Does It Snow In Iraq?

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Iraq is situated in the Middle East in southwestern Asia. The country’s climate is semi-desert in the north, with fairly cold winters but cold and rainy (or snowy) during the winter in the northern mountains. The place is hot and sunny during summer, with cooler nights as a result of the high altitude.

The climate is desert around the center and the south. It also experiences mild winters and very hot summers.

When does it snow in Iraq?

Winters are cold and rainy in the north-eastern region of the country occupied by Iraq Kurdistan Mountains – Taurus and Zagros. Heavy snowfall occurs at high altitudes, especially in Iraq’s highest peak – Cheekha Dar, 3611 meters or 11847 ft – bordering Iran.

Iraq has yearly precipitation ranging from 27 to 40 inches (700 to 1000 mm) and happens between October and April. Generally, this is the only country’s region that receives substantial amounts of rainfall.

In late winter and spring, the country might experience strong southerly winds, which sometimes give rise to dust storms.

Iraq’s southwestern region has a desert climate, making it the driest place in the country, and the place’s rains drop to as low as 2 inches (50 mm) per year.

Where does it snow in Iraq?

Snow in Sulaymaniyah

Sulaymaniyah is 850 meters or 2800 ft above sea level, with average temperatures ranging from 39 degrees Fahrenheit (4 degrees Celsius) in January to 88 degrees Fahrenheit (31 degrees Celsius) in July and August.

The winters are cold and likely to experience snowfalls and frosts when reached by the north cold air masses. Annual precipitation averages 29.5 inches (745 mm) and occurs mostly from November to April, and it never rains between June and September.

Snow in Mosul

In Mosul, winters are mild but not tropical, with average temperatures of 44.5 degrees Fahrenheit (7 degrees Celsius) in January. It rains for about 7 to 10 days from December to march per month, and hot days alternate with bad weather periods. Mosul receives 14.5 inches (365 mm) of rainfall per year, with highs between November and April.

Snow in Baghdad

Baghdad, the capital city of Iraq, received the first snowfall in February 2021 for the past 12 years. The city’s last recorded snowfall was in January 2008, though it a quick and slushy affair, and before that, it had been a century since the city saw any snow.

During winter, days are mild, but nights are cold, and temperatures might drop even below the freezing point. The city has an average temperature ranging between 49 degrees Fahrenheit (9.5 degrees Celsius) in January and 95 degrees Fahrenheit (35 degrees Celsius) in July.

Skiing in Iraq

During your winter visit to Iraq, carry enough warm wear from a jacket, hat, rain boot, raincoat, or umbrella to scarf. In Iraq, expect about 0.5 kilometers of slopes to ski on and be served by ski lifts in most ski resorts.

You can ski in Korek Mountain resort or Kurdistan as well as participate in snow sports. The country has a lot to offer, so get prepared to have fun.