Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Al Qurnah, Iraq, is crucial for protecting your skin health and preventing sunburn. With the region's BWh climate—characterized by hot, arid conditions—UV exposure can reach significant levels, especially during the peak hours of 10 AM to 2 PM when the UV Index hits its maximum at 10. Being aware of these UV levels empowers residents and visitors alike to take necessary precautions, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience in the sun while minimizing the risk of skin damage. Stay informed and safeguard your skin against the intense rays of Al Qurnah’s abundant sunshine!
The UV Index paints a vivid picture of the sun’s intensity throughout the day. At sunrise (07:00), the index starts modestly at 2, but by 08:00, it rises to a comfortable 4. The sun gains strength, with readings escalating to 6 by 09:00. The peak arrives at 11:00 and 12:00, where the index reaches a striking 10—a clear signal to seek shade or apply sunscreen! As the afternoon progresses, we see a decline; the UV Index drops to 9 at 13:00 and gradually decreases to 5 by 15:00. The late afternoon brings a gentle taper off to 3 by 16:00, before plummeting to 1 by 17:00 and finally settling at 0 as evening descends (19:00). Stay sun-smart and enjoy the daylight safely!
| 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 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 7 | high | 25 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 |
The UV Index exhibits notable seasonal changes, peaking in the late spring and early summer months. From January (UV Index 5, moderate risk) to February (UV Index 6, high risk), the UV levels steadily increase. A significant rise occurs in March and April (both at UV Index 9, very high risk), leading to May and June, which boast an extreme UV Index of 11. The highest risk months are May and June, where the burn time is only 10 minutes. Although July and August see a slight decrease in index values (UV Index 10 and 9, respectively), the risk remains very high. As autumn approaches, UV levels gradually decline, with October seeing a UV Index of 7 (high risk), before returning to more moderate levels in November (5) and December (4). Visitors and residents are advised to take precautions, especially during the high-risk months of March through October. Wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak sun hours can help minimize the harmful effects of UV exposure.
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 |
| 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 |
| Al Qurnah | 5 | 6 | 9 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 9 | 7 | 5 | 4 |
| Basrah UVI | 5 | 7 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 5 | 4 |