Climate and monthly weather forecastBasrah, Iraq

The climate of Basrah

Basrah, an Iraqi city located in the southern region of the country, is classified as BWh according to Köppen climate classification. This type of weather zone designation signifies a subtropical desert climate. The prevailing weather conditions throughout Basrah reflect this categorization, with notable variations in different weather parameters across the year.

Examining the monthly average values of weather components, it is evident that Basrah experiences a large fluctuation in temperature and rainfall throughout the year. A quick look at temperature shows an increasing trend from January to August, with the temperature peaking in July and August at 41.3°C (106.3°F) and 41.8°C (107.2°F) respectively. Jan and December are the coldest months, with temperatures averaging 6.8°C (44.2°F) and 8.7°C (47.7°F) respectively.

On the aspect of rainfall, a contrasting scenario unfolds with minimal rainfall from May to September. On the flip side, December and January are the months with the highest amount of rainfall, with about 33mm (1.3") and 31mm (1.22") respectively. An interesting weather pattern is the lean period of rainfall, happening in five consecutive months from May to September, during which Basrah receives virtually no rain. Sunshine is abundant all year, with a slight dip in the cooler months. The UV index shows its highest values during the summer months, reaching a peak of 12 in June and July.

The Best Time to Visit Basrah

For those seeking to visit Basrah, weather-wise, the best time would be from October to March. During this period, the weather is relatively cooler, particularly during the months of November to February. Temperatures during this period range from a low of 8.7°C (47.7°F) in December to a high of 27.1°C (80.8°F) in November. Sunshine hours remain decent, giving visitors plenty of daylight to explore the city. Rainfall is a bit higher during these months, but it does not pose a significant challenge.

The Worst Time to Visit Basrah

The summer months from May to September can prove harsh for the uninitiated. High temperatures, reaching up to 41.8°C (107.2°F), coupled with a strong UV index and virtually zero rainfall, make this time of the year quite unbearable. Unless you have an express reason to visit Basrah during this period, it is wise to avoid these months.

Spring Weather in Basrah

Spring in Basrah, between March and May, brings increasing temperatures and reducing rainfall. March sees a high of 24.5°C (76.1°F), with temperatures reaching 36.8°C (98.2°F) by May. Rainfall drops significantly during this time, from 19mm (0.75") in March to 5mm (0.2") in May, before completely ceasing for the rest of the summer.

Summer Weather in Basrah

Summer in Basrah, typically from June to August, is characterized by high temperatures, a lot of sunshine, and virtually no rainfall. The average high temperature ranges from 39.7°C (103.5°F) in June to 41.8°C (107.2°F) in August, while the UV index spikes to its highest in the year at 12. The spectacle of the city under the clear skies, however, is quite something to behold.

Autumn Weather in Basrah

Autumn in Basrah, from September to November, signals the start of a progressive drop in temperatures and a gradual comeback of rains by November. September still grapples with high temperatures averaging 39.9°C (103.8°F), which falls to 27.1°C (80.8°F) by November. Rainfall also makes a modest start, with 3mm (0.12") in November following a no-rain spell from May to October.

Winter Weather in Basrah

Winter in Basrah occurs between December and February, with the coldest month being January with a low temperature averaging 6.8°C (44.2°F). Temperatures in December and February average between 20.3°C (68.5°F) and 17.7°C (63.9°F) respectively. Rainfall also peaks during winter, with 33mm (1.3") in December and 31mm (1.22") in January. The city gets less sunshine during this period with an average of 6 hours per day in December and January, increasing to 7 hours in February. UV Index values during this season are the lowest.

Weather in January

January in Basrah, Iraq, sees the mercury rising from a low of 6.8°C (44.2°F) to a high of 17.7°C (63.9°F). The city begins to thaw from the winter's chill, welcoming the new year with gradually warming temperatures. Despite this, it's the month with the most rainfall, seeing 31mm (1.22") over six days, implying a higher likelihood of precipitation. Weather in January »

Weather in February

A noticeable shift in the weather occurs in February as the cold winds of winter begin to recede in Basrah. The average temperatures creep upwards, showing signs of the forthcoming spring season. Comparatively, rainfall becomes less, yet, it still remains a common feature with 21mm (0.83") scattered over about five days. Weather in February »

Weather in March

The Basrah weather in March unveils an invigorating spring bloom. March presents a moderately warm climate, a significant shift from the cooler months of January and February. The variation in rainfall is minimal compared to February, with a recorded average of 19mm (0.75"). Weather in March »

Weather in April

In Basrah, April is recognized by its distinctly warm climate with temperatures oscillating between 17.2°C (63°F) and 30.6°C (87.1°F). The dwindling rainfall, dropping to merely 17mm (0.67"), signals the end of the brief spring interlude and the onset of the dry summer season. Weather in April »

Weather in May

With May, summer announces its arrival in Basrah, exuding an intense heatwave across the city. One witnesses a remarkable leap in temperature as the mercury climbs. A significant drop in rainfall is seen, reducing to just 5mm (0.2"), emphasizing the arid nature of the city during this period. Weather in May »

Weather in June

June in Basrah experiences torrid weather conditions, pushing the limits of summer heat with a high reaching 39.7°C (103.5°F) and no recorded rainfall. The shift from May to June clearly marks the peak of the summer season as temperatures soar skywards. Weather in June »

Weather in July

July continues the harsh summer dominance in Basrah, reflecting a negligible variance in weather aspects compared to June. At the height of the summer season, the city's rainfall remains nonexistent, just like in the preceding month. Weather in July »

Weather in August

In Basrah, August signifies the last hurrah of the brutal summer spell. Even though the weather closely mirrors that of July, a slight dip in temperature and daylight hours indicates the onset of the pre-fall season. The continuity of no rainfall throughout this month does not provide much reprieve from the extreme heat and dryness. Weather in August »

Weather in September

September offers more relief from the suffocating heat of the preceding months in Basrah. The arrival of autumn becomes discernible, with temperatures starting to noticeably temper. However, this month continues the dry spell from the summer, recording no rainfall. Weather in September »

Weather in October

With the arrival of October, Basrah experiences a definitive shift towards a milder climate with the summer heat diminishing steadily. Rain, although sporadic, makes a comeback this month, breaking the long dry spell with a meagre 3mm (0.12"). Weather in October »

Weather in November

November ushers in an even cooler climate in Basrah, aligning with the typical autumnal weather of the region. The city witnesses an upswing in rainfall, receiving 23mm (0.91") of precipitation, a conspicuous increase from the preceding month. Weather in November »

Weather in December

Expelling the remaining warmth of the autumn season, December welcomes winter in Basrah, Iraq. The city records a significant drop in temperatures, indicating that the chilly winds have arrived. This weather change is accompanied by the highest rainfall of the year at 33mm (1.3"), making the city's landscape lush and refreshing. Weather in December »