Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Ar Rifa'i, Iraq, is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health from the sun’s harmful rays. With its BWh climate, Ar Rifa'i experiences significant UV exposure, peaking around noon with levels reaching as high as 12. By staying informed about UV levels, you can effectively prevent sunburn and reduce the risk of long-term skin damage. Whether you're enjoying outdoor activities or simply going about your daily routine, knowing how to gauge UV intensity empowers you to take proactive measures against skin injury and promote better long-term skin health.
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins its ascent, starting at a subtle 2 at 07:00. By 08:00, it climbs to a moderate 4, indicating that sun protection is becoming essential. The intensity peaks sharply at 12:00, soaring to a striking 12, making this the most hazardous time for outdoor activities without adequate protection. The intensity slightly wanes after noon, dropping to 8 by 14:00, before continuing its graceful descent to a mere 1 by 17:00. As the day draws to a close, the UV risk diminishes to 0 by 19:00, allowing for evening outdoor enjoyment without concern. Don’t forget to shield your skin during those midday 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 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 11:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 12:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 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 | 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 |