The climate of Nasiriyah
Nasiriyah,
Iraq, offers a subtropical desert climate, also known as BWh in the Köppen climate classification. This geographical area features warm temperatures throughout the year, with particularly hot summers. Analysing the climatological data, it is visible that the temperatures range from 10.3°C (50.5°F) to 46.8°C (116.2°F), with highs reaching up to 46.8°C (116.2°F) in the peak summer months of
July and
August. The lowest recorded temperature stays above the 10°C (50°F) mark, outlining the warmth prevalent in the region.
The humidity levels see variations throughout the year, from as low as 10% in the summer months to a peak of 41% in
January. Rainfall is a scant occurrence in Nasiriyah, with most months recording minimal precipitation. The yearly average rainfall varies from no rainfall at all from
June to
September to the highest of 14mm (0.55") in
November.
A unique feature of this desert climate is the extensive sunshine duration. With daylight hours ranging from 10.2h to 14.1h, and sunshine hours from 7h to 12.5h, Nasiriyah receives a significant amount of sunlight throughout the year. The UV index rises to a maximum of 10 in the mid-year months, implying a need for appropriate sun protection.
The best time to visit Nasiriyah
For those seeking a pleasant experience, the best time to visit
Nasiriyah falls during the spring months of
March and
April. The temperature during these months remains manageable, ranging from 16.7°C (62.1°F) to 33.2°C (91.8°F). Alongside, rainfall is sparse, resulting in a clear and comfortable environment. Sunshine hours peak at 11.8h in April, providing ample daylight for exploration and sightseeing.
The worst time to visit Nasiriyah
The months of
June,
July, and
August mark the most inhospitable periods to visit
Nasiriyah. These months witness the highest temperatures, soaring up to 46.8°C (116.2°F). In addition, humidity plummets to its yearly low of 10%, creating challenging desert climatic conditions. Therefore, these summer months might prove rather uncomfortable for visitors unaccustomed to such extreme weather.
Spring weather in Nasiriyah
Nasiriyah enjoys a pleasant spring season between
March and
May. During this time, the temperatures are fairly comfortable, with the maximum temperatures fluctuating between 27.2°C (81°F) and 39.5°C (103.1°F) and the minimum temperatures from 16.7°C (62.1°F) to 29°C (84.2°F). Spring does not witness considerable rainfall with an average of 7mm (0.28") to 10mm (0.39"). The daylight duration extends during this time, providing ample time for outdoor activities.
Summer weather in Nasiriyah
Summer in
Nasiriyah, from
June through
August, exhibits intense desert climate. The temperatures are scorching, reaching up to 46.8°C (116.2°F). The rainfall is virtually non-existent during these months, further enhancing the dryness. Yet, these months see the longest daylight hours with the maximum of 14.1h in June and the most substantial sunshine hours, peaking at 12.5h in August.
Autumn weather in Nasiriyah
The autumn season, spanning
September to
November, brings a decline in the extreme temperatures. The maximum temperature gradually decreases from 42.7°C (108.9°F) to 25.5°C (77.9°F), and the minimum temperature follows a similar pattern, dropping from 29.5°C (85.1°F) to 17.2°C (63°F). The rainfall starts to emerge in November with an average of 14mm (0.55"). The daylight hours begin to shorten, and the UV index decreases, marking a shift towards the cooler winter months.
Winter weather in Nasiriyah
Winter months of
December to
February show a significant respite from the high temperatures. During this time, the maximum temperatures range between 18.7°C (65.7°F) and 21.5°C (70.7°F), and the minimum temperatures between 10.3°C (50.5°F) and 12.3°C (54.1°F). Rainfall is at its peak in
January with 9mm (0.35"), being the highest precipitation recorded in the year. The daylight hours reduce to an average of 10.5h with diminished UV index, making winter a notably cooler and softer season in
Nasiriyah.
Weather in January
The year begins in
Nasiriyah,
Iraq with moderate weather conditions.
January sees a gradual rise in daylight hours from 10.4 to 11.1 hours, setting the scene for the forthcoming increase in temperature and decrease in humidity over the next few months.
Weather in January »Weather in February
As
Nasiriyah transitions into
February, the climate starts to warm up slightly. The increase in daily sunlight to 11.1 hours, a rise from
January's 10.4 hours induces this warming. Humidity further declines in February continuing the trend from January.
Weather in February »Weather in March
The onset of
March in
Nasiriyah marks a significant change in the weather pattern. March sees an even further reduction in humidity compared to the preceding months, leading to a drier environment overall. With the lengthening of days to 12 hours of daylight, the average high temperature escalates to a pleasant 27.2°C (81°F).
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April in
Nasiriyah is characterized by longer daylight hours — an increase to 12.9 hours from
March's 12 hours. It indicates the onset of the warmer season as evident from the higher temperatures. Dry weather prevails with low relative humidity and rainfall reaching a nadir at a meager 10mm (0.39") overall for the month.
Weather in April » Weather in May
With the arrival of
May,
Nasiriyah weather shifts towards more intense heat. Daylight hours continue to increase, peaking to 13.7 hours, contributing to a substantial increase in ambient temperatures. This intensifying heat is evident in the soaring high temperatures, which reach an average peak of 39.5°C (103.1°F).
Weather in May »Weather in June
June sees
Nasiriyah in the grip of peak summer. Increased sunlight and dwindling humidity characterize this month as well. With the mercury rising drastically to 44.6°C (112.3°F), it marks the start of the extraordinarily hot months ahead.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July in
Nasiriyah witnesses the pinnacle of summer with sweltering temperatures. The city experiences its highest average maximum temperature of 46.8°C (116.2°F), making outdoor activities challenging. Despite the scorching heat, rainfall remains utterly absent, creating an incredibly arid environment.
Weather in July » Weather in August
The torrid weather of
July extends into
August in
Nasiriyah. The stifling heat begins to show a slight retreat with the decrease in daylight hours to 13.2, a dip from 13.9 in July. Yet, the mercury stays high, hitting a maximum of 46.8°C (116.2°F).
Weather in August »Weather in September
September ushers in the first signs of relief from the sweltering summer in
Nasiriyah. A retreat in maximum daylight hours to 12.4 induces a gradual decrease in temperature, but the mercury still touches a scorching 42.7°C (108.9°F).
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October marks a significant shift in
Nasiriyah's weather pattern. The transition from the harsh summer to the milder season ahead is palpable, most prominently in the comfortably reduced daytime temperature. Sunshine hours exhibit a downgrade to 8.8 hours per day, reflecting the shorter days.
Weather in October » Weather in November
November in
Nasiriyah signifies the onset of winter, with markedly cooler and gentler weather. A season of moderation follows the scorching summer with temperature averages dropping to a comfortable 25.5°C (77.9°F). The amount of sunlight each day reduces further, and cloud coverage begins to increase slightly, signifying a departure from the stark dry months.
Weather in November » Weather in December
Concluding the year,
December in
Nasiriyah experiences weather on the cooler side. The city witnesses an overall dip in temperature, witnessing the second coldest average low of 12.1°C (53.8°F), aided by reduced daylight hours of 10.2.
Weather in December » [Resources]