Erbil, Iraq uses Asia/Baghdad, currently +03 (UTC+03:00). No clock changes are scheduled in the next 12 months.
Erbil is one of the larger cities in Iraq, with a population of about 1.6 million. It keeps the same time year-round, with no daylight saving changes.
The band below is your local scale — accent shows when everyone's business hours overlap. Add or remove a city on the left and this updates too.
Written for people arriving, calling in, or planning a trip around the time difference.
The area around the ancient citadel forms the historic heart of Erbil, with newer commercial districts spreading outward. Staying near the citadel and central bazaar keeps major sights within walking distance, while outer neighborhoods are quieter and more residential.
The citadel, one of the world's oldest continuously inhabited sites, is best visited in the cooler morning or evening hours, especially during the region's hot summers. The surrounding bazaar rewards an unhurried, leisurely walk.
Taxis are the most common and convenient way to get around the city, with both shared and private options widely available. The area immediately around the citadel is walkable, though the wider city is spread out.
Erbil has a hot, semi-arid climate with very hot, dry summers and mild, wetter winters, so spring and autumn generally bring the most comfortable temperatures for exploring outdoors. Summer heat can be intense during the day.
Iraq uses the IQD, calling code +964.
Iraq uses the Iraqi dinar, and Arabic is the country's official language, while Kurdish is widely spoken and prominent in this region. Hospitality is highly valued locally, and accepting an offer of tea is a welcome gesture.
