Mosul
City in Iraq
Mosul is a city in northern Iraq with a population of approximately 1.8 million people. Located 355 kilometers north of Baghdad, the city is known for its cultural and religious sites, including various mosques, museums, and ancient monasteries.
What to see
The city features several significant landmarks. Visitors can explore the Great Mosque of al-Nuri and the Mosul Grand Mosque. For those interested in history and local heritage, the Mosul Museum offers insight into the region. The area also hosts notable religious sites, such as the Mor Mattai Monastery, the Monastery of Saint Elijah, the Church of Saint Thomas, and the Mar Behnam Monastery. Additionally, the Bash Tapia Castle remains a site of interest.
When to go
Mosul experiences hot, dry summers and cooler, wetter winters. From June through August, daily highs reach between 39 °C and 42 °C, with virtually no rain, making these months very hot. The most temperate periods are spring and autumn. In April, highs reach 25 °C with 48 mm of rain, while October sees highs of 29 °C and 23 mm of rain. Winters are cool, with January temperatures ranging from a low of 3 °C to a high of 12 °C, accompanied by 74 mm of rain over about 9 days. Travelers preferring milder weather should plan trips during the spring or autumn months.
Getting there
The nearest airport is Erbil International Airport (EBL) in Arbil, located 74 kilometers from Mosul.
Top sights in Mosul
Weather by month
The warmest month is July, with an average high of 42 °C. The wettest is January, with about 74 mm of rain.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average high, °C | 12 | 14 | 18 | 25 | 32 | 39 | 42 | 42 | 37 | 29 | 20 | 14 |
| Average low, °C | 3 | 4 | 7 | 12 | 18 | 23 | 27 | 27 | 22 | 17 | 10 | 5 |
| Rainfall, mm | 74 | 74 | 67 | 48 | 17 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 23 | 63 | 68 |
| Rainy days | 9 | 7 | 9 | 7 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 6 | 7 |
Temperatures and rainfall: 1981–2010 averages for Mosul (4 km grid), from CHELSA. Rainy days: 2015–2024, NASA POWER.
Also worth a look
- Bash Tapia Castle
- Church of Saint Thomas, Mosul
- Mar Behnam Monastery
- Monastery of Saint Elijah
- Mosul Grand Mosque