UV Index in Baghdad, Iraq

Last updated: May 3, 2025

Understanding the UV Index in Baghdad, Iraq is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health in this sun-drenched city. With scorching summers under a BWh climate, the danger of ultraviolet rays escalates, especially during midday when indices peak at 12. This highlights the need for awareness and proactive sun safety measures to prevent sunburn and long-term skin damage. By staying informed about UV levels, you can enjoy outdoor activities while taking the necessary precautions, safeguarding your skin from the intense Iraqi sun.

Hourly UV Index in Baghdad

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.

Average solar exposure data for the current time of the year. Actual values may vary and depend on many factors, such as cloud cover, vegetation cover, surface type, etc.
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

Monthly UV Index Trends in Baghdad

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.

Monthly Maximum UV Index for Baghdad, Iraq

The monthly maximum UV Index (UVI) represents the highest UV radiation level recorded each month in Baghdad. It measures the strength of ultraviolet radiation from the sun and helps assess the risk of sunburn and UV-related health issues.

Data source: Statistical UV Index data for Baghdad, based on information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

UV Risk Categories

Extreme (11+): Avoid the sun, stay in shade.
Very High (8-10): Limit sun exposure.
High (6-7): Use SPF 30+ and protective clothing.
Moderate (3-5): Midday shade recommended.
Low (0-2): No protection needed.

Compare Baghdad UV Index with Other Iraq Cities

The table above highlights how UV exposure in Baghdad compares to other major locations across Iraq. This comparison helps travelers and residents better understand regional sun intensity and plan outdoor activities with sun safety in mind.

Baghdad's solar exposure compared to other cities in Iraq. Generated using Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service information.
	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
Baghdad	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
Basrah UVI	5	7	9	10	11	11	10	9	8	7	5	4