Last updated: July 2, 2025
The UV Index in Suq ash Shuyukh, Iraq, is a crucial tool for residents and visitors alike to stay informed about sun exposure risks. Understanding UV levels is essential for preventing sunburn and maintaining skin health, particularly in a region characterized by a BWh climate, which often features intense sunlight and extended daylight hours. With UV Index values peaking at 10 during midday, awareness of these fluctuations can help you to implement proper sun protection measures and enjoy the outdoors safely. Whether you're planning a walk in the sun or engaging in outdoor activities, being mindful of the UV Index ensures you can protect your skin while enjoying the warm, vibrant climate of Suq ash Shuyukh.
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, the UV Index displays significant seasonal variations, with the highest levels occurring from March to August. During these months, particularly in May and June, the UV Index reaches an extreme level of 12 and 11, necessitating caution as the burn time dramatically decreases to just 10 minutes. Notably, March and April also present very high UV levels of 9, with corresponding burn times of just 15 minutes. Therefore, visitors and residents are advised to take extra precautions during these high-risk months by wearing protective clothing, utilizing sunscreen, and seeking shade, especially during midday hours when UV exposure peaks. In contrast, the UV Index returns to moderate levels in the winter months, with safer burn times of 30 minutes in January, November, and December.
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 |
| Suq ash Shuyukh | 5 | 6 | 9 | 9 | 12 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 5 | 4 |
| Basrah UVI | 5 | 7 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 5 | 4 |