Erbil
City in Iraq
Erbil is located in Iraq, 321 kilometers from the capital, Baghdad. With a population of about 846,000 as of 2015, the city attracts visitors to its historic and religious landmarks, including the UNESCO-listed Citadel of Erbil.
What to see
The city center is dominated by the Citadel of Erbil, a UNESCO site. Other significant landmarks include the Mudhafaria Minaret, which stands as a historical structure in the area. For religious architecture, the city features the Jalil Khayat Mosque and the Cathedral of Saint Joseph in the Ankawa district.
When to go
The climate in Erbil ranges from cold winters to very hot summers. January and February are the coldest months, with daily highs around 11 °C to 13 °C and frequent rain. Spring, particularly April with highs of 24 °C, provides moderate temperatures. Summer months from June through August are hot, with daily highs reaching 41 °C and almost no rain. October is another mild period, with highs of 29 °C and lower rainfall, making it suitable for outdoor activities.
Getting there
Travelers can reach the city via Erbil International Airport, which is located 8 kilometers from the city.
Top sights in Erbil
Weather by month
The warmest month is July, with an average high of 41 °C. The wettest is January, with about 102 mm of rain.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average high, °C | 11 | 13 | 17 | 24 | 31 | 37 | 41 | 41 | 36 | 29 | 19 | 13 |
| Average low, °C | 1 | 2 | 6 | 11 | 17 | 22 | 26 | 25 | 21 | 16 | 8 | 3 |
| Rainfall, mm | 102 | 102 | 95 | 76 | 26 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 36 | 91 | 93 |
| Rainy days | 9 | 8 | 11 | 6 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 6 | 8 |
Temperatures and rainfall: 1981–2010 averages for Erbil (4 km grid), from CHELSA. Rainy days: 2015–2024, NASA POWER.