Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Al Hawijah, Iraq, is vital for protecting your skin and overall health. The UV Index serves as an essential tool that helps residents gauge sun exposure levels, allowing you to prevent sunburns and long-term skin damage. Given Al Hawijah's semi-arid climate (BSh), with high UV exposure levels peaking at 10 around midday, it's crucial to stay informed and take appropriate precautions to safeguard against harmful effects. Embrace the sun smartly by tuning into the UV Index—your skin will thank you!
The UV Index throughout the day showcases a dynamic pattern of sun exposure. Starting gently at 07:00 with a UV Index of 2, it climbs steadily, peaking at 11:00 with a strong 10, indicating that it's essential to take sun safety precautions. The intensity remains high until 13:00, ensuring ample time for outdoor activities, but then the index begins to decline. By 15:00, it drops to 5, and as the sun sets, it falls to a softer 1 by 18:00. This data highlights the importance of sunscreen and protective measures during the peak midday hours when UV radiation is at its most potent.
| 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 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
As the seasons change, so do the UV levels, significantly impacting sun exposure safety for visitors and residents alike. January and February start the year with a moderate UV Index of 3 and 5, allowing for 30 minutes of burn time. However, starting March, the UV Index escalates to high levels, peaking in May and June with an extreme level of 11, where burn time drops to just 10 minutes. The risk remains elevated into the summer months, with July and August maintaining a very high UV Index, requiring vigilant sun protection. September and October see a gradual decrease but still hold high levels in October at 7. The year ends with a return to moderate levels in November and December. Visitors and residents should be especially cautious and take protective measures during the high-risk months of March through October, particularly in May and June, when exposure can lead to burns in as little as 10 minutes. Regular use of sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade are strongly advised during these times.
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 |
| Al Hawijah | 3 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 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 |
| Basrah UVI | 5 | 7 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 5 | 4 |