Iraqi Kurdistan, Iraq: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2024]

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Ready to pack for Iraqi Kurdistan, Iraq? If you're planning to go to Iraqi Kurdistan, here is some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.

Contents

When to go to Iraqi Kurdistan, Iraq

Based on the climate and weather in Iraqi Kurdistan, Iraq, the best time to go is October. See below for details.

What to wear/what to pack for Iraqi Kurdistan, Iraq

Already know when you're traveling?

Here are some general tips on what to wear in Iraqi Kurdistan, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.

What to wear/what to pack for Iraqi Kurdistan, Iraq by month

January

January here is pretty cool. Temperatures average in the low 40s F (single digits C), with daytime temperatures significantly higher. It rains regularly.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Iraq has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Iraqi Kurdistan. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing things recently, an AirTag can locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, D and G. Be sure to pick the necessary type. Most adapters currently available are simply plug changers and expect your devices to change the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could burn up. This one should work in most places.

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A great choice is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

February

February for Iraqi Kurdistan is brisk. Temperatures average in the high 40s F (single digits C), with daytime temperatures significantly higher. It rains a bit less than half of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Iraq has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Iraqi Kurdistan. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing luggage recently, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel pillow

    An excellent option is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large prices for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, D and G. Be careful to choose the necessary kind. Most adapters currently being sold are simply plug changers and require your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get fried. This one should work in most areas.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

March

If you go to Iraqi Kurdistan in March, you will notice that it is relatively cool. Expect it to rain a bit less than half of the time. Average temperatures (including nighttime) are in the 50s F (low 10s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Iraq has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Iraqi Kurdistan. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing bags recently, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large prices for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, D and G. Be sure to get the right type. The majority of adapters currently available are simply plugs and require your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should work in most countries.

  • Travel neck pillow

    Our favorite is this one

April

April in this region is mild. Temperatures average in the low 60s F (high 10s C), with daytime temperatures significantly higher. It rains about a third of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Iraq has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Iraqi Kurdistan. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports repeatedly losing bags these days, an AirTag can find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, D and G. Check that you find the necessary kind. The majority of adapters available are just plugs and require your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one works in most locations.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Travel pillow

    A good option is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

May

If you go to Iraqi Kurdistan in May, you will notice that it is hot. Expect it to rain sometimes. Average temperatures (including nighttime) are in the 70s F (mid 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Iraq has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Iraqi Kurdistan. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing things recently, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, D and G. Make sure to pick the right type. Many adapters on sale are just plugs and require your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get fried. This one should be appropriate for most areas.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Travel neck support pillow

    Our favorite is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

June

June for Iraqi Kurdistan very dry with almost no rain. Temperatures average in the 80s F (high 20s C), with daytime temperatures significantly higher.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Iraq has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Iraqi Kurdistan. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing luggage recently, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, D and G. Be careful to get the necessary kind. The majority of adapters currently available are just plugs and expect your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get fried. This one should work in most places.

July

July in this region very dry with almost no rain. Temperatures average in the low 90s F (low 30s C), with daytime temperatures significantly higher.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Iraq has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports constantly losing luggage recently, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Iraqi Kurdistan. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck support pillow

    An excellent option is this one

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, D and G. Make sure to find the right kind. Many adapters available are simply plug changers and require your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one works in most areas.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

August

August in Iraqi Kurdistan very dry with almost no rain. Temperatures average in the low 80s F (low 30s C), with daytime temperatures significantly higher.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Iraq has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing luggage these days, an AirTag can find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Iraqi Kurdistan. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck support pillow

    What we like is this one

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, D and G. Be careful to find the right kind. A lot of adapters currently sold are simply plugs and expect your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should be sufficient for most areas.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive penalties for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

September

If you go to Iraqi Kurdistan in September, you will notice that it very dry with almost no rain. Average temperatures (including nighttime) are in the low 80s F (high 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Iraq has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Iraqi Kurdistan. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing things nowadays, an AirTag can locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A good option is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, D and G. Make sure to pick the correct type. A lot of adapters currently being sold are simply plugs and require your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should work in most places.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

October

Traveling to Iraqi Kurdistan in October, you will notice that it dry with little rain. Expect it to rain occasionally. Average temperatures (including nighttime) are in the low 70s F (low 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Iraq has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Iraqi Kurdistan. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines frequently losing luggage recently, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, D and G. Make sure to get the necessary type. Most adapters available online are just plug changers and require your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be sufficient for most places.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge penalties for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Travel pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

November

November for Iraqi Kurdistan is crisp. Temperatures average in the high 50s F (mid 10s C), with daytime temperatures significantly higher. It rains 5-10 days this month.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Iraq has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing things these days, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Iraqi Kurdistan. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, D and G. Ensure that you pick the necessary type. Most adapters available online are simply plugs and require your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be sufficient for most areas.

  • Travel neck pillow

    A great choice is this one

December

Traveling to Iraqi Kurdistan in December, you will notice that it is pretty cool. Expect it to rain a bit less than half of the time. Average temperatures (including nighttime) are in the high 40s F (single digits C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Iraq has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing bags recently, an AirTag can locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Iraqi Kurdistan. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Travel pillow

    A good option is this one

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, D and G. It's important that you pick the necessary kind. Many adapters that you can buy are just plug changers and expect your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be sufficient for most places.

What to do in Iraqi Kurdistan, Iraq

Iraqi Kurdistan has become a popular tourist destination in the Middle East, attracting visitors from different parts of the world. It is known for its diverse culture, fascinating history, and breathtaking landscapes. The region has a plethora of tourist attractions, each offering something unique and unforgettable. Here are some top tourist attractions to visit when in Iraqi Kurdistan.

Erbil Citadel: The Erbil Citadel is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. The Citadel has stood for over 8,000 years, and it is home to different notable landmarks such as the Great Mosque, the Museum of Erbil, and the unique Kurdish bazaars.

Hawler Castle: The Hawler Castle is a historic castle located in the middle of Erbil's Old Town. It has been renovated to serve as a museum, showcasing Erbil's history through exhibitions and artifacts, including traditional Kurdish clothing, pottery, and weapons.

The Zari Spa: If relaxation is what you seek, then the Zari Spa is the perfect getaway. The Spa is located in the Korek mountains, and it incorporates natural elements such as stones, wood, and water to provide visitors with a serene environment. It offers different massage and sauna sessions which are perfect for soothing your mind and body.

Dukan Lake: Dukan Lake is a vast water reservoir situated in the Sulaymaniyah Province. The Lake is a popular destination for boating, fishing, and swimming. Visitors can also take a boat ride, explore the surrounding mountains or just sit back and enjoy the picturesque view.

Sulaymaniyah Museum: This museum is one of the top tourist attractions in the city of Sulaymaniyah. It houses thousands of ancient artifacts, including pottery, weapons, and jewelry, providing a glimpse of Iraq's rich history.

Qalat qurt city: The city of Qalat qurt is a fascinating abandoned city located in the Kurdistan region of Iraq. The city is an example of ancient Kurdish architecture and culture, and it is situated on a hill, offering a panoramic view of the surrounding landscape.

The Zoroastrian Temple of Lalish: The Lalish Temple located in the Nineveh Province is considered one of the holiest places for the Yazidi religion, where they believe the religion was founded. The temple boasts of a unique architectural design, with a central courtyard surrounded by rooms for pilgrims and visitors.

In conclusion, Iraqi Kurdistan has a wealth of tourist attractions and experiences to offer visitors. From ancient structures and museums to natural attractions and cultural sites, there is something for everyone. Exploring Kurdistan's vibrant culture and history is an experience that any visitor to the region should not miss.

About your travel guide

Hi! I'm Dev. I've traveled all over the world and in my travels, I have made many packing lists. In this series, my team and I have compiled the most useful information, as well as things we couldn't live without, to help you plan your trip.

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