The climate of Najaf
Najaf,
Iraq, is nestled in an area with a Köppen climate classification of BWh, typically referred to as subtropical desert. This classification, largely derived from the town's geographical positioning, rings of scorching summers and mild winters, reduced humidity levels, and sparse rainfall throughout the year.
Having evaluated the monthly averages supplied, Najaf shares a billowing heatwave starting from late spring and escalating into peak summer, with temperatures soaring from 25.7°C (78.3°F) in
March to the zenith of 45.3°C (113.5°F) spotted in both
July and
August. The mercury dips gently in the succeeding months, settling on a modest average of 17.6°C (63.7°F) in
January. The coldest nights ordinarily come in late winter, where the temperature drops to 9.4°C (48.9°F) in January, whereas the height of Najaf's summer can witness midnight readings linger around 33.4°C (92.1°F).
Maximal sunlight graces this region during its high-heat months, registering between 12.3 hours and 12.5 hours of sunshine per day from
May to August. Rainfall, on the other hand, appears to be limited, with maximum precipitation occurring in
November, at 15mm (0.59") through 4.5 days of rain, and then recedes to null from
June to
September. The atmospheric pressure shows slight fluctuations across the months, displaying a minor drop during summer.
The wind speed hikes to an average high of 17.9 Kph in July from 12.7 Kph earlier in January. A notable characteristic of Najaf's climate is its low relative humidity, which plunges to an average of 11% during the heart of summer in July and gradually increases to 43% in the winter month of January.
The best time to visit Najaf
Given the city's torrid and arid climate, the ideal period for a visit to
Najaf would likely be between
October and
February. During these months, temperatures are at their most pleasant, hovering between highs of 34.5°C (94.1°F) and lows of 11.4°C (52.5°F). Even as the city sees the least sunlight hours in this interval, there remains enough daylight to explore, varying from 10.3 to 11.4 hours.
The worst time to visit Najaf
Cautious travelers might want to steer clear of
Najaf during the height of summer, specifically from
June to
September, when the city reels under extreme heat, faced with temperatures peaking at a blistering 45.3°C (113.5°F). The high UV index stands at its maximum in these months, which signals the potential risk of harm from the sun's rays, compounded with a stringent heatwave and minimal rainfall.
Spring weather in Najaf
March to
May in
Najaf signals the start of a warm spring that quickly succumbs to skyrocketing temperatures. Average highs propel from 25.7°C (78.3°F) in March to 37.8°C (100°F) by May. As the mercury level rises, at night, it drops to a moderate 20.8°C (69.4°F). Rainfall, though infrequent, reaches a peak of 10mm (0.39") in both March and May.
Summer weather in Najaf
The summer in
Najaf from
June to
August is scorching, with pure desert heat and persistently high temperatures, peaking at an intense 45.3°C (113.5°F) in both
July and August. Nights rarely offer respite from the heat, with temperatures rarely dipping below 33.4°C (92.1°F) in July. During summer months, there is no measurable rainfall, leaving a parched cityscape under a relentless sun.
Autumn weather in Najaf
Autumn, running from
September to
November, marks the start of cooling temperatures in
Najaf. The temperature dips gently from 41.2°C (106.2°F) in September, gradually retreating to a more forgiving 24.3°C (75.7°F) by November.
October witnesses the first signs of rainfall after the arid summer, and November gets the most rainfall of the year, with a moderate shower of 15mm (0.59").
Winter weather in Najaf
Winter months from
December to
February sees the city under a milder sun, with high temperatures hovering between 19°C (66.2°F) and 24.3°C (75.7°F). Nights are cooler, with the chilliest in
January, seeing the mercury fall to 9.4°C (48.9°F). While winter witnesses a marginally higher humidity range at 42-43%, it remains fare less than world's average, retaining the city's dry desert characteristics.
Weather in January
January marks the beginning year with a relief from the heat in
Najaf,
Iraq. The nights can be relatively cool, and occasional rainfall is a welcome feature. The city experiences 43% relative humidity, 10mm (0.39") rainfall spread over 3.1 days, and an average of 10.3 hours of daylight.
Weather in January » Weather in February
As
February rolls in,
Najaf enters a phase of transition. The weather shifts subtly from the cool
January days, making way for moderate temperatures. The 11.3 hours of daylight serve as a gentle reminder of the impending summer.
Weather in February »Weather in March
March sees a significant rise in temperature, heralding the onset of summer in
Najaf. It is also marked by a noteworthy drop in relative humidity to 29%. Clear skies are the signature of this month, with limited cloud cover and a boost in the average UV index to 6, which signals brighter, sunnier days ahead.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April ramps up the warmth in a full-throttle approach to summer, making
Najaf distinctly hotter. Sunshine prevails, with an average of 11.8 hours of it per day, abandoning the occasional showers of the earlier months. This month is characterized by the absolute dip in relative humidity to 23%.
Weather in April » Weather in May
May in
Najaf is characterized by a leap in temperatures, stepping firmly into the realm of intense heat. Limited cloud coverage and zero rainfall are the telltale signs of a harsh summer. An increase in average daylight hours to 13.8 along with a UV index of 9 hint at the unabated sun.
Weather in May » Weather in June
June is the heart of summer in
Najaf and brings about the peak temperature of the year to a scorching 42.7°C (108.9°F). This month boasts a grand total of 14.2 hours of daylight, maximizing exposure to the sun. A substantial dip in pressure and an absolute lack of cloud cover only add to the intensity of the heat.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July tops the chart as the hottest month in
Najaf, with median temperatures hitting 45.3°C (113.5°F). The trend of no rainfall continues from
June, affirming the city's arid nature. The consistency in daylight hours at 14 keeps the heat index high and unwavering.
Weather in July » Weather in August
August continues in the footsteps of
July, maintaining blazing temperatures in
Najaf. A similar pattern of zero rainfall and an unwavering sunlight of 12.5 hours signal staunch weather conditions. Differences in weather from July are negligible, although, a slight drop in average temperatures provides minor relief.
Weather in August » Weather in September
September signals the onset of fall in
Najaf and ushers in a respite from the intense summers. The decrease in temperature is noticeable from the intense heat of
August. Daylight shrinks to 12.4 hours, implying a reduction of exposure to the sun.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October temperatures in
Najaf swing on the cooler side enabling the city to exhale the heat of the summers. The absence of summer's harsh daylight conditions reflects on the relatively low UV index of 6. A resurgence of light showers and a climb in atmospheric pressure give shape to October's characteristic weather pattern.
Weather in October » Weather in November
As
November approaches, temperatures in
Najaf drop further. The cooler days have arrived, making way for welcoming climatic conditions. With a substantial surge in relative humidity to 36%, some foggy mornings become a distinct characteristic of the weather.
Weather in November »Weather in December
To culminate the year,
December brings along the winter chill in
Najaf. With the accompaniment of night temperatures dropping down to 11.4°C (52.5°F), the wintry weather sets in. A noticeable reduction in daylight hours to 10.1 and an increase in relative humidity to 42% underline the season's change.
Weather in December » [Resources]