This summer has brought extreme heat to many southern cities. Yet in Erbil’s Choman district, Mount Sakran offers a completely different world. The mountain stays cool and snow-covered even in late July. While cities such as Basra, Baghdad, and Nasiriyah face temperatures over 50°C, Mount Sakran remains between 10°C and 20°C. This striking difference draws many visitors looking for fresh air and flowing waterfalls.
Travelers from the south arrive daily to escape scorching streets. Jassem, a visitor from Baghdad, said the icy air felt unreal compared to the heat at home. Families spread across the slopes, taking in the rare sight of snow in midsummer. The crisp climate owes its survival to high altitude, rugged terrain, and the sheltering Zagros Mountains. These conditions protect it while other areas lose snow cover year after year.
Meteorologists warn that rapid snowmelt in other regions threatens river flows and farming. A 2023 UN report listed shrinking snowpacks as one of Kurdistan’s most urgent climate issues. For now, Mount Sakran continues to defy the trend. Its enduring chill highlights the rarity of such stability in a warming region.
The sharp temperature contrast is more than just a wonder. It is a reminder of how climate extremes are reshaping the land. Many visitors leave inspired by its beauty and aware of its fragility.