Climate and monthly weather forecastZakho, Iraq

Climate and monthly weather forecast

The climate of Zakho

Zakho, residing in Iraq, adheres to the Mediterranean hot summer climate, classified as Csa according to the Köppen climate system. This system places emphasis on rain distribution and temperature fluctuation. Therefore, deciphering the weather of Zakho involves understanding high weather variability throughout the months.

Dynamism embodies the monthly temperature variations that range from 1.8°C (35.2°F) to 25.1°C (77.2°F) for the minimum and 8.4°C (47.1°F) to 38.7°C (101.7°F) for maximum temperatures. Humidity exhibits a similar variability pattern, with low values observed in the summer months (from 17 in July to 17 in August) and high values in the winter months (from 65 in January to 61 in March).

Unique rainfall conditions distinguish the Zakho climate. Months from June to September are devoid of rainfall, whereas March witnesses the highest annual rainfall of 104mm (4.09"). In terms of days characterized by rainfall, March tops the list with 15.7 days, starkly contrasting to the summer months with less than one rainfall-day per month.

Snowfall is not a regular phenomenon in Zakho weather. High snowfall numbers occur in February, with five other months recording an absence of snowfall. Days marked by snowfall range from 0.7 days in January to none from March to November. Regarding sunshine, July and August are notably luminous with over 12 hours of daily sunshine and a cloud cover of as low as 1%.

The best time to visit Zakho

Zakho delivers an enticing weather experience during the months of May and October. The union of pleasant temperatures (from 20.3°C (68.5°F) to 25.4°C (77.7°F)) and manageable rainfall establishes these months as ideal periods for a visit. Abundant sunshine, nearing 12 hours in May and 11 hours in October, augments the conducive visiting conditions during these periods. Cloud cover remains reasonably low, particularly in May, making this period ideal for tourists enjoying sunny weather.

The worst time to visit Zakho

Travel plans to Zakho should be reconsidered during two distinct periods; winter months of January and February and the overheated months of July and August. Winters could be off-putting due to chilly temperatures dipping below 2°C (35.6°F) and higher snowfall in February. July and August present an overwhelming climate, with the mercury soaring to 38°C (100.4°F) accompanied by minimal cloud cover. While the winter months are characterized by higher humidity (65%), summer offers an extremely dry climate with humidity dropping as low as 17%.

Spring weather in Zakho

Spring months in Zakho, comprising of March, April, and May, bring a wave of pleasant weather. Temperature averages during these months sit between the lows of 5.7°C (42.3°F) to highs of 27.3°C (81.1°F). Rainfall during the spring varies starkly from heavy downpours in March to negligible rainfall in May. Simultaneously, daylight hours increase, providing from 12 hours in March to 14.2 hours in May of sunshine.

Summer weather in Zakho

Zakho's summer from June to August is characterized by soaring temperatures going up to 38.7°C (101.7°F) and maintaining a minimum average of 21.9°C (71.4°F). Rainfall is a rarity during these months with June to August recording a scanty 1mm (0.04"). Sunlight is abundant with an average of over 14 hours of sunshine each day. The summer months in Zakho are notably arid, with relatively low humidity levels from 23 in June to 17 in August.

Autumn weather in Zakho

Autumn weather in Zakho from September to November shows a gradual decline in temperature, with ranges from 15.1°C (59.2°F) to 19.3°C (66.7°F) in minimum and 16.4°C (61.5°F) to 32.9°C (91.2°F) in maximum values. Rainfall resumes in these months, increasing from 3mm (0.12") in September to 30mm (1.18") in November. Sunlight hours gradually reduce, varying between 12.4 hours in September and 10.2 hours in November.

Winter weather in Zakho

Winter in Zakho spanning from December through February is marked by colder temperatures that range from 1.8°C (35.2°F) to 4.1°C (39.4°F) for lows and 8.4°C (47.1°F) to 10.8°C (51.4°F) for highs. Rainfall and snowfall increase during these months with February witnessing the highest snowfall of 28mm (1.1"). Daily sunshine hours are lesser in comparison to previous seasons with values decreasing from 9.7 hours in December to 10.8 hours in February.

Weather in January

Commencing the year with the coldest temperatures, Zakho, Iraq experiences a significant dip in the mercury. January records an obvious chill, with temperatures fluctuating from a low of 1.8°C (35.2°F) up to a high of 8.4°C (47.1°F). Weather in January »

Weather in February

February carries the winter chill from its predecessor, albeit with a slight rise in temperature. Amid February, Zakho can expect snowfall of up to 28mm (1.1") - more than any other month of the year. This ensures a panoramic view of the city's landmarks tucked under a pristine white cloak. Weather in February »

Weather in March

From the chills of winter to the onset of spring, March heralds the arrival of warmer times in Zakho. This transitional phase reveals the city in full bloom, a sight not to be missed. The rainfall at its peak, recording up to 104mm (4.09"), marking it as the rainiest month of the year. Weather in March »

Weather in April

The surge in temperatures continues uninterrupted into April, transforming Zakho into a sunny paradise. The city is bathed in a golden hue as daylight spans 13.2 hours. Flowers begin to bloom with renewed fervour, turning the city into a canvas of multicoloured flora. Weather in April »

Weather in May

As May progresses, Zakho's climate transitions from mild spring to scorching summer. Sunshine dominates the skies, paving the way for outdoor activities and sports. The intensifying heat is mitigated by the decline of rainfall amount to 27mm (1.06"), thereby setting in the arid warmth of typical Middle Eastern summers. Weather in May »

Weather in June

June is a synonym for summer in Zakho, as temperatures soar to a sizzling 34.5°C (94.1°F). The city shimmers under the relentless sun, with daylight extending for 14.7 hours. Despite the scorching heat, these are the days when the markets come alive in the evenings, filled with the hustle and bustle. Weather in June »

Weather in July

The onslaught of summer extends into July, making it the hottest month in Zakho. With temperatures spiking at a scorching 38.7°C (101.7°F), it's safe to say July is best spent indoors or at the local swimming pools. Thanks to the blue skies and the extraordinary sunshine illuminating the city's architecture, Zakho gets its summer glow. Weather in July »

Weather in August

August continues to keep up with the summer's sweltering reputation. Zakho's heart beats to the rhythm of the sun, although temperatures take a slight dip from last month, resting at 38.3°C (100.9°F). Especially during midday, the heat could be intense, calling for proper hydration and sun protection measures. Weather in August »

Weather in September

The arrival of September signals the winding down of Zakho's relentless summer. Weather conditions gradually start to cool down, paving the way for autumn. With temperatures retracting to 32.9°C (91.2°F), the extremely hot days are left behind. Weather in September »

Weather in October

As autumn deepens in Zakho, October brings with it a soothing climate and beautiful foliage. Temperatures drop further to a comfortable 25.4°C (77.7°F), indicating the onset of cooler days ahead. The city weaves a colourful carpet of leaves, painting a picture of autumnal charm. Weather in October »

Weather in November

November brings a significant drop in Zakho's temperatures, marking the call of winter. It is a month of transformation as the city prepares to swap its autumn coat for a winter one. The city, gearing up for winter, experiences a cool breeze that whispers of the approaching chill. Weather in November »

Weather in December

Closing the year on a chilly note, Zakho ends the year in the embrace of winter. Temperatures dip further to 10.5°C (50.9°F) in December, with the daylight duration getting reduced to 9.7 hours. It’s time for cozy evenings by the fireplace, as a cold wave sweeps across the city. Weather in December »

Frequently asked questions

With its average high temperature of 8.4°C (47.1°F) and a low of 1.8°C (35.2°F), January is regarded as the coldest month.

With an average relative humidity of 65%, January is the most humid month.

Throughout the year, there are 90.6 rainfall days, and 461mm (18.15") of precipitation is accumulated.

Months with snowfall are January through March and December.

Throughout the year, there are 2.4 snowfall days, and 51mm (2.01") of snow is accumulated.

January and December, with an average maximum UV index of 2, are months with the lowest UV index.

The month with the most snowfall is February, when snow falls for 1.1 days and typically aggregates up to 28mm (1.1") of snow.

March is the month with the most rainfall. Rain falls for 15.7 days and accumulates 104mm (4.09") of precipitation.

In Zakho, snow does not fall in April through November.

The month with the longest days in Zakho is June, with an average of 14h and 42min of daylight.

The months with the highest UV index are June through August, with an average maximum UV index of 8.

Zakho's warmest month, July, registers temperatures that range from a high of 38.7°C (101.7°F) to a low of 25.1°C (77.2°F).

July and August, with an average relative humidity of 17%, are the least humid months.

In Zakho, rain does not fall in July and August.

August has the most sunshine of the year, with an average of 12.5h of sunshine.

Months with rainfall are January through June, September through December.

December has the shortest days of the year, with an average of 9h and 42min of daylight.

Zakho does not utilize Daylight Saving Time (DST). +03 timezone is used over the entire year.

The month with the least sunshine is December, with an average of 6h of sunshine.

Average temperature
Zakho, Iraq

The warmest month (with the highest average high temperature) is July (38.7°C).
The month with the lowest average high temperature is January (8.4°C).

The month with the highest average low temperature is July (25.1°C).
The coldest month (with the lowest average low temperature) is January (1.8°C).

Average pressure
Zakho, Iraq

The month with the highest atmospheric pressure is December (1021mbar).
The month with the lowest atmospheric pressure is July (1002.7mbar).

Average wind speed
Zakho, Iraq

The windiest month (with the highest average wind speed) is July (8.5km/h).
The calmest month (with the lowest average wind speed) is November (5.3km/h).

Average humidity
Zakho, Iraq

The month with the highest relative humidity is January (65%).
The months with the lowest relative humidity are July and August (17%).

Average rainfall
Zakho, Iraq

The wettest month (with the highest rainfall) is March (104mm).
The driest months (with the least rainfall) are July and August (0mm).

Average rainfall days
Zakho, Iraq

The month with the highest number of rainy days is March (15.7 days).
The month with the least rainy days is August (0.3 days).

Average snowfall
Zakho, Iraq

The month with the highest snowfall is February (28mm).
The months with the least snowfall are April, May, June, July, August, September, October and November (0mm).

Average snowfall days
Zakho, Iraq

The month with the highest number of snowfall days is February (1.1 days).
The months with the least snowfall days are April, May, June, July, August, September, October and November (0 days).

Average daylight / Average sunshine
Zakho, Iraq

The month with the longest days is June (Average daylight: 14h and 42min).
The month with the shortest days is December (Average daylight: 9h and 42min).

The month with the most sunshine is August (Average sunshine: 12h and 30min).
The month with the least sunshine is December (Average sunshine: 6h and 0min).

Average sunshine days
Zakho, Iraq

The month with the most sunshine days is August (30.4 days).
The month with the least sunshine days is April (12.8 days).

Average UV index
Zakho, Iraq

The months with the highest UV index are June, July and August (UV index 8).
The months with the lowest UV index are January and December (UV index 2).

Average cloud cover
Zakho, Iraq

The months with the most cloud cover are January and December (Cloud cover 34).
The month with the least cloud cover is August (Cloud cover 1).

Average visibility
Zakho, Iraq

The months with the highest visibility are January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November and December (10km).
The months with the lowest visibility are January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November and December (10km).