The climate in Iraq varies across the country. Large swathes of Iraq, including Baghdad, are stark desertscapes, which means it's bone dry and blazing hot. Northeast Iraq is more mountainous, and its higher elevation allows for cooler temperatures and more rainfall.
The desert regions of Iraq really only experience two seasons. The summer months are from May to October and are characterised by high temperatures, clear skies, low humidity and very little rainfall. Average temperatures are around 90°F (32°C) but can reach as high as 118°F (48°C). Winters are milder with some rainfall, with temperatures typically ranging from 36°F (2°C) to 60°F (16°C). During the coldest winter nights, however, the mercury often drops below freezing.
In the northeast, the summers last from June to September and, while they're generally dry and hot, they're far cooler than those in the desert region. Winters are long, cold and wetter than in other regions, with temperatures ranging between 24ºF (-4ºC) and 63ºF (17ºC).
Dust storms occur frequently throughout the year. The storms vary in intensity and can reduce visibility considerably.