Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for the residents of Al Mahmudiyah, Iraq, where high levels of sun exposure can pose significant risks to skin health. With an intense desert climate (BWh), UV radiation peaks particularly in the afternoon, making awareness of UV levels vital for preventing sunburn and long-term skin damage. On sunny days, the UV Index can soar to levels of 11, indicating a very high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. By staying informed about UV levels, residents can take necessary precautions to enjoy the sun safely while protecting their skin.
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 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 3 | 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 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 17:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | 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 |
| Al Mahmudiyah | 4 | 5 | 8 | 9 | 12 | 11 | 11 | 9 | 9 | 7 | 5 | 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 |