Basra
City in Iraq
Basra is a city in Iraq with a 2018 population of about 1.3 million. Located 450 kilometers from Baghdad, it offers visitors access to several significant religious and memorial sites.
What to see
Basra features several religious and commemorative landmarks. Religious sites include the Imam Ali Mosque and the Mausoleum of Imam al-Hasan of Basra. Visitors interested in historical commemoration can visit the Basra Memorial, as well as the Basra War Cemetery. Additionally, the Basrah Museum is available for those interested in local history.
When to go
Basra experiences extreme summer heat, with daily highs reaching 45 °C to 46 °C from June through August. Rainfall is minimal throughout the year, with the highest precipitation occurring in January at 36 mm and December at 31 mm. The cooler months of January and February, with highs of 18 °C to 21 °C, and November and December, with highs of 20 °C to 26 °C, offer more moderate temperatures for travel.
Getting there
Basra International Airport is located 15 kilometers from the city, providing the primary air access point for travelers.
Top sights in Basra
Weather by month
The warmest month is July, with an average high of 47 °C. Rain is spread fairly evenly through the year.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average high, °C | 18 | 21 | 26 | 33 | 40 | 45 | 47 | 46 | 43 | 36 | 26 | 20 |
| Average low, °C | 7 | 9 | 13 | 19 | 26 | 30 | 32 | 31 | 27 | 22 | 15 | 9 |
| Rainfall, mm | 36 | 19 | 22 | 14 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 7 | 20 | 31 |
| Rainy days | 2 | 3 | 4 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 3 |
Temperatures and rainfall: 1981–2010 averages for Basra (4 km grid), from CHELSA. Rainy days: 2015–2024, NASA POWER.
Also worth a look
- Basra War Cemetery
- Basrah Museum