Iraq: When to Go

If you don't want to wilt, avoid summer in Iraq as it's fiercely hot (May to September); the average summer temperature in Baghdad is 34°C and in Basra 37°C, but daytime temperatures can soar well above that. The north is slightly cooler, while in the south there's debilitatingly high humidity. Winter can be cold and the mountains can become covered with snow. The average winter temperature in Baghdad is 11°C and in Basra 14°C.

Weather

The dry summer days from June to August scorch the air with temperatures between 38°C and 43°C (100°F and 110°F) in the middle of very pleasant autumn and spring months. Winter sees a bit of rain and fairly mild temperatures with average highs around 15°C to 18°C (60°F and 65°F) and tending to stay just above zero.