Weather in Najaf

Stay up to date with the current weather conditions in Najaf. Below you will find fresh weather reports, detailed forecasts, and visual charts to help you plan your day.

The climate in Najaf is characterised as arid desert. The city experiences significant temperature fluctuations throughout the year, with very hot summers and mild winters. Rainfall here is extremely rare, making it one of the driest regions.

Several periods with varying temperature conditions can be distinguished in Najaf. Summer, lasting approximately from May to October, is notable for extremely high temperatures, often exceeding 40-45°C, especially in July (average temperature 37.8°C) and August (average temperature 37.5°C). During this period, precipitation is practically non-existent. Winter, covering December, January, and February, brings more moderate weather. Daytime temperatures during these winter months average a comfortable 12-15°C (for example, the average January temperature is 12.6°C), although nights can be cool. November is characterised as late autumn with an average temperature of around 19.7°C. March (average temperature 19.0°C) and April (average temperature 24.8°C) are spring months with gradual warming. Even in those months when precipitation occurs (January, February, November), the amount is minimal, usually no more than 1 mm, and the number of rainy days is small.

Thus, travellers planning a trip to Najaf should be prepared for dry weather year-round. The summer months require special preparation due to the intense heat, while late autumn, winter, and early spring offer milder and more pleasant conditions for visiting.

The climate in Najaf is characterised by significant temperature fluctuations throughout the year. The hottest months are July and August, when the average temperature holds at 37.8°C and 37.5°C respectively. Daytime highs during this period regularly exceed 45°C, reaching 45.3°C in July. Even nights remain very warm, with average minimum temperatures around 30°C. The coolest months are January and December, with average temperatures around 12.6°C and 14.3°C. During these months, night-time temperatures can drop to 6.7°C - 8.7°C, and daytime highs rarely exceed 20°C.

Summer in Najaf is very hot and dry. From May to October, precipitation is virtually absent. Temperatures begin to rise significantly as early as April (average 24.8°C) and peak in June, July, and August. During these months, the daytime heat can be exhausting, and nights bring only slight relief. The dry air somewhat mitigates the sensation of heat, but the high temperatures require appropriate preparation and precautionary measures.

Winter in Najaf is mild and relatively short. December, January, and February are the coldest months, but even at this time, daytime temperatures usually remain comfortable, averaging between 18.4°C and 20.5°C. Nights can be quite cool, sometimes with temperatures approaching 6-8°C. Precipitation in the winter months is low but possible, as shown by data indicating 3 rainy days in January, February, November, and December. The transition seasons, spring (March-April) and autumn (October-November), are characterised by rapid temperature changes: spring sees sharp warming, while autumn sees gradual cooling. It is worth noting the significant difference between day and night temperatures practically throughout the year, which is especially noticeable in the spring and autumn months, when the daily maximum can be 10-15°C higher than the nightly minimum.

The city of Najaf has a predominantly desert climate, which results in extremely low rainfall throughout the year. Rain here is a rarity, and most months are characterised by arid weather.

A very short period can be highlighted when the probability of precipitation is slightly higher – this is primarily during the winter months. In January, February, and November, an average of 1 mm of precipitation falls, with each of these months seeing about 3 days with precipitation. In March, April, and December, although data indicates 2-3 "wet days", the recorded precipitation amount is 0 mm. This may indicate very slight drizzle that does not reach the measurement threshold, or simply high humidity without actual rain.

The distinct dry season in Najaf lasts from May to October. During these months, precipitation is almost completely absent (0 mm), and the number of days with precipitation is also zero. Thus, the driest months are May, June, July, August, September, and October. Snow, given the region's temperature regime, is not a characteristic phenomenon.

When planning a trip to Najaf during the hot period, which usually lasts from May to October, be prepared for high temperatures. During the day, the thermometer often rises above 35-40°C, and in the sweltering months, such as June, July, and August, it can reach 45°C. Precipitation at this time of year is a great rarity. Your wardrobe should consist of the most lightweight, loose, and breathable clothing possible, preferably made of natural fabrics like cotton or linen. Don't forget headwear for protection against the scorching sun, high-quality sunglasses, and high SPF sunscreen. For footwear, comfortable sandals or very light closed shoes that protect your feet from dust and sun are best.

From November to April, the weather in Najaf becomes significantly milder. The winter months (December-February) are characterised by average daytime temperatures around 12-20°C, however, nights can be quite cool, with temperatures dropping to 6-9°C. November, March, and April are transition months with warmer days, but an extra layer of clothing may still be needed in the evenings. For this period, the principle of layering is ideal: T-shirts, long-sleeved shirts, warm jumpers or fleece jackets, as well as a light or mid-season jacket. Although the likelihood of significant rainfall is extremely low (in January, February, and November about 1 mm of precipitation may fall, and generally in the winter and early spring period there are 2-3 days per month with very light, barely noticeable precipitation), a small compact umbrella or a light waterproof jacket might come in handy just in case. Regardless of the season, comfortable closed shoes for walking will be your reliable companion.