Last updated: July 2, 2025
In Baqubah, Iraq, understanding the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin and preventing sunburn. With a climate classified as BWh, residents and visitors are exposed to significant UV radiation, especially during peak hours. Notably, the UV Index reaches its highest levels between 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM, peaking at 10, which indicates a very high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. By staying aware of UV levels, you can make informed decisions about sun safety, ensuring that your time outdoors is both enjoyable and healthy.
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 |
| Baqubah | 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 |