Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Basrah, Iraq is crucial for safeguarding your skin against harmful ultraviolet radiation. With the city’s BWh climate, characterized by long, hot summers, UV levels can reach their peak around midday, presenting increased risks of sunburn and long-term skin damage. By monitoring and understanding these UV levels, local residents and visitors can take the necessary precautions to protect their skin health, particularly during the hours when the UV Index hits 10-11, indicating extreme exposure. Stay informed and enjoy the sunshine responsibly!
The UV Index reaches its peak during the day, with maximal levels observed at 11:00 AM and 12:00 PM, both clocking in at an intense 11. Beginning with a modest 2 at 7:00 AM, the intensity escalates sharply to 10 by 10:00 AM, urging early sun-seekers to take precautions. As the afternoon progresses, the UV levels gradually decline; by 2:00 PM, they drop to 7, and further decrease to 5 by 3:00 PM. As the evening approaches, the index falls to 1 by 5:00 PM, eventually reaching 0 by 7:00 PM, signaling a safe return indoors as the sun sets. Taking care during the peak hours is essential for skin safety!
| 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 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 11:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 12:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 15:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 16:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 17:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, UV Index levels demonstrate significant seasonal changes, with high-risk months identified primarily from March to September. In March, the UV Index reaches 9 (very high), peaking in May and June at 11 (extreme), indicating a burn time of just 10 minutes under optimal conditions. Visitors and residents should take precautionary measures during these months, such as wearing protective clothing, applying broad-spectrum sunscreen, and seeking shade, especially between 10 AM and 4 PM. As the year progresses, UV levels gradually decrease, with the months of October to December falling into moderate exposure categories, allowing for safer outdoor activities.
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 |
| Basrah | 5 | 7 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 5 | 4 |