Lake Tharthar
Lake Large reservoir between Tigris and Euphrates, Iraq
A large reservoir between the Tigris and Euphrates in Al Anbar, built for flood control and irrigation. Visitors who make the trip encounter remote lakeshore scenery, local fishing activity and broad, flat plains rather than developed tourist facilities.
Lake Tharthar is a large freshwater reservoir in Al Anbar Governorate, Iraq, located between the Tigris and Euphrates river systems. It was created and is managed for water regulation, flood control and irrigation purposes.
The open water and surrounding marshy areas support limited fishing and bird life but the lake is not a developed tourist destination. Infrastructure and visitor services are minimal and access is primarily for local uses and water-management operations.
The body of water was formed in the mid-20th century as part of engineered waterworks to control seasonal flooding of the Tigris and Euphrates and to provide storage for irrigation. It has since been used in various regional water-management schemes.
The lake lies in central-west Iraq within Al Anbar Governorate, occupying a broad depression between the two major rivers and their agricultural plains. It is situated to the northwest of Baghdad.
- Role: Primarily functions as a reservoir for flood control and water management rather than a developed recreational destination.
Best Time to Visit Lake Tharthar #
Best visited in the cooler months (late autumn through early spring) to avoid Iraq's intense summer heat.
Weather & Climate near Lake Tharthar #
Lake Tharthar's climate is classified as Hot Desert - Hot Desert climate with very hot summers (peaking in July) and cool winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 6°C to 40°C. Very dry conditions with minimal rainfall with a pronounced dry season.
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 15°C and lows of 6°C. Light rainfall.
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February
February is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 8°C. Light rainfall and mostly sunny skies.
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March
March is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 12°C. Light rainfall and mostly sunny skies.
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April
April is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 17°C. Light rainfall.
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May
May is warm with highs of 32°C and lows of 22°C. Almost no rain and mostly sunny skies.
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June
June is hot with highs of 37°C and lows of 26°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and clear sunny skies.
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July
July is the hottest month with highs of 40°C and lows of 28°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and clear sunny skies.
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August
August is hot with highs of 40°C and lows of 27°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and clear sunny skies.
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September
September is hot with highs of 37°C and lows of 24°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and clear sunny skies.
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October
October is warm with highs of 31°C and lows of 19°C. Almost no rain and mostly sunny skies.
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November
November is mild with highs of 23°C and lows of 13°C. Light rainfall and mostly sunny skies.
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December
December is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 9°C. Light rainfall.
