Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of As Salman, Iraq, where the sun's rays can be particularly intense. With a climate classified as BWh, featuring long, sunny days, awareness of UV levels is vital for preventing sunburn and protecting your skin health. During peak hours, especially between 10 AM and 2 PM, UV Index values can soar to 10, indicating a very high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. By staying informed about local UV levels, you can enjoy the warm climate while taking necessary precautions to safeguard your health.
The UV Index throughout the day reveals a pronounced peak in sun intensity, starting gently at 2 by 07:00. As the sun climbs higher, the index rises steadily, reaching 4 by 08:00 and hitting a notable 6 at 09:00. By 10:00, the UV Index surges to a striking 9, and it continues to escalate, peaking at an impressive 10 from 11:00 to 13:00. These hours demand caution as the sun’s strength can pose health risks. However, as the afternoon progresses, the index begins to decline, dropping to 8 at 14:00, and further down to 5 by 15:00. The day winds down comfortably with values decreasing to 3 at 16:00, 2 at 17:00, and finally resting at 1 by 18:00, before fading away to 0 by 19:00. This data highlights the importance of sun safety, especially during the peak hours of midday.
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 09:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 10:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 11:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 8 | very high | 15 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 | 0 | low | 45 min |
The UV Index exhibits notable seasonal changes, peaking during the summer months from May to September, where values reach as high as 11, indicating an extreme exposure category with a burn time of just 10 minutes. The high-risk months for UV exposure are March through October, especially from May to August, when the sun's intensity is at its greatest. Visitors and residents are strongly advised to take precautions during these months by wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak sun hours, typically between 10 AM and 4 PM. In the cooler months of January, February, November, and December, while the UV Index is lower and categorized as moderate to high, it’s still essential to remain vigilant about sun protection, as UV rays can still cause harm.
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 |
| 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 |
| As Salman | 5 | 6 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 6 | 5 |