Last updated: May 3, 2025
In Zaxu, Iraq, being aware of the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin against the sun's harmful rays. Understanding the UV levels can significantly aid in sunburn prevention and maintaining overall skin health, especially in a region where the climate is classified as Csa. With peak UV Index readings reaching 11 around midday, the potential for skin damage increases substantially. Zaxu's typical exposure risks demand vigilance, making it essential to stay informed and take proactive measures as you enjoy the sunny days.
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins at a mild 2 at 07:00, gradually escalating to a moderate 4 by 08:00. By 09:00, awareness becomes crucial as the index climbs to 6. The sun reaches its peak intensity at 12:00 with a notable 11, indicating high risk for sun exposure. Fortunately, after 1 PM, the index starts to decline, reaching 8 at 14:00, then gradually dropping to 6 by 15:00. The late afternoon brings relief with values of 3 at 16:00 and cooling further to 1 by 18:00 and 19:00. It's essential to take protective measures during the peak hours, particularly between 10 AM and 2 PM, to safeguard your skin from harmful UV rays.
| 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 | 9 | 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 |
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 |