Weather overview
The weather in Эрбиль shifts noticeably through the year, offering distinct seasons that shape the city’s rhythm. From January to March, the air remains cool, with temperatures gradually rising as spring approaches. By April, the warmth becomes more pronounced, setting the stage for the long, dry summer that follows.
Summer in Эрбиль is hot and arid, stretching from June to September, when daytime temperatures often exceed +35 °C. The heat lingers into the early evenings, though nights bring some relief. Starting in October, the weather cools again, and by November, the first rains return, marking the transition to a milder, wetter winter.
Temperature
In Эрбиль, winter months like January and December are the coolest, with daytime highs around +14 °C and nights dropping to +3 °C or lower. By March, temperatures begin to climb, and April brings a noticeable shift, with highs reaching +27 °C and lows around +12 °C.
The peak of summer arrives in July and August, when Эрбиль experiences its highest temperatures, often surpassing +40 °C during the day. Even at night, the air remains warm, rarely falling below +26 °C. The heat starts to ease in September, though it remains strong until October, when cooler weather returns.
| Month | Minimum | Maximum |
|---|---|---|
| January | 3.1 | 13.9 |
| February | 3.5 | 15.2 |
| March | 7.4 | 18.6 |
| April | 12.2 | 27.3 |
| May | 17.7 | 32.8 |
| June | 23.2 | 39.9 |
| July | 26.4 | 42.9 |
| August | 26.3 | 43.2 |
| September | 21.4 | 38.1 |
| October | 15.9 | 30.5 |
| November | 9.4 | 21.9 |
| December | 5.9 | 16.5 |
Precipitation
Rainfall in Эрбиль is concentrated in the cooler months, with the wettest period spanning November to March. January and December see the most precipitation, averaging around 70 mm each, while February and March also bring steady rain. By April, rainfall decreases, and the dry season begins.
From June to September, Эрбиль experiences almost no rain, with monthly precipitation often below 1 mm. The first signs of moisture return in October, though significant rainfall doesn’t resume until November. This dry summer period makes the city’s landscape particularly arid, with little natural relief from the heat.
| Month | Precipitation |
|---|---|
| January | 74.4 |
| February | 60.9 |
| March | 66.7 |
| April | 52 |
| May | 32.6 |
| June | 0.1 |
| July | 0 |
| August | 0.1 |
| September | 0.1 |
| October | 10.6 |
| November | 80.7 |
| December | 70.1 |
What to pack
For a winter trip to Эрбиль, pack layers to handle the cool mornings and evenings, along with a light jacket for temperatures that can dip to +3 °C in January. An umbrella or waterproof layer is useful for the rainy months, especially from November to March, when precipitation is most frequent.
Summer travel to Эрбиль calls for lightweight, breathable clothing to cope with the intense heat, which often exceeds +40 °C in July and August. A wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen are essential, as the sun is strong and shade can be scarce. Evenings remain warm, so light layers are sufficient for comfort.
| Month | Wind speed |
|---|---|
| January | 2.6 |
| February | 2.8 |
| March | 3.2 |
| April | 3 |
| May | 3.4 |
| June | 3.3 |
| July | 3.2 |
| August | 3.1 |
| September | 2.8 |
| October | 2.7 |
| November | 2.5 |
| December | 2.6 |