Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Ar Riyad, Iraq, is essential for safeguarding your skin and overall health. With high UV levels, particularly peaking at 11 during midday, awareness of UV exposure is crucial for preventing sunburns and long-term skin damage. The BSh climate characterized by hot, dry summers means residents and visitors face elevated risks of UV radiation. Being informed on daily UV levels helps you make smart decisions about sun protection, enabling you to enjoy Ar Riyad's sunny days safely.
The UV Index throughout the day showcases a clear pattern of rising and falling intensity. Starting at a mild 2 at 7:00 AM, the levels climb steadily, peaking at 11 by noon—the most intense period of sunlight. As the afternoon progresses, the index remains high, tapering off to 10 at 1:00 PM, before gradually descending. By 3:00 PM, it drops to 5, and the evening settles in with indices of 3 at 4:00 PM, and a gentle decline to 1 by 7:00 PM. This progression highlights the importance of sun protection during peak hours—particularly between 10 AM and 2 PM—when the UV exposure 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 | 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 | 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 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ar Riyad | 3 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 4 | 3 |
| 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 |
| Basrah UVI | 5 | 7 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 5 | 4 |