Baghdad
Capital of Iraq
Baghdad is the capital of Iraq and home to about 8.1 million residents as of 2018. Visitors come to see its historical structures, monuments, and collections housed in the city's museums.
What to see
Historical and architectural landmarks define the city. Visitors can explore the Iraq Museum, which holds a collection of artifacts. Prominent structures include the Victory Arch and the Republican Palace, Baghdad. The site of Taq Kasra is also located nearby. Other notable locations include various religious and civic sites, such as the Al-Kazimiyya Mosque, the Al-Shaheed Monument, the Al-Faw Palace, and the Abu Hanifa Mosque. The city also features the Baghdad Zoo, the Cathedral of Our Lady of Sorrows, and the Central Bank of Iraq Tower, alongside historic religious buildings like the Al-Khulafa Mosque, Al-Sarai Mosque, Buratha Mosque, and the Baba Nanak Shrine.
When to go
Summers, specifically June through August, are very hot, with daily highs reaching 44 °C. Winters are mild, with average highs between 16 °C and 18 °C in December and January. Rainfall is minimal throughout the year, with January and December experiencing the most rain at about 4 days each. Spring months like March and April, as well as November, offer moderate temperatures and are suitable for visiting.
Getting there
The city is served by Baghdad International Airport / New Al Muthana Air Base, which is located 14 km from the city.
Top sights in Baghdad
Weather by month
The warmest month is July, with an average high of 44 °C. Rain is spread fairly evenly through the year.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average high, °C | 16 | 19 | 24 | 31 | 38 | 42 | 44 | 44 | 41 | 34 | 24 | 18 |
| Average low, °C | 6 | 7 | 11 | 17 | 23 | 28 | 31 | 30 | 26 | 21 | 13 | 8 |
| Rainfall, mm | 29 | 22 | 24 | 17 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 8 | 23 | 26 |
| Rainy days | 4 | 5 | 5 | 3 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 4 | 4 |
Temperatures and rainfall: 1981–2010 averages for Baghdad (4 km grid), from CHELSA. Rainy days: 2015–2024, NASA POWER.
Also worth a look
- Abu Hanifa Mosque
- Al-Faw Palace
- Al-Kazimiyya Mosque
- Al-Khulafa Mosque
- Al-Sarai Mosque
- Al-Shaheed Monument
- As-Salam Palace
- Baba Nanak Shrine
- Baghdad Zoo
- Buratha Mosque
- Cathedral of Our Lady of Sorrows
- Central Bank of Iraq Tower
- Dur-Kurigalzu
- Firdos Square
- Freedom Monument
- Great Synagogue of Baghdad
- Hadhrat al-Qadiriyya
- Haydar-Khana Mosque
- Iraqi Royal Cemetery
- Latin Cathedral of St. Joseph
- Mausoleum of Umar Suhrawardi
- Meir Taweig Synagogue
- Monument to the Unknown Soldier, Baghdad
- Mustansiriyya Madrasa
- Qushla
- Sabian–Mandaean Mandi of Baghdad
- Saving Iraqi Culture
- Sayidat al-Nejat Cathedral
- Shaduppum
- Umm al-Qura Mosque
- Zumurrud Khatun Mosque and Mausoleum