Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Hiran, Iraq, as it serves as a vital indicator of potential sun exposure risks throughout the day. With peak UV levels reaching as high as 12 around noon, awareness of these fluctuations is essential for sunburn prevention and maintaining skin health. Hiran's Mediterranean climate brings long, hot summers where unprotected sun exposure can lead to serious health consequences. By being informed about local UV levels, you can enjoy the sun safely while protecting your skin from harmful effects.
The UV Index (UVI) showcases a dramatic rise in sunlight intensity throughout the morning and early afternoon, peaking at 12 around noon. Starting at a mild 2 at 07:00, the index steadily climbs, reaching a moderate 4 by 08:00. Come 09:00, it hits 7, and by 10:00, it surges to 9. The intensity escalates further, hitting its zenith of 11 at 11:00 and reaching a scorching 12 at 12:00, urging sun protection. As the afternoon progresses, the UVI begins to decline, dropping to 8 at 14:00 and settling at 3 by 16:00. The evening brings relief, with values decreasing to 2 at 17:00 and falling to a gentle 1 by 18:00 and 19:00. A reminder: peak hours demand extra caution!
| 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 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 16:00 | 3 | 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 |