Kirkuk, Iraq: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2022]
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Traveling to Kirkuk, Iraq? If you're planning to go to Kirkuk, the following is some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.
Contents
- When to go to Kirkuk
- Important essentials for Kirkuk
- Activities for Kirkuk
- Kirkuk in January: weather and what to pack
- Kirkuk in February: weather and what to pack
- Kirkuk in March: weather and what to pack
- Kirkuk in April: weather and what to pack
- Kirkuk in May: weather and what to pack
- Kirkuk in June: weather and what to pack
- Kirkuk in July: weather and what to pack
- Kirkuk in August: weather and what to pack
- Kirkuk in September: weather and what to pack
- Kirkuk in October: weather and what to pack
- Kirkuk in November: weather and what to pack
- Kirkuk 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 Kirkuk, Iraq
Based on the climate and weather in Kirkuk, the best time to go is April. See below for details.
Important essentials for Kirkuk, Iraq
Here are some general tips on what to wear in Kirkuk, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.
COVID-19 ESSENTIALS FOR 2022
Travel insurance that includes COVID-19 coverage
Cases are climbing again, and areas are returning to lockdown. If you or a companion get COVID-19, you may be stuck with no way home -- but travel insurance can protect you. Learn more about COVID-19 and travel insurance
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N95 masks
These N95 masks provide the best level of protection available.
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Kids' KN95 masks
N95 masks are not available for kids. These are a good alternative (and can also be used by adults if N95 masks are not available).
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Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is a good TSA-friendly choice.
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A vaccine card protector
Vaccine cards may get worn. An unreadable vaccination card may result in severe consequences. This vaccine card protector helps avoid that.
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Touchless thermometer
A touchless thermometer is important to have.
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Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
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(U.S. Residents) Telehealth COVID-19 test for entry to U.S.
U.S. residents still need a certified COVID-19 test to return home, but it can now be via Zoom. Learn more
General health necessities
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Emergency water purifier
Some rural areas may have potentially unsafe tap water, so it's important to take an emergency water purifier like this one.
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Travel first aid kit
This one is a superb value.
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Emergency motion sickness relief
Don't forget these
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For families with young children
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Voice and data SIM card
A SIM card that works in Kirkuk. 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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Money/passport pouch
A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.
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Airplane or car necessities
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Power bank for devices
A portable power bank, like this one
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Plug adapter
A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, D and G. This one should be sufficient for most areas, but check with your hotel.
What to wear/what to pack for Kirkuk, Iraq by month
Already know when you're traveling?
January
If you vacation in Kirkuk during January, you will probably see that it is brisk. Temperatures tend to hover around the 50s F (low 10s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 40s F (single digits C). Humidity is generally between 50 and 60% during the day.
What to wear/what to pack:
February
February for Kirkuk is cool. Temperatures average in the low 60s F (mid 10s C) during the day.
What to wear/what to pack:
March
If you vacation in Kirkuk during March, you might find that it is balmy. Temperatures tend to hover around the high 60s F (high 10s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 50s F (low 10s C). Humidity is generally between 40 and 50% during the day.
What to wear/what to pack:
April
April here is warm. Temperatures average in the high 70s F (mid 20s C) during the day.
What to wear/what to pack:
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Sandals
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Bug repellent
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Light skirts
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Short pants or heavy shorts
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Breathable footwear or sandals
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Long and short sleeve shirts
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Light dresses
You can find some great options here
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Sunscreen lotion
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Extra socks
May
Traveling to Kirkuk in May, you will notice that it can be very hot and very dry. Daytime temperatures are in the low 90s F (low 30s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
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Sunglasses
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Insulated water bottle
Our pick:
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Waterproof sandals
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Bug repellent
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Cool and dry dresses
These dresses offer UV protection and keep you cool.
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Skirts
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Breatheable shirts
A cooling shirt can keep you comfortable and protect you from the sun:
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Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
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Loose-fit shorts
June
Traveling to Kirkuk in June, you will notice that it is a scorcher and very dry. Daytime temperatures are in the low 100s F (high 30s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
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Protecting pants
These will keep you protected from UV rays while also cool. Our favorites:
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100% UV protection sunglasses
We suggest:
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Insulated water bottle
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Thin tank or crop tops
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Breatheable shirts
A breathing shirt can keep you comfortable and protect you from the sun:
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Waterproof sandals
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Sarong
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Bugs can be an issue here.
We recommend these bug repellents:
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Light skirts
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Lightweight 'harem' pants
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High-SPF sunscreen lotion
One of these:
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Personal cooling fan
- https://amzn.to/31Mz9kT
Bug bite relief
July
July in this region can be sizzling and very dry. Temperatures average in the high 100s F (low 40s C) during the day.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Breatheable shirts
A cooling shirt can cool you down quickly and guard against the sun:
-
Personal cooling fan
-
High-SPF sunscreen lotion
One of these:
-
Sarong
-
Lightweight 'harem' pants
-
100% UV protection sunglasses
We suggest:
-
Light skirts
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Insects are an issue here.
We recommend these bug repellents:
-
Insulated water bottle
-
Sun protecting pants
These will keep your legs safe from UV rays while also cool. Our favorites:
- https://amzn.to/31Mz9kT
Bug bite relief
-
Thin tank or crop tops
August
If you go to Kirkuk in August, you will notice that it is scorchingly hot and very dry. Daytime temperatures are in the 100s F (low 40s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Breatheable shirts
A cooling shirt can make you comfortable and guard against skin damage:
- https://amzn.to/31Mz9kT
Bug bite relief
-
Insects have been a problem here.
We recommend these bug repellents:
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Light skirts
-
Sarong
-
Lightweight 'harem' pants
-
100% UV protection sunglasses
We suggest:
-
High-SPF sunscreen lotion
One of these:
-
Thin tank or crop tops
-
Protecting pants
These will keep your legs safe from UV rays while also cool. Our favorites:
-
Personal cooling fan
-
Insulated water bottle
September
If you vacation in Kirkuk during September, you may find that it can be excruciatingly hot and very dry. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 100s F (high 30s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the high 70s F (mid 20s C). Humidity is generally between 10 and 20% during the day.
What to wear/what to pack:
- https://amzn.to/31Mz9kT
Bug bite relief
-
Light linen shorts
-
Light dresses
These Columbia dresses are specially designed to cool you and include UV protection.
-
Insulated water bottle
-
Skirts
-
Sun protecting pants
These will keep you protected from UV rays while also cool. Our favorites:
-
Lightweight 'harem' pants
-
Personal cooling fan
-
Cooling tank or crop tops
These are specially designed for cooling:
-
Sunglasses
-
Bug repellent
-
High-SPF sunscreen lotion
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Thin short sleeve shirts
Do pack extra, as these easily get wet or dirty.
October
If you visit Kirkuk during October, you are likely to see that it can be sweltering and very dry. Temperatures tend to hover around the high 80s F (low 30s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the high 60s F (low 20s C). Humidity is generally around 20 during the day.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Insulated water bottle
Our first choice:
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses include UV protection and help you stay cool.
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Breatheable shirts
A cooling shirt can cool you down quickly and guard against the sun:
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Sunglasses
-
Bug repellent
-
Skirts
November
Traveling to Kirkuk in November, you will notice that it is balmy. Daytime temperatures are in the low 70s F (low 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Extra socks
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Bug repellent
-
Light skirts
-
Sandals
December
If you vacation in Kirkuk during December, you might see that it is cool. Temperatures tend to hover around the high 50s F (mid 10s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the 40s F (single digits C). Humidity is generally between 50 and 60% during the day.
What to wear/what to pack:
Activities for Kirkuk, Iraq
Here are some activity recommendations and activity-specific packing tips for Kirkuk.
Castle hopping? For Kirkuk Citadel, take:
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Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you can carry your stuff.
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