Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Baghdad, Iraq is crucial for maintaining your skin health and preventing sunburn. Given Baghdad's hot desert climate (BWh), residents and visitors alike are exposed to high levels of ultraviolet radiation for much of the year. As the UV Index rises throughout the day, peaking at a significant 11 around noon, awareness of these levels is vital for planning outdoor activities and protecting against harmful effects. By staying informed about the UV levels, you can enjoy the sun safely while safeguarding your skin from potential damage.
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 |
| 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 |