Last updated: July 2, 2025
In Al Mahmudiyah, Iraq, understanding the UV Index is crucial for safeguarding your skin and overall health in this arid climate. With UV levels frequently peaking at 11, the risk of sunburn and long-term skin damage increases significantly, especially during the hottest hours of the day. Being aware of these levels can help you take proactive measures, ensuring you enjoy outdoor activities without compromising your health. As temperatures rise in this BWh climate zone, knowing when to seek shade or apply sunscreen becomes essential for your well-being. Stay informed and make the most of the sunny days while protecting your skin!
The UV Index rises swiftly as the day progresses, starting at a modest 2 at 07:00. By 09:00, it surges to a 6, signaling that sun protection is becoming essential. The intensity peaks sharply at 12:00 with a striking 11, indicating that the risk for harm from unprotected sun exposure is very high. As the afternoon rolls in, the index gradually declines; it dips to 8 by 14:00 and further falls to 5 by 15:00. As evening approaches, the UV Index drops to a low of 1 by 17:00, remaining steady through 18:00 and 19:00. It's a vivid reminder to always be vigilant about sun safety during the peak hours!
| 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 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 16:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 17:00 | 1 | 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 |