Kurdistan Events Calendar 2026

Planning a trip to the Kurdistan Region of Iraq? This complete 2026 events calendar walks you through the year month by month, from the snow festivals of winter to the great Newroz celebration in spring, the cool highland gatherings of summer and the cultural revival of autumn. Use it to time your visit around the experiences that matter most to you — whether that is fire and dancing on a March hillside, fresh powder on a mountain slope, a wildflower hike through a green valley, or a quiet harvest market in the golden light of October. Throughout, remember that this is an independent travel guide: we are not affiliated with any government tourism authority, and because most dates shift from year to year, you should always verify timings with the organiser before you book flights or accommodation.

How the year unfolds

The Kurdistan Region of Iraq has a distinct seasonal rhythm, and its events follow the weather closely. Winter belongs to the snowy mountains, spring brings the joyful Newroz and lush green landscapes, summer moves life to the cool highlands, and autumn revives the cultural calendar. The geography drives everything: the lowland cities of Erbil and Duhok bake under a fierce summer sun, while the high valleys around Rawanduz, Choman and Amadiyah stay green and breezy well into the warm months. This guide takes you through all twelve months so you can match your interests — culture, snow, hiking, food or business — to the right season.

Winter (December–February): snow and quiet

Winter is the season of the mountains. The Korek Mountain Snow Festival near Rawanduz offers skiing, snowboarding and sledding from around January through February, reached by one of the region's most scenic cable cars. Winter adventures — snowshoeing, frozen-waterfall photography and cosy mountain-town escapes to Amadiyah and Shaqlawa — run all season. It is a quiet, scenic low season ideal for travellers who love crisp, bright days and snow on the high peaks. The cities stay mild and walkable, hotel rates are at their lowest, and the bazaars feel relaxed and uncrowded. Pack a warm waterproof layer, grippy boots and sunglasses for the glare off the snow.

Spring (March–May): Newroz and renewal

Spring is the highlight of the year. Newroz, the Kurdish New Year, falls on 21 March, with bonfires the evening before — the most dramatic at Akre, where the cliffs blaze with fire and crowds fill the old town below. April and May bring wildflowers, nature festivals, prime hiking, food festivals and heritage events as the landscape turns green and the weather is at its most pleasant. Daytime temperatures are comfortable, the hillsides are carpeted with poppies and anemones, and the rivers run full with snowmelt. This is the best all-round window for first-time visitors who want a balance of culture and the outdoors.

Summer (June–August): the cool highlands

As the plains heat up — Erbil regularly passes 45°C in July — life moves to the mountains. Summer is the season of mountain-town festivals in Shaqlawa and Rawanduz, camping in highland meadows, swimming and picnicking at waterfalls such as Gali Ali Beg, and dance and cooking events. Resorts and tea gardens fill with families escaping the heat, and the cool mountain air is the natural focus for a summer visit. Travel in the early morning and evening, carry plenty of water, and consider basing yourself in a highland town rather than a lowland city.

Autumn (September–November): culture returns

Autumn revives the cultural calendar. Traditional music festivals shine in Sulaymaniyah, harvest markets brim with pomegranates, figs, grapes and nuts, and the crisp weather makes for superb hiking through forests turning gold and russet. Autumn is also the peak of the business, investment and tourism conference season in Erbil, so reserve city hotels early if you are travelling in October or November. Light layers work well: warm afternoons give way to cool evenings.

Fixed dates versus variable dates

The one fixed anchor of the calendar is Newroz on 21 March (with bonfires on 20 March). Most other events — festivals, conferences, snow and nature events — vary from year to year and depend on the weather or the organisers' schedules. As an independent guide we cannot confirm exact dates for these; treat every date as subject to change and verify with the organiser before planning travel around a specific event.

A sample month-by-month plan

• →January–February: snow sports at Korek; relaxed city sightseeing and bazaar visits in Erbil and Sulaymaniyah.
• →March: Newroz at Akre, followed by early green-season walks as the first flowers appear.
• →April–May: wildflower hikes, food and heritage festivals, and day trips to canyons and waterfalls.
• →June–August: highland camping, mountain-town festivals and waterfall swimming.
• →September–October: harvest markets, music festivals in Sulaymaniyah and golden-forest hikes.
• →November–December: business conferences in Erbil, the first snows and quiet bazaar wandering.

Getting around between events

Distances are manageable: Erbil to Shaqlawa is about an hour, Erbil to Rawanduz and Korek around two hours, and Erbil to Sulaymaniyah roughly three. Shared taxis and private drivers are the most flexible way to reach festivals and mountain venues, as public transport to rural sites is limited. Hiring a car with a driver for the day is a popular and affordable option, especially for Newroz at Akre, when roads and parking fill quickly and an early arrival is wise.

What to pack by season

For winter, bring insulated, waterproof outerwear and warm footwear. For spring and autumn, pack layers and a light rain jacket. For summer, choose breathable clothing, a sun hat and strong sun protection, plus a warm layer for cool mountain nights. Modest, comfortable clothing is appreciated everywhere, and sturdy walking shoes are essential whatever the month.

When to visit

For the richest cultural experience, time your trip for Newroz in March. For the best all-round weather and variety, choose spring (April–May) or autumn (September–October). For snow, come in January–February; for cool mountain escapes, June–August. Whatever the season, the Kurdistan Region of Iraq rewards travellers with warm hospitality, spectacular landscapes and a calendar that always has something worth planning around.