Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Ar Rifa'i, Iraq, where the BWh climate brings intense sunlight, particularly during the summer months. With UV levels peaking at 10 between 11:00 AM and 12:00 PM, awareness of these fluctuations is vital for preventing sunburn and protecting skin health. By staying informed about daily UV exposures, inhabitants can take necessary precautions, ensuring their outdoor activities remain enjoyable and safe amidst the region's high UV risks. Regular checks of the UV Index empower everyone to enjoy the sun responsibly!
At sunrise, the UV Index starts at a gentle 2 at 7:00 AM, gradually climbing to a moderate 4 by 8:00 AM. As the day progresses, the sun's intensity peaks with a striking 10 at both 11:00 AM and 12:00 PM, indicating a high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. By 1:00 PM, the index remains strong at 9, but starts to decline to 7 by 2:00 PM. Early afternoon light gives way to a safer environment as the index sinks to 5 at 3:00 PM, then further drops to 3 by 4:00 PM. As the sun sets, the UV Index descends into the low range, resting at 1 by 5:00 PM and tapering off to 0 after 7:00 PM—a clear reminder to protect your skin during those peak sun hours!
| 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 | 8 | 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 |
Throughout the year, UV Index levels exhibit significant seasonal changes, with the highest risk months being May through September. During this period, the UV Index peaks at 12 in May, with an extreme exposure category and a quick burn time of just 10 minutes. Other high-risk months include June (UV Index 11), July (UV Index 10), and August and September (both UV Index 9), all categorized as very high. In contrast, the UV Index is moderate in January, November, and December, and high in February and October. It is essential for visitors and residents to exercise caution during the peak months by wearing protective clothing, applying broad-spectrum sunscreen, and seeking shade during midday hours to minimize UV exposure and reduce the risk of skin damage.
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 |
| Ar Rifa'i | 5 | 6 | 9 | 9 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 9 | 7 | 5 | 4 |
| Basrah UVI | 5 | 7 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 5 | 4 |