Best Time to Visit Mosul

Spring and autumn: the sweet spots

March, April and November are our top picks, and February, October and December also rate Excellent. In March the days are mild at around 20°C, and the countryside around Mosul turns green. April is warmer and drier, with highs of 27°C. It's the easiest month for walking around all day.

October is still warm, with highs around 31°C, and the rain hasn't really started. November cools off to a comfortable 21°C. Evenings are pleasant for sitting outside with tea.

Mosul is still rebuilding after the damage of 2014 to 2017. The Old City, west of the Tigris river, has ruined streets and restored landmarks, such as the Al-Nuri Mosque site and the Church of Our Lady of the Hour. Cool weather makes it much easier to spend hours on foot. Check the current security advice for Nineveh before you go, and think about hiring a local guide.

Summer: hot and dry

June to September rate Poor, and it's easy to see why. July and August tie as the hottest months, with highs of 44°C and warm nights of 28°C. Rain is almost nonexistent, and the sun shines for 12 to 13 hours a day.

The air is dry, so the heat feels like an oven. Outdoor sightseeing in the Old City or at ancient Nineveh, with its reconstructed gate and city walls, is tough from late morning to late afternoon. If you must come, keep outdoor visits to early morning and spend the afternoon inside. Evenings along the Tigris are when locals come out.

Summer is also the quietest time for visitors. That isn't a bargain here, because there are few tourist services anyway.

Winter: cool, grey and damp

December to February brings highs of 13 to 15°C and cold nights, close to freezing in January. January is the coldest month, and it's also among the cloudiest, with only about 4.5 hours of sun a day. Rain falls on roughly eight days a month, so streets in the Old City can turn muddy.

Is winter worth it? If you hate heat and don't mind a jacket, yes. February is rated Excellent and is a good time to see the Nineveh plain at its freshest. Mosul's sights aren't set up for mass tourism in any season, so don't expect a clear high or low season. The Christian communities nearby celebrate Easter in spring, usually in March or April, and Christmas in December. These are family and church occasions, so be respectful if you're invited.