In Iraq, each season features characteristic climate changes and traditional and religious events that correspond to them. Below, I have summarized the climatic characteristics and major events and cultures for each season from spring to winter.
Spring (March to May)
Climate Characteristics
- Temperature: In March, daytime temperatures rise to 15-20°C, and in April-May, to around 25-30°C.
- Precipitation: Temporary rain in February-March, and a trend towards dryness from April onwards.
- Features: An increase in the occurrence of sandstorms (Shamal), making the air tend to be dry.
Major Events and Culture
| Month |
Event |
Description and Relation to Climate |
| March 21 |
Nowruz (New Year Festival) |
The Persian New Year. A national celebration of the spring equinox. Ideal climate for outdoor excursions. |
| April |
Easter (Christian) |
Celebrated by the Christian community in northern Iraq. A time of warm and sunny weather. |
| Early May |
Islamic Preparation Month (Shanwal) |
Preparations for Eid after Ramadan. Outdoor prayers may be held in dry weather. |
Summer (June to August)
Climate Characteristics
- Temperature: June sees temperatures between 30-40°C, with daytime temperatures exceeding 45°C in July-August.
- Precipitation: Almost no rainfall, extreme dryness.
- Features: Indoor cooling during the day, with many nights also being tropical.
Major Events and Culture
| Month |
Event |
Description and Relation to Climate |
| June-July |
Ramadan (Fasting Month) |
Due to daytime fasting causing fatigue, events are concentrated in the cooler morning and evening hours. |
| July 14 |
Republic Day of Iraq |
A national holiday. Ceremonies and evening celebrations take place amid high temperatures. |
| August |
Eid al-Adha |
The Feast of Sacrifice. Family gatherings are common, but festive meals are often held after sunset due to the heat. |
Autumn (September to November)
Climate Characteristics
- Temperature: September around 35°C, gradually declining to 20-30°C in October-November.
- Precipitation: Slight rain begins from November onwards.
- Features: Lower humidity makes it more comfortable.
Major Events and Culture
| Month |
Event |
Description and Relation to Climate |
| Mid-September |
Ashura (Martyrdom Festival) |
An important religious event for Shia Islam. Events occur in the cool mornings and evenings as the heat eases. |
| October |
Date Harvest Begins |
Harvest activities are vigorous as the autumn dry climate enhances the sweetness of the fruit. |
| November |
Kurdish Olive Festival |
Held in northern Kurdish regions. The olive harvest and mild climate attract tourists. |
Winter (December to February)
Climate Characteristics
- Temperature: Daytime temperatures range from 10-20°C, falling to 0-5°C at night.
- Precipitation: Rain or snow can occur primarily in the northern regions during December-January.
- Features: Snow can be seen in the northern mountainous areas, while the south experiences dry, clear weather.
Major Events and Culture
| Month |
Event |
Description and Relation to Climate |
| December 25 |
Christmas (Christian) |
Worship and family events take place in northern Christian communities. Characterized by cold weather. |
| January |
Winter Solstice (varies in Islamic calendar) |
The exact date fluctuates, but families gather for warm meals during the cold. |
| February |
Preparation for Nowruz |
A preparatory period for Nowruz. The remaining snow in mountainous areas begins to melt. |
Summary of Seasonal Events and Climate Relationships
| Season |
Climate Characteristics |
Major Event Examples |
| Spring |
Temperature rising, sandstorms, and dryness |
Nowruz, Easter |
| Summer |
Extreme heat and dryness |
Ramadan, Republic Day, Eid al-Adha |
| Autumn |
Moderating temperature, dryness, and slight rain |
Ashura, date harvest, olive festival |
| Winter |
Cold, rainfall, and mountain snowfall |
Christmas, winter solstice, preparation for Nowruz |
Additional Notes
- Events in Iraq are mainly classified into religious events and agricultural and harvest festivals.
- The changes of the four seasons combine with the mobility of Islamic lunar events, resulting in different seasonal experiences each year.
- There are significant climatic differences between the north and south, causing variations in the presentation and timing of events across regions.
The culture and climate of Iraq are closely intertwined, with temperature and precipitation patterns shaping people's rhythms of life and the nature of traditional events.
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