Iraq in November

November weather, activities, events & insider tips

November Weather in Iraq

25°C (77°F) High Temp

20°C (68°F) Low Temp

51 mm (2.0 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is November Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect temperature for archaeological site exploration - mornings at 18-20°C (64-68°F) allow comfortable 4-5 hour walks through Babylon and Ur without the summer heat that reaches 45°C (113°F)
Post-harvest season means abundant fresh dates, pomegranates, and local specialties in markets, with farmers celebrating successful crops and lower food prices
Minimal tourist crowds at UNESCO sites - you'll often have Hatra and Samarra entirely to yourself, compared to crowded European destinations in November
Clear visibility for photography - low humidity and minimal dust storms provide crystal-clear shots of ziggurats and ancient architecture, with golden hour lasting 45 minutes longer than summer months

Considerations

Unpredictable afternoon rain showers on 10 days throughout the month can disrupt outdoor archaeological visits, with storms lasting 1-2 hours and making dirt roads to remote sites temporarily impassable
Limited daylight hours (10.5 hours) mean archaeological sites close by 4:30 PM, restricting full-day explorations and requiring careful timing between multiple locations
Higher accommodation prices in Baghdad and Erbil due to business travel season, with hotel rates 30-40% above summer low-season pricing

Best Activities in November

Mesopotamian Archaeological Site Tours

November's mild temperatures make this the ideal time to explore Iraq's ancient wonders. Morning temperatures of 18-20°C (64-68°F) allow comfortable 4-5 hour walks through Babylon's reconstructed Ishtar Gate and Ur's ziggurat without summer's brutal heat. The lower sun angle creates dramatic shadows perfect for photography, and clear skies provide unobstructed views of these 4,000-year-old structures. Rain only affects about one-third of November days, and sites have covered areas for shelter.

Booking Tip: Book through licensed Iraqi tour operators 3-4 weeks ahead, as sites require security clearances. Tours typically cost $150-250 per day including transport and guide. Look for operators with Ministry of Tourism licensing and insurance. Check current tour availability in the booking widget below.

Kurdistan Mountain Hiking and Village Visits

November brings perfect hiking weather to Kurdistan's mountains, with daytime temperatures around 22-25°C (72-77°F) and cool evenings ideal for traditional Kurdish hospitality. Post-harvest season means villages are celebrating with abundant local food, and the landscape is green from early autumn rains. Visibility extends for kilometers across valleys without summer haze, and trekking routes to ancient monasteries and Yazidi shrines are accessible before winter snow.

Booking Tip: Mountain guides cost $40-60 per day, book 2-3 weeks ahead through Erbil-based operators. November is peak season for Kurdistan hiking, so popular routes to Rawanduz and Amedi fill up quickly. Ensure guides have current security briefings. See booking options below for current mountain tour availability.

Tigris and Euphrates River Expeditions

November water levels are optimal for traditional mashoof boat journeys through the Mesopotamian Marshes. The weather is perfect for full-day river trips - warm enough at 23°C (73°F) for comfortable boat travel, but cool enough to avoid summer's oppressive heat. This is bird migration season, with flamingos, pelicans, and ibises passing through. Reed houses are accessible, and Ma'dan (Marsh Arab) communities are preparing for winter, offering authentic cultural experiences.

Booking Tip: River tours cost $80-120 per day including boat, guide, and traditional lunch. Book 10-14 days ahead as boats require advance preparation and weather monitoring. Choose operators with life jackets and communication equipment. November has the most reliable weather window for marsh exploration.

Islamic Architecture and Calligraphy Workshops

November's comfortable indoor climate makes this perfect for exploring Iraq's Islamic heritage. Visit the Al-Askari Mosque in Samarra (rebuilt after 2006 bombing), study 13th-century Abbasid architecture in Baghdad, and participate in traditional Arabic calligraphy workshops. The moderate humidity (70%) is ideal for handling ancient manuscripts and learning ink techniques that would be impossible in summer's dry conditions or winter's dampness.

Booking Tip: Cultural workshops cost $25-50 per session, mosque visits are free but require modest dress and advance permission. Book mosque tours 1-2 weeks ahead through cultural centers in Baghdad. Some sites close during prayer times (5 times daily). Religious calendar affects availability, so confirm current schedules through booking platforms below.

Traditional Bazaar and Craft Exploration

November is harvest and craft season in Iraq's traditional markets. Al-Mutanabbi Street in Baghdad comes alive with book sellers and intellectuals in comfortable evening weather. Kurdish bazaars in Sulaymaniyah overflow with saffron, dates, and handwoven textiles. The mild temperatures make hours-long market exploration pleasant, and post-harvest abundance means peak quality and variety of local products. Evening markets stay open later due to comfortable temperatures.

Booking Tip: Guided market tours cost $30-50 for half-day experiences including tastings and craft demonstrations. Independent exploration is free but challenging without Arabic/Kurdish language skills. Friday afternoons can be crowded due to weekly prayers. Book cultural market tours through local operators, see current options in booking section below.

Desert Camping and Astronomy Experiences

November offers ideal desert camping weather in southern Iraq - warm days around 25°C (77°F) and cool nights at 15°C (59°F) perfect for sleeping under stars. Clear skies provide exceptional stargazing with minimal light pollution. Traditional Bedouin camps near ancient sites offer real feels with local guides sharing oral histories. Desert flowers bloom after November rains, creating unexpected color in the landscape.

Booking Tip: Desert camping experiences cost $60-100 per night including traditional meals and Bedouin tents. Book 2-3 weeks ahead as camps require advance setup and security coordination. November is peak season for desert tourism due to optimal temperatures. Ensure operators provide proper camping equipment for temperature variations.

November Events & Festivals

Throughout November

Newroz Preparation Festivals in Kurdistan

While the main Newroz celebration occurs in March, November marks the beginning of preparation season in Kurdish communities. Traditional craft workshops, poetry gatherings, and music rehearsals intensify as families prepare costumes and communities organize celebrations. This offers authentic cultural immersion without tourist crowds.

Early to Mid November

Date Harvest Celebrations

Southern Iraq's date palm regions celebrate the harvest with traditional festivals featuring date tastings, palm climbing demonstrations, and traditional music. Basra province hosts the largest celebrations with competitions for best dates and traditional date preparation methods.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight merino wool layers - temperature swings from 20-25°C (68-77°F) daily require easy layering options that work in archaeological sites and air-conditioned vehicles

Waterproof hiking boots with ankle support - November's 10 rainy days create muddy conditions at excavation sites and rural areas, plus protection for uneven ancient stonework

High-quality rain jacket (not poncho) - afternoon downpours last 1-2 hours and can be windy, making ponchos useless at exposed archaeological sites

SPF 50+ sunscreen in metal tube - UV index of 8 combined with reflection off limestone ruins creates intense sun exposure, plastic tubes can melt in 25°C (77°F) temperatures

Moisture-wicking undergarments - 70% humidity makes cotton uncomfortable during active sightseeing, synthetic materials dry quickly between rain showers

Portable phone charger with waterproof case - essential for translation apps and emergency communication, November weather can damage electronics

Comfortable walking sandals for indoors - many mosques and traditional homes require shoe removal, and 70% humidity makes feet sweaty in closed shoes

Insect repellent with DEET - November's moderate temperatures and post-rain pools create ideal mosquito breeding conditions, especially in marsh areas

Cash in small denominations (Iraqi dinars and US dollars) - rural archaeological sites and traditional markets don't accept cards, and November tourist season creates change shortages

Modest clothing covering shoulders and knees - required for religious sites and shows respect in conservative areas, lightweight fabrics work best in November's warm temperatures

Insider Knowledge

November is pomegranate season - Iraqi pomegranates are world-renowned and cost 80% less than exports. Buy directly from roadside vendors near Fallujah for the sweetest varieties, but wash thoroughly due to dust.

Archaeological sites open earliest (7 AM) in November to maximize daylight hours - arrive at opening to avoid afternoon crowds and have 2-3 hours of perfect photography light before tourist buses arrive around 10 AM.

Friday afternoon closures affect more than just mosques - many museums, government sites, and even some restaurants close from 11 AM-2 PM for Jumma prayers, plan accordingly or risk wasted time.

November is wedding season in Iraq - you might encounter elaborate celebrations with traditional music and dancing, especially on Thursday nights. Locals often welcome respectful foreign observers to join festivities.

Avoid These Mistakes

Assuming all of Iraq is desert - November visitors often pack only for hot, dry conditions and are unprepared for Kurdistan's cool mountains or marshland humidity, leading to uncomfortable experiences

Planning tight schedules between cities - November's intermittent rain can delay domestic flights and make rural roads impassable for hours, always build in buffer time between destinations

Skipping travel insurance with security coverage - even experienced travelers underestimate the importance of insurance that specifically covers Iraq, which standard policies often exclude