Climate and monthly weather forecast
Kirkuk, Iraq

Kirkuk, situated in Iraq, experiences a subtropical steppe climate, a category denoted by the Köppen climate classification as BSh. This climate classification, characterized by hot summers and mild winters, yields a notable disparity in the weather conditions throughout the year. This vast spectrum includes the coldest monthly average low temperatures seen in January at 4.4°C (39.9°F) and the warmest in July at 27.5°C (81.5°F).

During a year, monthly average high temperatures exhibit a fluctuating pattern reaching its apex during July, at 43.2°C (109.8°F), following the plunge to its lowest in January at 13.8°C (56.8°F). Rainfall unfolds a distinct pattern as the year unfolds, witnessing a gradual reduction from January’s 68mm (2.68") to almost no rainfall from June to September. Days with rainfall mirrors this form, starting from 11 days in January and February, it declines to zero from June through September. On the contrary, daylight and sunshine hours exhibit a rise through the first half of the year, reaching a peak in June, and then undergo a gradual reduction during the latter half.

An interesting aspect of Kirkuk's climate emerges in its UV index, exhibiting a constant increase from 2 in January to 11 in June and July, following which it exhibits a decline towards the end of the year. But, a particularly unique point is the palpable absence of rainfall from June to September and a maximum of 14.5 daylight hours observed in June.

To relish the most agreeable weather, the period from March to May proves ideal for travelers planning a visit to Kirkuk. During this period, temperatures exhibit a gradual rise from 20.1°C (68.2°F) to 33.7°C (92.7°F), providing a comfortable climate during the day. With the rainfall amounting from 57mm (2.24") to 13mm (0.51"), the city remains relatively dry. The daylight hours extend from 12 hours in March to 14 hours in May, coupled with 7 to 11 sunshine hours, making way for longer exploration hours.

For those not fond of extreme heat conditions, the months from June to September may not present the most comfortable time to visit Kirkuk. This period witnesses rather high temperatures varying from 39.8°C (103.6°F) in June to 42.8°C (109°F) in August. Almost zero rainfall is observed during this time, causing highly dry conditions. Along with scorching sun, extended daylight conditions with an average of up to 14.5 hours in June can make outdoor activities quite challenging.

Spring in Kirkuk, spanning from March to May, brings about a transition from moderately warm to hot days. During this time, the average high temperature gradually climbs from 20.1°C (68.2°F) in March to 33.7°C (92.7°F) in May. The environment stays relatively dry as the average rainfall drops from 57mm (2.24") in March to 13mm (0.51") by the end of spring. Days become longer and sunnier with average daylight hours rising from 12 hours in March to 14 hours in May.

The summer months present a picture of blistering heat with the average high temperature soaring to 42.8°C (109°F) in July and August. The weather remains notably dry with nearly no rainfall during this period. The daylight hours peak in the first half of the season, while the hours of sunshine persist in the range of 14 hours from June to August.

Following a scorching summer, the autumn weather from September to November starts moderating. The average high temperature shows a marked reduction from 38.7°C (101.7°F) in September down to 22.6°C (72.7°F) in November. Rainfall sees a significant increase from nearly no rainfall in September to 39mm (1.54") in November. The extended daylight hours from summer months decline steadily throughout this season.

Winter, typically from December to February, witnesses colder and wetter conditions. Average high temperatures hover between 15.8°C (60.4°F) to 13.8°C (56.8°F). Rainfall peaks to the maximum yearly amount of 68mm (2.68") in December and decreases moderately totaling around 67mm (2.64") in February. The days are relatively shorter with daylight hours dropping to about 9.8 hours by the end of winter.

Kicking off the year in Kirkuk, Iraq, the temperatures present contrasting extremes, while the sun offers modest daylight. From night lows of 4.4°C (39.9°F), the thermometer shoot up to a high of 13.8°C (56.8°F) by day, painting a spectacle of extremes under the winter sky. Weather in January »

February ushers in a slightly warmer envelope pushing yet retains the winter aura that January carries. Kirkuk witnesses the temperatures inching up to hover from 5.7°C (42.3°F) to 15.7°C (60.3°F), slightly nudging the cold away. Weather in February »

As March tiptoes into Kirkuk, a notable climb in temperatures fosters the advent of spring. With rainfall shrinking to 57mm (2.24") compared to February, the city starts to shrug off the winter blues, navigating towards sunnier days. Weather in March »

April in Kirkuk witnesses a significant leap into higher temperatures and declining rain. The striking difference in weather compared to March reflects in the soaring highs of 26.3°C (79.3°F) and lows not going down beyond 13.8°C (56.8°F). Weather in April »

As May steps into Kirkuk, a palpable shift from mild to scorching temperature becomes discernible. Even as May transitions into June, rains become a distant phenomenon with rain gauge just catching 13mm (0.51") of water in five days. Weather in May »

June marks the advent of parched climate in Kirkuk, indicating barren skies with a mere pour of 0mm (0") rain. With the temperatures oscillating between 24.5°C (76.1°F) and 39.8°C (103.6°F), residents experience an intense heatwave that rarely lets up. Weather in June »

July dominates as the hottest month in Kirkuk with temperatures spiking from 27.5°C (81.5°F) to 43.2°C (109.8°F). The city wrestles a nearly non-existent rainfall, amounting to only 0mm (0"). The lengthy span of daylight approximately 14.3 hours, further escalates the dry, formidable conditions. Weather in July »

August continues the sweltering trend of July, nonetheless, it marginally dials down the soaring temperatures. Kirkuk endures another month of suffocating summer with no rainfall under the oppressive reign of the sun. Prolonged daylight of approximately 13.5 hours, coupled with a UV index of 10, makes outdoor activities challenging. Weather in August »

September ushers in a respite from the high heat, although the first rains remain elusive. A coolness descends upon Kirkuk as the temperatures recede, varying between 23.2°C (73.8°F) and 38.7°C (101.7°F). Daylight starts to surrender to the cooler evenings, shortening to roughly 12.4 hours. Weather in September »

October in Kirkuk marks a remarkable transition towards cooler weather with the city witnessing a considerable drop in temperature. A relief from the relenting sun is visible with drops of rain marking their first appearance since May to the volume of 12mm (0.47"). Weather in October »

November in Kirkuk paints a picture of mellow warm days and colder nights. Significant drop in temperatures ensues a shift from 18.1°C (64.6°F) to 22.6°C (72.7°F) with more uniform thermal gradient, indicating the onset of winter. Weather in November »

Rounding off the year, December in Kirkuk glows under a colder sun, offering shorter days and longer nights. A steep drop in temperature marks a shift from 6.3°C (43.3°F) to 15.8°C (60.4°F), well manifesting the wintry conditions. Weather in December »