Weather overview
Эс-Самава experiences a desert climate with sharp seasonal contrasts. Winters are mild, while summers bring intense heat, making it important to choose the right time for your visit. The city sees very little rainfall, with most precipitation occurring in January and December.
From May to September, Эс-Самава is dominated by extreme heat, with daytime temperatures often exceeding +40 °C. Travelers should prepare for dry conditions and strong sunlight during these months. The cooler period, from November to March, offers more comfortable weather for outdoor activities.
Temperature
In Эс-Самаве, temperatures vary dramatically between seasons. The coldest month, January, averages +13.1 °C, with nighttime lows dropping to +8.5 °C. By March, the weather warms up to +19.9 °C, signaling the start of the hot season.
The peak of summer in Эс-Самаве occurs in July and August, when temperatures soar to +39.7 °C and +39.9 °C, respectively. Even at night, the heat lingers, with lows around +32 °C. The transition to cooler weather begins in October, as temperatures gradually drop to +28.4 °C.
| Month | Minimum | Maximum |
|---|---|---|
| January | 8.5 | 18.7 |
| February | 8.6 | 19.5 |
| March | 14.1 | 26.2 |
| April | 20.4 | 33.6 |
| May | 25.7 | 39.1 |
| June | 30.3 | 44.7 |
| July | 32.1 | 46.3 |
| August | 32.5 | 46.7 |
| September | 28.3 | 42.3 |
| October | 22 | 34.9 |
| November | 15.3 | 26.5 |
| December | 10.3 | 20.5 |
Precipitation
Эс-Самава is one of the driest cities in Iraq, with most months receiving almost no rainfall. The wettest period is January, with an average of 23 mm of precipitation, followed by December with 26 mm. From June to September, rain is virtually nonexistent.
The dry season in Эс-Самаве lasts for most of the year, with only March and November seeing modest rainfall. Travelers visiting during these months should still expect mostly dry conditions, as the city’s annual precipitation totals just 116 mm.
| Month | Precipitation |
|---|---|
| January | 23 |
| February | 14 |
| March | 29 |
| April | 8 |
| May | 3 |
| June | 0 |
| July | 0 |
| August | 0 |
| September | 0 |
| October | 1 |
| November | 12 |
| December | 26 |
What to pack
For a trip to Эс-Самава in the cooler months, from November to March, pack light layers for daytime and a jacket for cooler evenings. Sunglasses and a hat are essential year-round due to the strong sunlight, even in winter.
Visiting Эс-Самаву in summer requires preparation for extreme heat. Lightweight, breathable clothing, a wide-brimmed hat, and high-SPF sunscreen are must-haves. Carry a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated, as temperatures often exceed +40 °C from June to August.
| Month | Wind speed | Direction |
|---|---|---|
| January | 1.4 | 288 |
| February | 1.4 | 305 |
| March | 0.5 | 256 |
| April | 1 | 300 |
| May | 2.1 | 326 |
| June | 4.5 | 314 |
| July | 5 | 302 |
| August | 4.2 | 312 |
| September | 3.4 | 317 |
| October | 2 | 324 |
| November | 1.3 | 300 |
| December | 1.2 | 299 |