UV Index in Baghdad, Iraq

Last updated: June 2, 2025

Understanding the UV Index in Baghdad, Iraq is essential for maintaining healthy skin and preventing sunburn, especially with the city's arid BWh climate that exposes residents to significant UV radiation. With peak UV levels reaching a formidable 11 around noon, awareness of these fluctuations throughout the day is vital for effective sun protection. By grasping the implications of UV exposure, individuals can take proactive measures to safeguard their skin and overall health, ensuring they enjoy the sun responsibly in this unique desert environment.

Hourly UV Index in Baghdad

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.

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	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

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