Iraqi Kurdistan, Iraq: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2022]
Traveling to Iraqi Kurdistan, Iraq? If you're planning to go to Iraqi Kurdistan, below is some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.
Contents
- When to go to Iraqi Kurdistan
- Important essentials for Iraqi Kurdistan
- Activities for Iraqi Kurdistan
- Iraqi Kurdistan in January: weather and what to pack
- Iraqi Kurdistan in February: weather and what to pack
- Iraqi Kurdistan in March: weather and what to pack
- Iraqi Kurdistan in April: weather and what to pack
- Iraqi Kurdistan in May: weather and what to pack
- Iraqi Kurdistan in June: weather and what to pack
- Iraqi Kurdistan in July: weather and what to pack
- Iraqi Kurdistan in August: weather and what to pack
- Iraqi Kurdistan in September: weather and what to pack
- Iraqi Kurdistan in October: weather and what to pack
- Iraqi Kurdistan in November: weather and what to pack
- Iraqi Kurdistan in December: weather and what to pack

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.
When to go to Iraqi Kurdistan, Iraq
Based on the climate and weather in Iraqi Kurdistan, the best time to go is October. See below for details.
Important essentials for Iraqi Kurdistan, Iraq
Here are some general tips on what to wear in Iraqi Kurdistan, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.
COVID-19 ESSENTIALS FOR 2022
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Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is a good TSA-friendly product.
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Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
Travel insurance
If you or a companion get COVID-19, your amazing trip can be ruined. Good travel insurance can help. See plans
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A vaccine card protector
Vaccine cards often wear away. An unreadable vaccine card may result in severe consequences. This vaccine card protector helps stop that.
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Kids' KN95 masks
N95 masks don't exist for kids. These are a good alternative (and can also be used by adults if N95 masks are not available).
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N95 masks to use in crowded airports
These N95 masks provide the best level of COVID-19 protection you can have.
General health necessities
Virus/bacteria filtering water bottle
Some areas of this country may have potentially unsafe tap water, so it's wise to bring a contaminant filtering water bottle.
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Travel first aid kit
This one is a superb option.
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Emergency motion sickness relief
Don't forget these
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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.
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Airplane or car necessities
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For families with young children
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Plug adapter
A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, D and G. This one works in most countries, but check with your hotel.
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Money/passport pouch
A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.
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Power bank for devices
A portable power bank, like this one
What to wear/what to pack for Iraqi Kurdistan, Iraq by month
Already know when you're traveling?
January
January in Iraqi Kurdistan can be brisk. Temperatures average in the low 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:
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Extra socks
-
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best is: here
-
Light gloves or mittens
-
Jacket or coat
-
Fleece
-
Standard footwear
-
A rain poncho to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These are vital in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is a perfect one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things don't get wet. We suggest:
February
Traveling to Iraqi Kurdistan in February, you will notice that it can be brisk. Expect it to rain 5-10 days this month. Average temperatures (including nighttime) are in the high 40s F (single digits C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Extra socks
-
Fleece
-
Jacket or coat
-
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best is: this
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Light gloves or mittens
-
Standard footwear
-
A rain coat to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These can be a lifesaver in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is an excellent option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things don't get wet. We suggest:
March
Traveling to Iraqi Kurdistan in March, you will notice that it can be chilly. Expect it to rain 5-10 days this month. Average temperatures (including nighttime) are in the 50s F (low 10s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Dresses
-
Light jacket or fleece
-
Extra socks
-
Pants or jeans
-
Standard footwear
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
Light and heavy skirts
-
A rain poncho to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants will be a lifesaver in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is an excellent option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases don't get wet. We recommend:
April
If you go to Iraqi Kurdistan in April, you will notice that it is balmy. Expect it to rain a bit less than half of the time. Average temperatures (including nighttime) are in the low 60s F (high 10s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Bug repellent
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Sandals
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Light skirts
-
Extra socks
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
A rain coat to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants can be vital in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is a great one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases don't get wet. We suggest:
May
May is hot. Temperatures average in the 70s F (mid 20s C), with daytime temperatures significantly higher. It rains once in a while.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Bug repellent
-
Extra socks
-
Light skirts
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Sandals
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
A rain jacket to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants are vital in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is a great option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings stay dry. We suggest:
June
June in this region 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:
-
Bug repellent
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Skirts
-
Breatheable shirts
A good breatheable shirt can make you comfortable and protect you from the sun:
-
Insulated water bottle
Our pick also cleans contaminants:
-
Sunglasses
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses to provide UV protection and help you stay cool.
July
If you go to Iraqi Kurdistan in July, you will notice that it very dry with almost no rain. Average temperatures (including nighttime) are in the low 90s F (low 30s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Personal cooling fan
-
Cooling tank or crop tops
These are created to help you stay cool:
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Light linen shorts
-
UV protecting pants
These will keep you safe from UV rays while also cool. Our favorites:
-
Light dresses
These Columbia dresses are specially designed to keep you cool and include UV protection.
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High-SPF sunscreen lotion
-
Lightweight 'harem' pants
-
Sunglasses
-
Bug repellent
-
Skirts
Bug bite relief
-
Thin short sleeve shirts
Don't forget pack additional, as these easily get wet or dirty.
-
Insulated water bottle
August
If you are traveling to Iraqi Kurdistan in August, you will notice that it very dry with almost no rain. Average temperatures (including nighttime) are in the low 80s F (low 30s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Cooling tank or crop tops
These are developed for cooling:
-
Skirts
-
Light dresses
These Columbia dresses are created for cooling and include UV protection.
-
High-SPF sunscreen lotion
-
UV protecting legwear
These will keep your legs protected from UV rays while also cool. Our favorites:
-
Lightweight 'harem' pants
-
Thin short sleeve shirts
Be sure pack additional, as these easily get wet or dirty.
-
Bug repellent
-
Light linen shorts
-
Sunglasses
-
Personal cooling fan
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Insulated water bottle
Bug bite relief
September
September here very dry with almost no rain. Temperatures average in the low 80s F (high 20s C), with daytime temperatures significantly higher.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Bug repellent
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses can provide UV protection and cool you.
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Breatheable shirts
A good breatheable shirt can cool you down quickly and guard against the sun:
-
Insulated water bottle
Our best choice also cleans harmful contaminants:
-
Skirts
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Sunglasses
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
October
If you go to Iraqi Kurdistan in October, you will notice that it dry with little rain. Expect it to rain sometimes. Average temperatures (including nighttime) are in the low 70s F (low 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Light skirts
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Extra socks
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Bug repellent
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Sandals
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
A rain poncho to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We like these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants will be vital in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is a perfect option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags don't get wet. We recommend:
November
If you are traveling to Iraqi Kurdistan in November, you will notice that it is cool. Expect it to rain regularly. Average temperatures (including nighttime) are in the high 50s F (mid 10s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Extra socks
-
Light jacket or fleece
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
Dresses
-
Light and heavy skirts
-
Pants or jeans
-
Standard footwear
-
A rain coat to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These can be a lifesaver in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is a perfect option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags don't get wet. We like:
December
If you are traveling to Iraqi Kurdistan in December, you will notice that it is cold. Expect it to rain 5-10 days this month. Average temperatures (including nighttime) are in the high 40s F (single digits C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Fleece
-
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best option: here
-
Jacket or coat
-
Light gloves or mittens
-
Extra socks
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Standard footwear
-
A rain coat to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants will be essential in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a great one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things don't get wet. We recommend:
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