Last updated: June 2, 2025
In As Samawah, Iraq, being aware of the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin from harmful sun exposure. With the region's arid desert climate (BWh), residents and visitors alike face high UV levels, particularly during peak hours when the index can soar to 11. Understanding these UV levels is essential not only for preventing painful sunburns but also for maintaining long-term skin health. Whether you're enjoying outdoor activities or navigating daily life, staying informed about the UV Index can help you make smart decisions about sun protection, ensuring you can enjoy the warmth of the sun safely.
The UV Index throughout the day paints a vivid picture of sun intensity. It begins with a mild reading of 2 at 07:00, gradually rising to a moderate 4 by 08:00. As the sun reaches its peak, the index surges to a striking 9 at 10:00, hitting a maximum of 11 at both 11:00 and 12:00—a clear indication to seek shade or apply sunscreen. The intensity then begins to dip, falling to 10 at 13:00, before gradually decreasing to 8 at 14:00. By 15:00, the index declines to 5, and as evening approaches, it settles at 2 by 17:00, before tapering off to 1 at 18:00 and finally reaching 0 at 19:00. This hourly trend highlights the importance of midday sun protection, ensuring a safe and enjoyable outdoor experience.
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 09:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 10:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 11:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 12:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 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 |
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 |