Last updated: June 2, 2025
In Al Qurnah, Iraq, being aware of the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health. With UV levels reaching a peak of 11 around noon, understanding these readings is essential for preventing sunburn and long-term skin damage. Al Qurnah's BWh climate brings intense sunlight, particularly in the summer months, making it vital to stay informed about UV exposure risks. By keeping an eye on the UV Index, residents and visitors can enjoy the sun safely while safeguarding their skin’s health.
The hourly UV Index reveals a dynamic rise and fall of sun intensity throughout the day. Starting at a mild 2 at 07:00, the index climbs steadily, reaching a peak of 11 at both 11:00 and 12:00, indicating a high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. As the afternoon sun begins to descend, the index tapers off to 9 at 13:00, then gradually decreases to 5 by 15:00. By 16:00, it drops to 3, signaling the end of peak sun strength, while cool evenings arrive with a return to 1 at both 17:00 and 18:00. Finally, at 19:00, the UV Index hits 0, marking a safe transition into the night. Stay protected during the day's brightest hours!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 09:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 10:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 11:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 12:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 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 |