Last updated: August 1, 2025
In Al Mahawil, Iraq, where the sun blazes down with intensity typical of a BWh climatic zone, being aware of the UV Index is crucial for safeguarding your skin and overall health. Understanding UV levels helps you take proactive measures to prevent sunburn and long-term skin damage, especially during peak hours when the index reaches a maximum of 11 around noon. With the sun's strength varying throughout the day, from a mild 2 in the morning to a peak UV level that poses significant risks, staying informed about UV exposure becomes essential for enjoying the beautiful sunny days safely.
The UV Index paints a vivid picture of the sun's intensity throughout the day. Starting with a gentle 2 at 7:00 AM, the index climbs steadily, reaching 3 by 8:00 AM. As the sun rises higher, it peaks at an impressive 11 at noon, signaling a time when sun protection is crucial. The index begins to taper off in the afternoon, with readings of 10 at 1:00 PM and 8 at 2:00 PM, before gradually decreasing to 6 at 3:00 PM. By late afternoon, the UV Index returns to a more moderate 3 at 4:00 PM, and continues to decline, settling at 1 by 6:00 PM. It’s clear that the midday sun demands respect, making awareness of UV levels essential for outdoor safety.
| 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, UV Index levels vary significantly, indicating changes in sun exposure risk. The high-risk months for ultraviolet radiation are from March to August, where the UV Index reaches very high to extreme levels; notably, May and June peak at an extreme UV Index of 12 and 11, respectively. In these months, the recommended burn time is just 10 minutes, emphasizing the urgent need for adequate sun protection. To ensure safety, visitors and residents should wear sunscreen with a high SPF, seek shade during peak sun hours, and use protective clothing and accessories, especially during the high-risk season. As the year progresses, the UV Index gradually declines, reaching moderate levels again in November and December.
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 Mahawil | 4 | 5 | 8 | 9 | 12 | 11 | 11 | 9 | 9 | 7 | 5 | 4 |
| Basrah UVI | 5 | 7 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 5 | 4 |