Last updated: July 2, 2025
In Zaxu, Iraq, staying informed about the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin from the sun's harmful rays. Understanding UV levels can help prevent sunburn and promote long-term skin health, allowing you to enjoy the outdoors safely. With a Mediterranean climate, Zaxu experiences intense sunlight, especially during peak hours when the UV Index can soar to 11—a level that signifies a very high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. Knowing when to seek shade or apply sunscreen is essential for safeguarding your skin in this sun-drenched locale.
The hourly UV Index reveals a dynamic pattern of sun intensity throughout the day. Starting from a gentle 2 at 7:00 AM, the sun's rays gradually intensify, reaching a moderate 4 by 8:00 AM. The real peak comes at 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM, where the index hits a staggering 11, indicating a high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. As the afternoon progresses, the numbers decline, dropping to 9 by 2:00 PM and then tapering off to 6 at 3:00 PM. By evening, the index returns to a much safer 2 at 5:00 PM, and finally, it settles at 1 during the twilight hours. To stay safe under the sun, it's vital to be mindful of these fluctuations and take appropriate precautions during the peak 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 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 16:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 17:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
As the seasons change, so too does the UV Index, reflecting variations in sun exposure risk. From January to February, the UV Index remains in the moderate category, with a burn time of 30 minutes. However, March and April see a significant increase, with indices reaching 8 and 9, classified as very high, reducing burn time to just 15 minutes. The most critical months for UV exposure are May through July, where peak levels soar to an extreme 11 to 12, necessitating careful attention as burn time drops to 10 minutes. Even in August and September, the UV remains very high, with a steady 9 during early fall, while October sees a return to less intense levels at 7. As winter approaches, November and December reflect a return to moderate UV exposure, with burn times back up to 30 minutes. Visitors and residents are strongly advised to take protective measures—such as wearing sunscreen, hats, and UV-blocking sunglasses—especially during the high-risk months of March through September, to mitigate the adverse effects of sun 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 |
| 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 |
| Zaxu | 4 | 5 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 4 | 3 |
| Basrah UVI | 5 | 7 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 5 | 4 |