Last updated: August 1, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Al Hamzah, Iraq, is crucial for maintaining skin health and preventing sunburn. With the region's BWh climate, characterized by hot, dry summers, residents and visitors need to be vigilant about UV exposure, particularly during peak midday hours when the index can soar to a dangerous 10. By staying informed about daily UV levels, you can take proactive measures to safeguard your skin against damage and enjoy the beautiful sunshine safely. Whether you're spending a day outdoors or simply commuting, knowing the UV Index empowers you to protect yourself effectively!
The UV index throughout the day showcases its peak intensity during midday hours. Starting at a mild 2 at 07:00, it steadily rises to 3 by 08:00. As the sun reaches its zenith, the index skyrockets to 10 from 11:00 to 13:00, marking the highest risk for sun exposure. After this zenith, the index begins its descent, falling to 8 at 14:00, and gradually tapering off to 5 at 15:00. By late afternoon, the UV levels drop further to 3 and then to 2 by 17:00, before fading to 1 by 18:00 and eventually 0 after 19:00. It’s a clear reminder to savor the sun wisely, especially during those peak hours!
| 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 | 10 | 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 | 0 | low | 45 min |
Over the year, the UV Index shows significant seasonal changes, with the highest levels appearing between March and August. During this period, March and April reach a very high UV Index of 9, while May and June peak at an extreme level of 12 and 11, respectively. July and August remain at a very high 10, with September slightly decreasing to 9. The high-risk months for UV exposure are primarily in the middle of the year, particularly from May to August, when burn times drop to 10-15 minutes. To ensure safety, visitors and residents are advised to limit sun exposure, especially during midday hours, and to use sunscreen, wear protective clothing, and seek shade whenever possible. As the year progresses, UV levels decrease, returning to a moderate level by November and December, where burn times extend to 30 minutes.
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 |
| Al Hamzah | 4 | 6 | 9 | 9 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 5 | 4 |
| Basrah UVI | 5 | 7 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 5 | 4 |