Karbala, Iraq skyline

Karbala Weather in January

What January is usually like in Karbala, Iraq — from 2006–2025 averages.

Expect Karbala to reach about 16.1°C (61°F) by day and 6.4°C (43.5°F) at night in January, with 4 rainy days bringing 17 mm and around 8.9 hours of sunshine each day.

Avg high

16.1°C (61°F)

Avg low

6.4°C (43.5°F)

Rainfall

17 mm (0.7 in)

Rainy days

4 days

Sunshine

8.9 h / day

Humidity

67%

January vs the rest of the year

January is the coolest month in Karbala, and the 4th wettest for rain.

MonthAvg highvs JanuaryRainRainy days
January16.1°C (61°F)—17 mm4
February18.9°C (66°F)+2.8°C (+5°F)21 mm3
March24.7°C (76.5°F)+8.6°C (+15.5°F)17 mm3
April30.9°C (87.6°F)+14.8°C (+26.6°F)11 mm2
May37°C (98.6°F)+20.9°C (+37.6°F)5 mm1
June41.8°C (107.2°F)+25.7°C (+46.3°F)0 mm0
July44°C (111.2°F)+27.9°C (+50.2°F)0 mm0
August44.2°C (111.6°F)+28.1°C (+50.6°F)0 mm0
September40.3°C (104.5°F)+24.2°C (+43.6°F)0 mm0
October33.7°C (92.7°F)+17.6°C (+31.7°F)5 mm1
November23.6°C (74.5°F)+7.5°C (+13.5°F)26 mm3
December17.7°C (63.9°F)+1.6°C (+2.9°F)19 mm3

What January feels like in Karbala

Winter bottoms out in January, the coolest month of Karbala's year. Afternoons are cool, pleasant for walking as long as you keep a layer on. Once the sun goes down the air changes: nights are cold. Moisture in the air gives the cold a damp edge.

Rain in Karbala in January

Most days stay dry; rain arrives about one day in 8. Each rainy day adds about 4.3 mm (0.2 in), a proper wetting rather than a sprinkle. That is lighter than the city's yearly norm of about 6 mm per rainy day.

How January compares to the rest of the year

Ranked by average high, January comes out as the coolest month in Karbala. Compared with December, afternoons are 1.6°C (2.9°F) cooler, with 2 mm less rain. From here it only gets warmer, starting with February. The next month's average high: 18.9°C (66°F).

Who January suits

  • Sightseeing: a good fit — comfortable enough to explore on foot all day.
  • Parks & outdoor: a good fit — comfortable for long walks and picnics.

Tips for visiting Karbala in January

Versatile Layers

Pack pieces you can take off by noon and put back on at dusk.

Light Jacket

A light jacket or knit layer is enough for most of the day.

Sunglasses

Plenty of sun, so bring sunglasses and a cap.

Quick questions

How warm is Karbala in January?

Afternoons average 16.1°C (61°F) and nights about 6.4°C (43.5°F) — cool by most people's standards. It is the coolest month of the year.

Does it rain a lot in Karbala in January?

Only moderately: roughly 4 wet days and 17 mm, usually moderate rain.

What should I wear in Karbala in January?

The numbers point to versatile layers, a light jacket and sunglasses. Bring something extra for the cooler evenings.

Is January or February better for visiting Karbala?

February scores better on our climate ranking (#2 of 12 vs #6), rated Great against Great. February is warmer and has fewer rainy days.

Is January a good time to visit Karbala?

Great

Great — mild but cool days, mostly dry (about 4 rainy days), plenty of sunshine (8.9 h a day). Within Karbala's own year, January ranks #6 of 12.

January in other Iraq cities

Warmer places in January

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Monthly averages from 20 years of Open-Meteo history (2006–2025), not a forecast — see all 12 months in Karbala weather by month.