Evaluating the Climatic Suitability for Tourism Using Effective Temperature (ET) and Relative Stress (RS): A Case Study of Baghdad Governorate for the Period 1991-2022

Abstract

This study aims to evaluate the climatic suitability for tourism in Baghdad Governorate using the Effective Temperature ET and Relative Strain RS criteria, based on monthly climatic data from Baghdad meteorological station for the period 1991-2022. The study adopted descriptive-analytical and quantitative approaches to analyze the climatic data and apply the two criteria in order to identify levels of thermal comfort throughout the year.

The results showed that October and April are among the most favorable months in terms of thermal comfort according to the ET criterion, while thermal comfort decreases during the summer months. The RS criterion also indicated that April and October achieved the highest levels of comfort, whereas most other months recorded relatively high levels of thermal comfort. The study concludes that the use of ET and RS can contribute to identifying the most suitable periods for outdoor tourism activities and supporting tourism planning in Baghdad Governorate.