Spring
March – May
Meltwater, full waterfalls and green slopes. Days are mild, nights still cold — the season for waterfall walks and Newroz.
Choman climate, month by month
Weather at Risha, Choman
Risha sits high in the Choman mountains, so summer here feels nothing like the plains: while Erbil bakes in the 40s, afternoons on the meadow are warm and the nights are fresh enough for the stove.
Key facts
- In July and August, afternoons at Risha are about 29–33°C while Erbil averages around 43°C — roughly 12°C cooler.
- Summer nights drop to about 15–19°C, so bring a warm layer even in mid-summer.
- In January, days reach only about 2–7°C, nights fall below freezing and snow covers the ridge.
- For cool air, come between June and September, when Erbil is at its hottest.
- All temperatures are approximate.
Month by month
| Month | Day | Night | Erbil day | What to expect |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 2–7°C | -6–-1°C | 12°C about 8°C cooler | Deep winter; snow on the ridge and often on the road |
| February | 4–9°C | -5–0°C | 14°C about 8°C cooler | Snow and cold nights; check the road before driving up |
| March | 8–14°C | -1–4°C | 19°C about 8°C cooler | The thaw begins; Newroz fires on 21 March |
| April | 14–19°C | 4–8°C | 25°C about 9°C cooler | Meltwater; waterfalls run full and the slopes turn green |
| May | 20–25°C | 8–12°C | 32°C about 10°C cooler | Wildflowers, warm days and fresh nights |
| June | 26–30°C | 12–16°C | 39°C about 11°C cooler | Early-summer escape; warm days, cool evenings |
| July | 29–33°C | 15–19°C | 43°C about 12°C cooler | Peak escape from the heat; nights still fresh |
| August | 29–33°C | 15–19°C | 43°C about 12°C cooler | The warmest month; bring a layer for the night |
| September | 25–29°C | 11–14°C | 38°C about 11°C cooler | Clear skies and cooler nights |
| October | 18–23°C | 6–10°C | 31°C about 11°C cooler | Autumn colour and the clearest views |
| November | 10–15°C | 1–5°C | 21°C about 9°C cooler | Cold nights; first snow possible on the peaks |
| December | 4–9°C | -3–1°C | 14°C about 8°C cooler | Winter returns; stove weather |
The four seasons
Summer
June – August
Warm days around 26–33°C while the plains pass 40°C, and fresh nights by the river. The busiest season — book weekends early.
Autumn
September – November
The clearest air and the longest views, golden slopes and quieter weekends. Nights turn cold by November.
Winter
December – February
Snow on the ridge, freezing nights and a stove going all day. Check the road with the resort before driving up.
What to pack
- A warm layer for the evenings — even in July
- Walking shoes or boots with grip
- Sun hat and sunscreen — the mountain sun is strong
- A torch or head torch for the paths at night
- Snow boots, gloves and a heavy coat from December to March
- Cash in Iraqi dinar — there is no card payment
Best time to visit
For cool air, come between June and September, when Erbil is at its hottest. For waterfalls and wildflowers, April and May. For clear views and quiet weekends, October. For snow, January and February — with a 4x4 and a check on the road first.
Questions & answers
How much cooler is Choman than Erbil in summer?
Often 10–15°C cooler in the daytime. In July and August Erbil regularly passes 43°C, while afternoons at Risha are usually around 29–33°C and nights drop to roughly 15–19°C.
Does it snow at Risha?
Yes. Snow usually covers the ridge from about December to March, and the mountain road can be icy — check conditions with the resort before you drive up in winter.
Do I need warm clothes in summer?
Yes — bring a fleece or light jacket. Even in mid-summer the evenings by the river cool down quickly once the sun drops behind the ridge.
Ready for the mountain?
Booking is by message — call or WhatsApp the resort with your dates and group size. There is no online payment.