- Currency ع.د Iraqi Dinar (ع.د)
- Language Arabic, Aramaic, Sorani
- Best time November – April
Why Iraq
Where civilisation began, adventure awaits. Explore ancient Mesopotamia, floating marshlands, and Kurdish highlands on a journey that genuinely rewrites your idea of the world.
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Iraq is one of travel's most extraordinary frontiers — the cradle of civilisation, home to Babylon, Ur, and Nineveh, where millennia of human history rise from the desert dust. Intrepid cultural travellers willing to look beyond the headlines are discovering something remarkable.
The south's Mesopotamian Marshes — a UNESCO World Heritage site and home to the ancient Marsh Arab communities — offer deeply regenerative, community-led experiences: traditional reed-house stays, boat journeys through migratory bird corridors, and an intimacy with a way of life that has endured for thousands of years.
In the north, the Kurdistan Region surprises with its accessible infrastructure, warm hospitality, mountain hiking, and a thriving food scene in Erbil — one of the world's oldest continuously inhabited cities. Iraq rewards the curious with depth that few destinations can match.
Nature, culture & hidden gems
Editorial content coming soon
We're hand-picking the standout places, hidden gems and can't-miss activities in Iraq. Meanwhile, the cities above are a great starting point.
Curated Iraq itineraries
Weather & timing in Iraq RIGHT NOW 49° mostly clear
Best Feb–Mar, Dec · Shoulder Jan, Apr, Nov
- Jan 6° / -4°
- Feb 8° / -2°
- Mar 12° / 2°
- Apr 18° / 8°
- May 24° / 14°
- Jun 28° / 18°
- Jul 30° / 20°
- Aug 28° / 18°
- Sep 24° / 14°
- Oct 18° / 8°
- Nov 12° / 2°
- Dec 8° / -2°
Best time to visit
November – April
Spring (Mar–May)
What to expect — Daytime highs average about 18°C with overnight lows near 8°C, and it stays largely dry.
What's best — Mar is among the best time to visit — good weather with manageable crowds. Apr also works well.
Summer (Jun–Aug)
What to expect — Daytime highs average about 29°C with overnight lows near 19°C, and it stays largely dry.
What's best — Peak heat and the biggest crowds — many travellers prefer spring or autumn.
Autumn (Sep–Nov)
What to expect — Daytime highs average about 18°C with overnight lows near 8°C.
What's best — Nov is comfortable, with thinner crowds.
Winter (Dec–Feb)
What to expect — Daytime highs average about 7°C with overnight lows near -3°C.
What's best — Dec and Feb are among the best time to visit — good weather with manageable crowds. Jan also works well.
Iraq in pictures
Know before you go
The practical back-matter — safety, drones and the essentials, in one place.
Safety
Official UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office guidance is the definitive source — check it close to your travel dates.