Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Ash Shatrah, Iraq, where the intense BWh climate can elevate UV exposure risks. With daily peaks often reaching a UV Index of 10, awareness of these levels is essential to prevent sunburn and protect your skin health. As summer days heat up, being informed about UV radiation not only helps in avoiding painful burns but also plays a vital role in reducing long-term skin damage. Stay ahead of the sun's harmful effects—knowing when to seek shade or apply sunscreen can make all the difference in your outdoor activities!
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 levels exhibit significant seasonal fluctuations, markedly increasing from February until May, when the UV Index reaches its peak at 12 and falls under the extreme exposure category, with a brief burn time of just 10 minutes. The high-risk months for harmful UV exposure are March to June, during which residents and visitors should take extra precautions. Specifically, from March to May, the UV Index remains in the very high to extreme categories, emphasizing the need for protective measures such as sunscreen, hats, and protective clothing. As the summer progresses into the fall, UV levels gradually decrease, but caution is still warranted in September and October. It is advisable for everyone to stay informed about the UV index and manage sun exposure accordingly throughout the year.
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 |
| Ash Shatrah | 5 | 6 | 9 | 10 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 9 | 7 | 5 | 4 |
| Basrah UVI | 5 | 7 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 5 | 4 |