Last updated: August 1, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Rawah, Iraq, where the sun’s intensity can significantly impact skin health. With the region's BWh climate, which brings hot and dry conditions, it's essential to be aware of daily UV levels, especially during peak hours when values can reach a maximum of 10. By staying informed about UV exposure, individuals can take proactive measures to prevent sunburn and long-term skin damage. Whether you're enjoying outdoor activities or simply going about your day, knowing the UV Index is key to safeguarding your skin while navigating Rawah's sunny climate.
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 |
| Rawah | 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 |