Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Abu Ghurayb, Iraq is crucial for protecting your skin from harmful ultraviolet rays. With the region's BWh climate, characterized by hot, arid summers, awareness of UV levels can help prevent sunburn and long-term skin damage. During peak hours, particularly between 11 AM and 1 PM when the UV Index can soar to a blistering 12, it's vital to take precautions. By staying informed about the daily UV Index, residents can enjoy the sun safely while prioritizing their skin health.
The UV Index starts off the day relatively low, peaking at 2 at 7:00 AM. As the sun climbs higher, the index surges, reaching a moderate level of 4 by 8:00 AM and escalating to a notable 9 at 10:00 AM. The day's intensity peaks at 12 around noon, marking the highest risk for sun exposure. As the afternoon unfolds, the UV Index gradually decreases, falling to 5 by 3:00 PM, and dipping further to 1 by 5:00 PM. By the evening hours, a welcome respite is felt, with the index dropping to 0 shortly after 7:00 PM. For outdoor activities, be sure to take precautions between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM when UV levels are at their most intense.
| 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 | 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 | 5 | 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 |
As the seasons transition, the UVA Index experiences significant fluctuations, particularly peaking in late spring and summer months. The high-risk months for UV exposure are from March to August, where the index reaches a maximum of 12 in May and 11 in June and July, indicating an extreme exposure category with an advised burn time of only 10 minutes. Visitors and residents should take extra precautions during these months, including wearing protective clothing, applying broad-spectrum sunscreen, and seeking shade during peak hours. Conversely, the risk decreases from October to December, with lower indices and longer burn times, but maintaining sun protection is still recommended for overall skin health.
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 | 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 |