Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Hiran, Iraq, where the climate can significantly influence sun exposure. The UV Index measures the strength of ultraviolet radiation from the sun, which plays a vital role in sunburn prevention and long-term skin health. In Hiran's Mediterranean climate, the risk of harmful UV levels can peak sharply, reaching a high of 11 around noon. This makes it essential for locals to stay informed about daily UV levels to protect their skin and enjoy the sun safely. Whether you're out for work or leisure, being aware of the UV Index helps you make informed decisions about sun protection and outdoor activities.
The UV Index throughout the day presents a fascinating pattern of increasing intensity. Starting at 07:00, the index is a mild 2, gradually climbing to 4 by 08:00. As the sun rises higher in the sky, the UV Index peaks at 11 around noon, indicating a high level of sun exposure risk. After reaching its zenith at 12:00, the intensity begins to wane, dropping to 10 by 13:00 and then tapering off to 8, 6, and finally 4 by the afternoon. As the day winds down, the UV Index declines further to a low 2 by 17:00 and settles at 1 by evening, signaling a much safer time for outdoor activities. This pattern emphasizes the importance of sun protection during peak hours, particularly from 10:00 to 14:00, when the UV levels are at their most hazardous.
| 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 | 9 | 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 |
The UV Index shows significant seasonal changes, with high-risk months for UV exposure primarily occurring from March to August. During this period, the UV Index escalates from a moderate level of 8 in March to an extreme high of 12 in May and June, providing a burn time as short as 10 minutes. In contrast, January and December demonstrate lower UV levels, categorized as moderate, allowing for longer safe exposure times of 30 minutes. Visitors and residents should take extra precautions from March to August by wearing protective clothing, applying sunscreen, and seeking shade to minimize the risk of UV-related harm during these months of high intensity. As the UV Index decreases in the fall and winter, exposure remains necessary, but the risk is markedly reduced.
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 |
| Hiran | 4 | 5 | 8 | 9 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 4 | 3 |
| Basrah UVI | 5 | 7 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 5 | 4 |