Last updated: August 1, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in 'Afak, Iraq, is crucial for maintaining skin health and preventing sunburn, especially given the region's arid climate characterized by high temperatures and intense sunlight. As UV radiation levels can reach a maximum of 10 around midday, awareness of these levels enables residents and visitors to take necessary precautions against overexposure. By recognizing the daily fluctuations in UV intensity—peaking at 9 during the late morning to early afternoon—individuals can protect themselves from harmful effects while enjoying the abundant sunshine typical of this vibrant area.
The UV Index throughout the day showcases a dynamic range that peaks at 12:00 PM with a striking 10, indicating a high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. Early morning hours start off gently, with a maximum of 2 at 7:00 AM, gradually increasing as the sun climbs higher. By 10:00 AM, it escalates to 8, reaching its zenith just before noon at 11:00 AM with 9. The index then begins to taper off, descending to 5 by 3:00 PM, and falling to a safe 0 as the sun sets by 7:00 PM. This data highlights the importance of sun protection during the midday hours when the UV radiation is most intense.
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 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 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 15:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 16:00 | 2 | low | 45 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 exhibits notable seasonal variations, peaking during the spring and summer months. March through August marks the period of highest risk, with May reaching an extreme UV Index of 11, resulting in a minimum burn time of just 10 minutes. April to September consistently features very high indices, reinforcing the need for increased sun protection. As October approaches, the UV Index begins to decline, signaling a return to high exposure levels in November and December, where the burn time increases to 30 minutes. Residents and visitors are advised to take precautions during the high-risk months by wearing protective clothing, applying broad-spectrum sunscreen, and seeking shade, especially between 10 AM and 4 PM when UV radiation is strongest.
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 |
| 'Afak | 4 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 9 | 7 | 5 | 4 |
| Basrah UVI | 5 | 7 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 5 | 4 |