Last updated: August 1, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Al Hindiyah, Iraq is crucial for safeguarding your skin and overall health. With its BWh climate, this region experiences significant UV exposure, especially during the peak hours of sunlight. Monitoring UV levels can help you prevent sunburn and long-term skin damage, allowing you to enjoy outdoor activities safely. For instance, during the midday hours, the UV Index can reach a concerning 10, indicating a high risk for harm without proper protection. Stay informed and proactive about your skin’s health by keeping an eye on the UV Index; it’s your first line of defense against harmful sun rays!
The UV index throughout the day showcases its peak intensity during midday hours. Starting at a mild 2 at 07:00, it steadily rises to 3 by 08:00. As the sun reaches its zenith, the index skyrockets to 10 from 11:00 to 13:00, marking the highest risk for sun exposure. After this zenith, the index begins its descent, falling to 8 at 14:00, and gradually tapering off to 5 at 15:00. By late afternoon, the UV levels drop further to 3 and then to 2 by 17:00, before fading to 1 by 18:00 and eventually 0 after 19:00. It’s a clear reminder to savor the sun wisely, especially during those peak hours!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 09:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 11:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 7 | high | 25 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 | 0 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, the UV Index experiences significant changes, with peak levels typically occurring in the late spring and summer months. From May, where the index reaches a critical 12 (extreme exposure category) with a burn time of just 10 minutes, the UV levels remain high to very high until August. The months of March, April, June, and July also pose high-risk for sun exposure, with UV indices ranging from 8 to 10, indicating very high levels. Visitors and residents should particularly exercise caution during May through August, taking protective measures such as wearing sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses, and minimizing sun exposure during peak hours. As the year progresses into late autumn and winter, the UV index drops to moderate levels, but it's still wise to remain vigilant, especially in sunny conditions.
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 |
| Al Hindiyah | 4 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 12 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 9 | 7 | 5 | 4 |
| Basrah UVI | 5 | 7 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 5 | 4 |