The climate of Mosul
The city of
Mosul,
Iraq, is locked in a subtropical steppe climate, classified as BSh according to the Köppen climate classification. As such, Mosul experiences considerable variations in temperature throughout the year, with the highest levels of heat occurring between
May and
September, when average high temperatures range from 32.7°C (90.9°F) to a peak of 42.9°C (109.2°F) in
July. In contrast, cooler conditions prevail from
November to
March, when average low temperatures fall between 2.2°C (36°F) and 7.2°C (45°F).
Mosul has a distinct dry period, with almost no rain falling from
June through September. The rest of the year sees more balanced, distributed rainfall, with monthly totals fluctuating between 44mm (1.73") in
April and 63mm (2.48") in March. Rainfall days are also at a minimum during the dry period, with zero rainfall days from June to September. Daylight hours are longest in summer, reaching a peak of 14.6 hours in June, while winter months have fewer daylight hours with a low of 9.7 hours in
December. UV index levels conform closely to these variations, with the most intense exposure in July and
August, both months averaging an index of 11.
The best time to visit Mosul
The ideal time for a visit to
Mosul depends largely on individual temperature preferences. For those comfortable with moderate temperatures,
November and
April present pleasant conditions with average high temperatures respectively around 21.1°C (70°F) and 25.2°C (77.4°F). Whereas November enjoys the added advantage of moderate rainfall at 45mm (1.77"), April offers longer daylight hours at 13.1 hours for extended outdoor activities. Both months have moderate UV index levels, therefore, ensuring enjoyable exploration of Mosul's unique cultural and historical offerings.
The worst time to visit Mosul
A visit to
Mosul between
June and
August might prove challenging due to the intense heat experienced during this period. During these months, the average high temperature routinely exceeds 39°C (102.2°F), peaking at 42.9°C (109.2°F) in
July. Coupled with this extreme heat is a UV index of 11 which necessitates ample sun protection. Additionally, there is virtually no rainfall, registering just 0mm (0") in July, which could lead to potentially uncomfortable dry conditions.
Spring weather in Mosul
Spring sees a transition from the cool winter temperatures to the intense summer heat in
Mosul. The months of
March,
April, and
May bring average high temperatures of 19.3°C (66.7°F), 25.2°C (77.4°F), and 32.7°C (90.9°F) respectively. Rainfall decreases remarkably from the peak of 63mm (2.48") in March down to 15mm (0.59") in May. The number of rainfall days also decreases over the course of the season, beginning at 12 in March then falling to 6 by May.
Summer weather in Mosul
High temperatures define the summer months in
Mosul from
June to
August, averaging between 39.2°C (102.6°F) and 42.9°C (109.2°F). This period also sees the longest daylight hours, peaking at 14.6 hours in June. The city experiences virtually no rainfall and no rainfall days during this phase, a feature that underscores its subtropical steppe climate. The UV index is highest at this time, reaching 11 in
July and August, thus necessitating effective sun protection strategies.
Autumn weather in Mosul
Beginning in
September, autumn brings with it a gradual decrease in temperatures, from an average high of 38.2°C (100.8°F) in September to 21.1°C (70°F) in
November. The amount of rainfall begins to increase come
October, going from 0mm (0") in September to 45mm (1.77") in November. There also is a rise in the number of rainfall days from zero in September to 7 by November. Daylight hours decrease from 12.4 hours in September to 10.3 hours in November.
Winter weather in Mosul
Winter in
Mosul lasts from
December to
February, during which the city experiences its coldest temperatures. Average high temperatures hover between 14.1°C (57.4°F) and 14.8°C (58.6°F). Likewise, average low temperatures drop to between 2.2°C (36°F) and 3.4°C (38.1°F). These months receive fairly evenly distributed rainfall, with quantities ranging from 58mm (2.28") in December to 63mm (2.48") in February. The number of rainfall days is also generous, ranging from 10 to 11 during these months. Daylight hours are shortest in winter, dipping to 9.7 hours in December. However, the winter UV index is reasonably low, ranging between 2 and 3.
Weather in January
Mosul in
January experiences the full swing of winter, with shorter days and fewer sunlight hours. The city's weather swings between 2.2°C (36°F) and 12.4°C (54.3°F). Despite lower temperatures, residents still enjoy approximately five hours of sunlight daily.
Weather in January » Weather in February
As the calendar flips to
February, winter in
Mosul transitions in light slow increments towards an incoming warmer season. The weather conditions register a slight increase in the average low and high temperatures in comparison to
January.
Weather in February »Weather in March
In
March, the arrival of spring brings a tangible change in
Mosul's weather dynamics. The transformation sees an increase in daytime temperatures, swapping the winter chill for a more pleasant warmth. The average number of daylight hours increases to 12, a clear sign of winter's retreat.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April is a transitional month in
Mosul, marking the end of the rainy season and nearing the onset of summer. The sun becomes more dominant as the city benefits from slightly over 13 hours of daylight. A fall from
March's 63mm (2.48") to 44mm (1.73") of rain highlights the decrease in rainfall.
Weather in April » Weather in May
May brings about a distinct shift to summer in
Mosul, with longer daylight periods and less frequent rain. Among the noticeable changes is the substantial decrease in rainfall, almost reaching negligible levels. Interestingly, this drop doesn't impact the city's daylight hours, still maintaining a steady 14.1 hours daily.
Weather in May » Weather in June
June authenticates the arrival of summer in
Mosul, synonymous with sweltering heat and minimal rainfall. The sun reigns supreme, drenching the city in sunlight for almost 15 hours daily. Nowhere is this clearer than in the spike to an average high of 39.2°C (102.6°F), a robust testament to the summer heat.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July in
Mosul continues the unabated reign of summer, with temperatures reaching record-breaking highs. The mercury soars to an average high of 42.9°C (109.2°F), making July the hottest month of the year. Despite this, enthusiasts of daylight have plenty to appreciate, with the amount of sunlight hovering around 14.4 hours daily.
Weather in July » Weather in August
August holds steadfast to the summer paradigm, maintaining most of
July's weather patterns. Despite a minute drop in temperature, these months almost mirror each other. Perhaps the only significant change comes in daylight hours, which decrease slightly to 13.5 hours.
Weather in August » Weather in September
September in
Mosul sees the start of a gentle descent from the summer peak, inching towards autumn. The debilitating heat starts to recede, though the days remain quite warm. Surprisingly, rainfall edges upwards, leading to a minimum of 0mm (0"), hinting at the end of the dry spell.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
In
October,
Mosul proceeds deeper into autumn, leading to a significant break from the sweltering summer. Falling temperatures bring a palpable change and daylight hours continue to decrease to 11.3 hours. Rainfall also rises, a clear sign of shifting seasons from hot to cooler and wetter conditions.
Weather in October »Weather in November
Mosul steps into
November seeing matter-of-fact changes as winter approaches. November weather encapsulates the end of autumn, highlighting the shift from hot to colder temperatures. Increasing rainfall, measured at 45mm (1.77"), marks a transition phase where dryness gives way to significantly more showers.
Weather in November » Weather in December
December brings winter full circle into
Mosul, with temperatures continuing the downward trend. Mosul in December bears the brunt of winter, characterized by a crisp chill and short days. The average temperature low dips to 3.8°C (38.8°F), a stark contrast to summer’s scorching highs.
Weather in December » [Resources]