Weather in Erbil

Get the most up-to-date weather information for Erbil. Here you will find current reports, detailed forecasts, and clear charts to help plan your day.

The climate in Erbil is characterized as sharply continental with Mediterranean features, meaning hot, dry summers and cool, relatively humid winters. The city experiences significant temperature fluctuations throughout the year, with clearly defined seasons. Visitors should consider these contrasts when planning their trip.

The summer months, especially from June to September, are extremely hot and arid in Erbil. Average daytime temperatures often exceed 30°C, and in July and August can reach 40-42°C. Precipitation during this period is practically non-existent. Winter, on the other hand, is quite cool: from December to February, average temperatures hover around 7-10°C, sometimes dropping to 2-5°C at night. Winter receives the bulk of the annual rainfall, although the total amount is not large.

Spring (March-May) and autumn (October-November) are transitional seasons with more moderate temperatures. Spring sees gradual warming and a decrease in precipitation, while autumn sees gradual cooling and an increased likelihood of rain. The highest number of rainy days occurs in the winter and early spring months, while the summer months are almost completely devoid of precipitation, highlighting the arid nature of Erbil's climate at this time of year.

The climate in Erbil is characterized by significant annual temperature fluctuations, which is typical for the region. The hottest months are July and August, when the average temperature holds at around 34°C, and maximum daily values regularly reach 41-42°C. Conversely, the coldest month is January, with an average temperature of 7.7°C and minimum night-time readings dropping to an average of 2.8°C. Thus, the annual temperature progression demonstrates a transition from a cool winter to a very hot summer.

The summer period in Erbil, especially from June to September, is distinguished by intense heat and aridity. Average daily temperatures in June already exceed 30°C, peaking in July and August. Maximum daytime temperatures during these months can be very high, often rising above 38-40°C. There is practically no rainfall in the summer months. A characteristic feature of the climate is significant diurnal temperature variation: for example, in July, the difference between the average maximum (42.0°C) and average minimum (26.3°C) temperature is more than 15 degrees, meaning hot days and relatively cooler, though still warm, nights.

Winter in Erbil, covering December, January, and February, brings noticeable cooling. Average temperatures in January and February range from 7.7°C to 9.2°C. During the day, the thermometer may rise to 12-15°C, but at night the temperature drops significantly, reaching an average of 2.8-5.0°C. Although average minimum temperatures remain above freezing, lower values are possible on some nights. The spring (March-May) and autumn (October-November) months are transitional, with heat gradually building in spring and subsiding in autumn, offering more moderate and comfortable temperature conditions for visiting.

Erbil experiences distinct seasonality in precipitation, with a clear division into wet and dry periods. Most annual precipitation falls during the winter and spring months, while summer and early autumn are characterized by an almost complete absence of rain.

The wet season in Erbil usually lasts from November to May. The highest, though generally small, amount of precipitation falls from December to March. In January, February, and March, an average of 3 mm of precipitation is recorded, with the number of rainy days ranging from 10 to 13. December also brings about 3 mm of precipitation over approximately 9 rainy days. In April and November, precipitation decreases to 2 mm (about 8 rainy days in each), and in May to 1 mm (about 6 days). Given the small volumes, precipitation during this period is likely to be light rain or drizzle.

The dry season in Erbil sets in from June and continues through September inclusive. During these four months (June, July, August, September), no precipitation is observed at all — 0 mm and 0 rainy days. October also remains predominantly dry, with zero average rainfall, although statistics indicate a probability of two days with insignificant precipitation. This period is characterized by clear and sunny weather.

When planning a trip to Erbil, it is important to consider significant seasonal temperature fluctuations and the almost complete absence of rainfall in the summer months. In general, to comfortably explore the city, you will need comfortable walking shoes, as you will likely be moving around on foot a lot. Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat are also mandatory attributes, especially during the hot period.

The summer months, from June to September, in Erbil are characterized by very high temperatures reaching 38-42°C and a total lack of rain. Therefore, at this time of year, pack light, breathable clothing made from natural fabrics such as cotton or linen. Loose-fitting styles will help you tolerate the heat more easily. In winter, from December to February, the weather becomes significantly cooler, with average temperatures around 7-10°C and night-time lows of 2-4°C. Precipitation is possible during this period, though not abundant, so it is worth taking warm clothes: sweaters, fleece, a warm jacket, as well as a hat, scarf, and gloves. A light waterproof jacket or an umbrella may come in handy on rainy days.

In spring (March-May) and autumn (October-November), the weather in Erbil is changeable: temperatures gradually rise in spring and fall in autumn. During these transitional seasons, it is best to dress in layers. Bring t-shirts, long-sleeved shirts, light sweaters or cardigans, as well as a jacket that can be taken off or put on depending on the weather. In spring and late autumn, you may also need an umbrella or light rain gear in case of rare rains.