Samarra

Stay up to date with the latest weather conditions in Samarra. Below, you will find real-time data, forecasts, and helpful weather charts.

The climate in Samarra, located in Iraq, is characterized as arid, with scorching summers and mild winters. The city experiences significant temperature fluctuations throughout the year, which is typical for desert regions. Rainfall is rare here, especially during the summer months.

Summer in Samarra, lasting roughly from May to September, is marked by extreme temperatures often exceeding 40°C and a near-total absence of precipitation. July and August are the hottest months. Winter, from December to February, brings cooler weather with average temperatures around 11-13°C and light rainfall. The spring (March-April) and autumn (October-November) months are transitional, with temperatures gradually rising or falling and very few rainy days.

The climate in Samarra is characterized by significant annual temperature fluctuations, offering travelers diverse weather conditions throughout the year. The hottest months, when you can expect intense heat, are July and August. During this period, the average temperature stays around 37.5°C, and daily highs regularly climb above 44°C, reaching peaks of 44.7°C in July and 44.6°C in August. In contrast, January is considered the coolest time of year, with an average temperature of about 11.3°C. Nighttime temperatures in January can drop to 5.9°C, while daytime highs usually do not exceed 16.7°C.

The summer season in Samarra, lasting roughly from May to September, brings dry and intense heat. By May, the average maximum temperature reaches 36°C, and in June, July, and August, it consistently exceeds 40-42°C. Even at the height of summer, nights remain very warm, with minimums around 26-30°C (for example, 30.5°C in July). A defining feature of Samarra's climate is the significant difference between day and night temperatures, which is particularly pronounced in the summer and transitional months. For instance, in September, the difference between the average maximum (41.1°C) and minimum (26.2°C) is nearly 15°C. This means that even after a scorching day, the evening can offer some relief.

Winter in Samarra, spanning December, January, and February, is characterized by mild and cool weather. Average daytime temperatures during this period range from 16.7°C (January) to 18.6°C (February), while nighttime lows are approximately 5.9°C - 8.0°C. Frost is not typical, but evenings and nights can be quite crisp. These months receive the bulk—albeit a small amount—of the annual rainfall. The transitional seasons—spring (March, April) and autumn (October, November)—are characterized by a rapid rise or fall in temperatures. In March, the average temperature is 17.1°C, rising to 22.8°C in April, while in October it stays at 27.0°C, decreasing to 18.6°C in November. These periods offer more moderate conditions, although daytime heat, especially in April and October, can still be significant (reaching up to 29.8°C and 33.9°C respectively).

Samarra experiences distinct precipitation seasonality, with a predominantly dry climate for most of the year. Overall rainfall is low, characteristic of the region's desert climate.

The driest period occurs during the summer and early autumn months. From May to October, precipitation is minimal or entirely absent. Specifically, from June to September, there is typically zero millimeters of rainfall, and the number of rainy days is zero. May and October are also very dry with 0 mm of rain, though May might see a couple of days with negligible precipitation, and October just one.

The relatively "wet" season lasts from November to April, but even then, rainfall is quite scarce. The highest precipitation occurs in February and March, averaging 2 mm each. January, April, November, and December receive about 1 mm of rain. Rain frequency is higher during this period: January and February see about 6 rainy days, March has 5, and April, November, and December have around 4 days. Given the low total volume, any precipitation is likely to be light rain or drizzle. Based on temperature data, snow is not a typical occurrence in Samarra.

When planning a trip to Samarra, it is essential to consider the local climate, which features hot summers and mild, relatively dry winters. During the summer months, from June to September, when average highs exceed 40°C and rainfall is virtually non-existent, your wardrobe should consist of very light, loose-fitting, and breathable clothing made from natural fabrics such as cotton or linen. Don't forget a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and high-SPF sunscreen to protect against intense solar radiation. Evenings can be slightly cooler, but the heat generally persists.

In the transitional seasons—spring (March–May) and autumn (October–November)—the weather is more moderate. Daytime temperatures are comfortable, ranging from 23°C to 36°C. It is recommended to pack lightweight trousers, T-shirts, and long-sleeved shirts for sun protection, as well as a light jacket or sweater for evening strolls, especially in early spring or late autumn. In winter, from December to February, the average temperature stays around 11-13°C, with possible drops to 6-8°C. During this period, you will need warmer layers: sweaters, fleece tops, and a mid-season jacket. Although rainfall is low (1-2 mm per month), a compact umbrella or waterproof jacket might come in handy on rare rainy days. Regardless of the season, comfortable closed-toe walking shoes are a must, as you will likely be doing plenty of sightseeing on foot.