Najaf
City in Iraq
Najaf is a city in Iraq with a population of approximately 725,000. Located 143 km south of the capital, Baghdad, the city is known for its significant historical and religious sites, including the Great Mosque of Kufa, the expansive Wadi-us-Salaam cemetery, and the ancient city of Al-Hira.
What to see
The city contains several notable sites. Wadi-us-Salaam is a large cemetery, while the Great Mosque of Kufa serves as a prominent landmark. Visitors can also explore the archaeological site of Al-Hira.
When to go
Najaf experiences extreme heat during the summer months, with daily highs reaching 44 °C in July and August. The cooler months of November through March offer more moderate temperatures, ranging from daily highs of 16 °C to 24 °C. Rainfall is minimal throughout the year, with the highest precipitation occurring in January and December, though even these months see very few rainy days.
Getting there
Travelers can reach the city via Al Najaf International Airport, which is located 7 km from the city center.
Top sights in Najaf
Weather by month
The warmest month is August, 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 | 25 | 31 | 38 | 42 | 44 | 44 | 41 | 34 | 24 | 18 |
| Average low, °C | 5 | 7 | 11 | 17 | 23 | 27 | 29 | 29 | 25 | 20 | 12 | 7 |
| Rainfall, mm | 22 | 16 | 17 | 16 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 6 | 11 | 20 |
| Rainy days | 2 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 4 | 3 |
Temperatures and rainfall: 1981–2010 averages for Najaf (4 km grid), from CHELSA. Rainy days: 2015–2024, NASA POWER.
Also worth a look
- Al-Qadisiyyah