Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for the residents of Al Khalis, Iraq, where the climate is characterized by hot and dry conditions typical of a BWh climate zone. With midday UV levels peaking at 10, awareness of UV exposure is essential for preventing sunburn and safeguarding skin health. The risks associated with high UV levels, especially during peak hours like 11 AM to 1 PM, make it imperative for locals to stay informed and take necessary precautions. By monitoring the UV Index, you can enjoy the sunny days safely while minimizing the risk of skin damage.
The UV Index at dawn starts off low, peaking at a moderate 2 by 7:00 AM. As the sun rises higher, the intensity escalates quickly, reaching a noteworthy 10 from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM—a time when protection against UV rays is essential. The intensity begins to wane in the afternoon, dipping to 8 at 2:00 PM, then falling to 5 by 3:00 PM, and continuing its decline through the evening. By the time the day closes, the UV Index settles back down to a safe 1 by 5:00 PM, where it remains until dusk. It's a day to appreciate the sun, but don't forget that midday protection is crucial!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 3 | 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 | 10 | very high | 15 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 | 1 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, the UV Index exhibits significant seasonal variation, peaking in the late spring and summer months. High-risk months include May and June, where the UV Index reaches an extreme level of 11, requiring a burn time of only 10 minutes. March and April are also critical, with indices soaring to 8 and 9, indicating very high exposure risk. Conversely, from October to February, the UV Index generally falls back into the moderate range, with January and December presenting the lowest values at 4 and 3 respectively. Visitors and residents should exercise caution during the high-risk months by seeking shade, wearing protective clothing, and applying sunscreen regularly to mitigate harmful UV exposure.
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 |
| Al Khalis | 4 | 5 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 5 | 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 UVI | 5 | 7 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 5 | 4 |