January · Iraq
Best time to visit Erbil in January Weather, crowds & prices
Weather in Erbil in January
Average temperature 8°C, 73 mm of rain, about 23 days with 6+ hours of sunshine and 66% humidity — based on the five most recent complete years of ERA5 data (2021–2025).
January score
7.3/10
Ranked #8 of 12 months
- Avg temp
- 8°C
- Rainfall
- 73 mm
- Humidity
- 66%
- Days with 6h+ sun
- 23
- Crowd Density
- Moderate Crowds
- Average Expenses
- $$ · Moderate Cost ($$)
January in Erbil scores 7.3/10 for sightseeing and cultural travel - ranked #8 of 12. Expect around 8°C, 73 mm of rain, and roughly 23 days with 6+ hours of sunshine this month.
Erbil is Iraqi Kurdistan's regional capital, centered on the UNESCO-listed citadel and surrounded by bazaars, museums, cafés, and northern mountain routes.
January holds up well in Erbil — 8th best month
Expect 8°C (46°F) in January. A good month for city streets, viewpoints and long meals; leave swimming for another season.
Budget for roughly 73 mm of rain this month — a flexible day or two helps — with about 23 days with 6+ hours of sunshine and 10 hours of daylight to work around it.
That is 7.3/10 on the same scale — 8th of 12 months, versus 9.5/10 for the best month here.
Pack a mid-weight jacket, long sleeves and shoes you can walk 15 km in, a packable rain layer.
Budget for mid-season pricing, and crowds are moderate.
If your dates are flexible, April is materially better in Erbil — 2.2 points higher on the same scale.
Frequently asked
- What is the weather like in Erbil in January?
- In January, Erbil averages 8°C, 73 mm of rain, and about 23 days with 6+ hours of sunshine. Its climate-comfort score is 7.3/10.
- Is January a good time to visit Erbil?
- January earns a 7.3/10 climate-comfort score. Use the year-round chart to weigh the weather against your budget and crowd preferences.
- How much does it rain in Erbil in January?
- Expect about 73 mm of rain in January. Average humidity is 66% and there are about 23 days with 6+ hours of sunshine.
Curated in Erbil
Tickets & experiences
Things to do in Erbil
Erbil, Iraq. Live activities and tours from GetYourGuide, matched to this destination.