 14–16°C, which is ideal for long walks and excursions. The transitional seasons — spring and late autumn — also offer favorable conditions when the extreme heat subsides, giving way to warm and dry weather.

The climate in Basra is distinguished by an extremely hot and long summer, which is the hallmark of the region. Starting from May right through to September, the city is in the grip of heat: average highs in July and August reach an impressive 47°C. During this period, the heat does not recede even after sunset, as night temperatures at the height of summer rarely drop below 31-32°C, creating a "tropical night" effect.

The winter season, by contrast, is characterized by mildness and comfort, making it an attractive time to visit. The coolest month is traditionally January with an average temperature of about 14°C. During the day, the air warms up to a pleasant 19-20°C, allowing you to enjoy walks without exhausting heat, however, nights can be quite fresh — the thermometer drops to 8-9°C, so a light jacket in the evening will not go amiss.

Notable diurnal fluctuations are characteristic of Basra's temperature regime, especially during transitional periods — spring and autumn. For example, in April and October, the difference between the daytime heat and the nighttime cool can be around 14-15 degrees. Such contrast allows tourists to take a break from the daytime sun and enjoy fresher and more pleasant evenings.

The climate of Basra is characterized by extreme aridity, so precipitation here is a fairly rare phenomenon. The city has a distinct long dry season that covers the entire summer and early autumn. From June to October, the probability of rain is practically zero: meteorological data indicate a complete absence of precipitation and "wet" days during this period, so tourists will definitely not need an umbrella.

A purely nominal amount of moisture falls mainly during the cool time of year. The conditional rainy season lasts from November to April, but even then, rains are episodic in nature. The "wettest" month can be considered November, when about 5 rainy days are recorded, although the total rainfall barely reaches 2 mm. In the winter months (December, January, February), it may rain on average 4 days a month.

Given the temperature regime of the region, where even in winter the thermometer rarely drops to low values, precipitation falls exclusively as rain. Snowfalls do not occur in Basra. As a rule, these are short-lived and weak rains that only briefly settle the dust and freshen the air, without creating obstacles for walking around the city.

Given the hot and arid climate of Basra, especially in the summer months when the temperature often exceeds 40°C and can reach an extreme 47°C, the basis of your wardrobe should be loose clothing made of natural breathable fabrics, such as cotton and linen. Be sure to take care of reliable sun protection: take a wide-brimmed hat, quality sunglasses, and cream with high SPF. Long sleeves and light trousers will not only protect your skin from burns but will also be appropriate in terms of local cultural traditions.

If you are planning a trip during the winter period (from December to February), it is worth preparing for milder weather and temperature changes. During the day, the air warms up to a comfortable 16–20°C, however, nights can be quite cool, with temperatures around 8–10°C. In this season, it is best to use the principle of layering: pack t-shirts in your suitcase that can be complemented with a warm sweater, cardigan, or light jacket for evening walks. Although there is little precipitation, rare rains are possible in winter, so having a compact umbrella would be a reasonable precaution.

For long excursions around the city, choose the most comfortable flat-soled shoes that secure the foot well. Given the dry climate and possible wind, a light scarf or shawl will be a useful accessory: it will protect your face from dust and serve as additional shelter from the sun. Also, do not forget to take moisturizing products for skin and lips with you, as low humidity can cause dryness.