Last updated: August 1, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Al Hashimiyah, Iraq, is crucial for maintaining skin health and preventing painful sunburns. As you navigate this region known for its hot desert climate, awareness of UV levels can make all the difference between enjoying the sun safely or risking harmful exposure. With peak UV Index readings reaching a high of 10 during midday, local residents and visitors alike should be vigilant about sun safety—protecting themselves during the hottest hours to avoid potential skin damage. Stay informed and enjoy the warmth of Al Hashimiyah while being mindful of the sun’s powerful rays.
As the sun rises at 07:00, the UV Index begins at a modest 2, providing a gentle start to the day. By 08:00, it climbs to 3, signaling increasing solar intensity. The real heat sets in around 09:00, with a significant jump to 6. At 10:00, the index peaks dramatically to 8, and by 11:00 and 12:00, it reaches its maximum of 10, indicating an urgent need for sun protection. The UV Index begins its gradual descent after 13:00, sliding to 9 and then 8 by 14:00. As afternoon progresses, the intensity wanes, dropping to 5 at 15:00. By 16:00, it's down to 3, transitioning to a low 2 by 17:00, and finally fading to 1 at 18:00. As twilight approaches, the UV threat disappears completely, leaving a 0 by 19:00. Overall, it’s vital to be mindful of UV exposure especially during the peak hours of 11:00 to 13:00.
| 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 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 15:00 | 4 | 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 |
Throughout the year, the UV Index experiences significant changes, with peak levels typically occurring in the late spring and summer months. From May, where the index reaches a critical 12 (extreme exposure category) with a burn time of just 10 minutes, the UV levels remain high to very high until August. The months of March, April, June, and July also pose high-risk for sun exposure, with UV indices ranging from 8 to 10, indicating very high levels. Visitors and residents should particularly exercise caution during May through August, taking protective measures such as wearing sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses, and minimizing sun exposure during peak hours. As the year progresses into late autumn and winter, the UV index drops to moderate levels, but it's still wise to remain vigilant, especially in sunny conditions.
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 Hashimiyah | 4 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 12 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 9 | 7 | 5 | 4 |
| Basrah UVI | 5 | 7 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 5 | 4 |