Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is essential for residents of Qushtepe, Iraq, where the warm Csa climate can lead to significant sun exposure. As UV levels peak in the late morning and early afternoon, it's crucial to be aware of these fluctuations to prevent sunburn and protect overall skin health. With the UV Index reaching a maximum of 11—indicating a very high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure—taking precautionary measures is vital. By staying informed about these levels, you can enjoy the sun safely while safeguarding your skin against harmful ultraviolet radiation.
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 |
| Qushtepe | 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 |