Last updated: July 2, 2025
In As Samawah, Iraq, staying informed about the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health. Understanding UV levels can significantly aid in preventing sunburn and long-term skin damage, especially in a region where the climate falls within the hot desert category (BWh). With UV levels peaking at a high 10 around noon, residents and visitors must take precautions during those peak hours to minimize the risk of harmful exposure. By being aware of these levels, you can enjoy the sunshine while safeguarding your skin’s health!
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins to climb, starting at a mild 2 by 7:00 AM. By 9:00 AM, it ramps up to a moderate 6, but it's between 11:00 AM and 12:00 PM when the UV Index peaks at a striking 10, indicating a high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. The afternoon sees a gradual decline; it dips to 8 by 2:00 PM and continues to fall to 5 by 3:00 PM, before plunging to a gentle 1 by 5:00 PM and finally settling at 0 after 7:00 PM. This hourly data highlights the importance of sun protection during peak hours to safeguard against harmful UV rays!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 09:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 10:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 11:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 9 | 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 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, the UV Index experiences significant fluctuations, with high-risk months primarily occurring from March to May, where the Index peaks at 12 in May. During these months, the exposure category escalates to very high and extreme, necessitating precautions against skin damage. In particular, April and May are critical, with a burn time of just 10 minutes. As summer approaches, June through August continues to present high UV levels, maintaining a very high rating and a burn time of 15 minutes. Conversely, the UV Index declines in the fall and winter months, dropping to moderate levels by November and December, with longer burn times of 30 minutes. Visitors and residents are advised to prioritize sun safety, particularly during the high-risk months, which includes seeking shade, wearing protective clothing, and applying sunscreen regularly, especially from March through August when UV exposure is greatest.
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 Samawah | 5 | 6 | 9 | 10 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 5 | 4 |