Last updated: August 1, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of Anah, Iraq, where the sun’s intensity can pose significant risks throughout the day. With a BWh climate, Anah experiences high temperatures and elevated UV levels, especially from 10 AM to 2 PM, when the index peaks at a striking 10. Awareness of UV levels is essential for sunburn prevention and maintaining overall skin health, as overexposure can lead to long-term damage. By staying informed about daily UV fluctuations, you can enjoy the sun safely while protecting your skin from harmful rays.
As the day unfolds, the UV Index rises sharply from a mild 1 at 7:00 AM to a peak of 10 between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM, signaling the sun's intense rays during midday. The UV levels then begin to taper off, dropping back to 8 by 2:00 PM and further decreasing to 6 at 3:00 PM. By the evening hours, the index returns to a low of 1 by 7:00 PM, marking a considerable drop from the earlier peak. It's essential to stay sun-safe during those peak hours when the UV exposure is at its highest!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 11:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 15:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 16:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 17:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, UV exposure shows significant fluctuations, with the highest risk months occurring from March to September. During these months, particularly in May and June, the UV Index reaches extreme levels of 11, allowing for a burn time of only 10 minutes. Visitors and residents should be particularly vigilant during this peak season, applying broad-spectrum sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade during midday hours. As we transition away from summer, October marks a slight decrease in UV risk with an index of 7 but remains in the high exposure category. From November to February, the UV levels decrease significantly, with burn times extending to 30 minutes in January and February. However, even at lower UV levels, it’s advisable to remain informed and practice sun safety to ensure protection year-round.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mosul UVI | 3 | 5 | 7 | 8 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 4 | 3 |
| Erbil UVI | 4 | 5 | 7 | 8 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 8 | 7 | 4 | 3 |
| 'Anah | 4 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 9 | 7 | 5 | 3 |
| Abu Ghurayb UVI | 4 | 5 | 8 | 9 | 12 | 11 | 11 | 9 | 9 | 7 | 5 | 3 |
| Baghdad UVI | 4 | 5 | 8 | 9 | 12 | 11 | 11 | 9 | 9 | 7 | 5 | 3 |
| Basrah UVI | 5 | 7 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 5 | 4 |