Last updated: August 1, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Al Qa'im, Iraq is essential for protecting your skin and maintaining your overall health. With the city’s BWh climate, the risk of high ultraviolet exposure can lead to sunburn and long-term skin damage, especially during peak hours when the UV Index reaches levels as high as 10. Being aware of these UV levels not only helps you plan outdoor activities safely but also promotes a proactive approach to sun protection. By tuning in to the daily fluctuations in UV intensity, you can enjoy the sunny days of Al Qa'im while safeguarding your skin from harmful effects.
As the day begins at 07:00 with a low UV Index of 1, the sun gradually gains strength. By 08:00, it rises to 3, prompting a hint of caution for early risers. 09:00 brings a noticeable jump to 5, while 10:00 reaches a robust 8. The sun peaks at 11:00 and 12:00, maintaining a high UV Index of 10, indicating that sun protection is essential during these hours. Even the early afternoon sees this intensity sustain at 10 until 13:00. As the day progresses, the UV Index slips to 8 by 14:00 and continues to decline to 6 at 15:00. In the late afternoon and evening, the UV levels gently taper off, dropping to 4 at 16:00, and finally resting at 2 by 17:00, before settling back to a safe 1 by 18:00 and 19:00. Be mindful to shield yourself during the peak hours to enjoy the sun safely!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 11:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 10 | 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 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
Seasonal UV changes indicate a significant increase in UV Index levels from January through May, reaching its peak of 11 during the months of May and June, categorized as extreme risk. The high-risk months for sun exposure are March through June, where the burn time decreases to as little as 10-15 minutes depending on the month. As summer transitions to autumn, UV levels gradually decline, with October exhibiting a UV Index of 7 categorized as high, before tapering off to more moderate levels in the winter months. To ensure safety, visitors and residents are advised to wear protective clothing, apply sunscreen regularly, and limit direct sun exposure, especially during high-risk months.
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 |
| Al Qa'im | 4 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 10 | 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 |