Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is essential for residents of Saymayl, Iraq, where the sun can be intense, particularly during the summer months. Knowledge of UV levels not only helps in preventing painful sunburns but also plays a crucial role in maintaining skin health and reducing the risk of skin cancer. With Saymayl's Mediterranean climate (Csa), characterized by hot, dry summers and mild winters, exposure to higher UV levels between 10 AM and 2 PM can pose significant risks. Staying informed about the UV Index empowers you to enjoy the outdoors safely while protecting your skin from harmful effects.
The UV Index data reveals a clear pattern in solar exposure throughout the day. Morning rays begin gently, with a maximum of 2 at 07:00, steadily rising to 4 by 08:00. As the sun climbs higher, the index peaks at an impressive 11 at 12:00, indicating a moment of intense UV radiation. Temperatures remain elevated with a 10 at 11:00 and 13:00, before gradually declining to 8 by 14:00. The afternoon light softens, dropping to 6 by 15:00, then continues to retreat as the sun sets—falling to 3 at 16:00, 2 at 17:00, and reaching 1 by 18:00 and 19:00. This data underscores the importance of protecting your skin during the peak hours, especially between 10:00 and 14:00, when the UV Index is at its highest.
| 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 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 16:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 17:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, the UV Index displays notable seasonal variations, with high-risk months identified primarily from April to September. This period experiences peak UV levels of 8 to 11, categorizing them as very high to extreme, with significantly reduced burn times of 10 to 15 minutes. In contrast, the low-risk months of December to February show UV levels between 3 and 5, where burn times extend to 30 minutes. Visitors and residents are strongly advised to take extra precautions during the high-risk months, such as seeking shade, wearing protective clothing, and applying sunscreen regularly, to mitigate the harmful effects of increased UV radiation.
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 |
| Saymayl | 4 | 5 | 7 | 8 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 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 |
| Basrah UVI | 5 | 7 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 5 | 4 |