Things to Do in Iraq in December
December weather, activities, events & insider tips
Low Season · Budget Friendly
December Weather in Iraq
Long-run averages for December in Erbil
62°F (17°C)
High Temp
41°F (5°C)
Low Temp
1.0 inches (25 mm)
Rainfall
69%
Humidity
2
Sunny-Day UV
⚠ Dense morning fog is common across the Tigris and Euphrates river plains in December, around Baghdad and Basra. Fog can reduce visibility on highways to under 50 m (160 ft) and delay domestic flights by several hours. Plan early-morning road travel with this in mind. Build buffer time into any connections.
⚠ Mountain roads in the Kurdistan Region above 1,200 m (3,940 ft) can develop ice patches overnight in December, on north-facing slopes. If you are driving to Amadiya, Rawanduz, or the Qandil foothills, confirm road conditions with your driver or hotel that morning and carry traction aids if self-driving.
⚠ Flash flooding can occur in wadis and low-lying desert areas after even modest rainfall. The 25 mm (1.0 inch) December average can fall in a single afternoon, and dry riverbeds become fast-moving channels within minutes. Never camp or park in a wadi bed. Heed local warnings about weather conditions at archaeological sites in open terrain.
What's On in Iraq in December
December in Iraq sees cooler temperatures, with average highs of 17°C and lows of 5°C, and average rainfall of 25 mm. Victory Day falls on Thursday 10 December 2026. Christmas Day is observed on Friday 25 December 2026. Daylight hours are shorter, with approximately 10 hours and 6 minutes on 1 December and 9 hours and 58 minutes by mid-month.
December Climate Compared
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rainfall |
|---|---|---|---|
| November | 23°C | 9°C | 20 mm |
| December | 17°C | 5°C | 25 mm |
| January | 15°C | 3°C | 25 mm |
December is 6°C cooler than November; 2°C warmer than January.
Long-run monthly averages. Source: Wikipedia.
Daylight in December
Day length: 10 h 06 min on 1 December, 9 h 58 min on 15 December (−26 min compared with mid-November).
Computed from the city's coordinates (sunrise to sunset, standard solar geometry).
Public Holidays and Long Weekends
- Victory Day: Thursday 10 December 2026 (possible 4-day weekend if Friday is taken off)
- Christmas Day: Friday 25 December 2026 (3-day weekend (Fri–Sun))
Holiday dates: Nager.Date. Long-weekend notes are computed from the weekday.
Quick Answers
How much rain does Iraq get in December?
On average 25 mm in December.
How warm is Iraq in December?
Average highs are 17°C and average lows 5°C.
How long are the days in Iraq in December?
About 9 h 58 min of daylight on 15 December.
Are there public holidays in Iraq in December?
Yes: Victory Day on Thursday 10 December 2026; Christmas Day on Friday 25 December 2026. 2 of them create a long weekend.
Where to Stay in Iraq in December
Hand-picked hotels across price tiers for December travellers.
Public Holidays in December
Dates that affect opening hours, transport and crowds
Victory Day
Observed nationwide as a public holiday.
Christmas Day
Observed nationwide as a public holiday.
Victory Day
Observed nationwide as a public holiday.
Christmas Day
Observed nationwide as a public holiday.
Victory Day
Observed nationwide as a public holiday.
Christmas Day
Observed nationwide as a public holiday.
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