Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for the residents of 'Aynkawah, Iraq, where the sunny climate can pose significant risks to skin health. With UV levels peaking around midday, often reaching a dangerous 11, awareness of these fluctuations is vital for effective sunburn prevention and long-term skin care. By staying informed about the UV Index, you can take proactive measures to protect your skin from harmful rays, ensuring that your outdoor activities remain safe and enjoyable in 'Aynkawah's bright, sun-drenched environment.
The UV Index paints a vivid picture of the sun’s strength throughout the day. Starting at a modest 2 at 07:00, the index gradually climbs as the sun ascends, reaching 4 by 08:00. By 09:00, it spikes to 6, and before long, it peaks at an impressive 11 at 12:00, marking the most intense exposure. The afternoon starts to cool slightly, with the index dropping to 10 by 13:00 and then tapering off through 8 at 14:00, 6 at 15:00, and back to 4 at 16:00. As the sun begins its descent, the UV Index falls to 2 by 17:00, lingering at 1 through the evening hours, creating a gentle reminder to enjoy the sun but also to stay mindful of its intensity during peak hours.
| 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 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 11:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 16:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 17:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, the UV Index clearly indicates seasonal changes in sun exposure risk. March marks the shift into higher UV levels, reaching a high index of 7. This escalates to very high levels of 8 in April and 10-11 from May to July, categorizing these months as high-risk for sunburn, with burn times shrinking to as little as 10 minutes. As summer transitions to fall, UV levels decrease, but September and October still present very high to high risks. Meanwhile, January, February, November, and December see moderate UV levels, with burn times of 30 minutes. Visitors and residents are advised to exercise caution and wear protective clothing, apply sunscreen, and seek shade during peak hours, particularly from March to August when UV exposure can be at its most dangerous.
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 |
| 'Aynkawah | 4 | 5 | 7 | 8 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 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 |