Last updated: May 3, 2025
In Kirkuk, Iraq, awareness of the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health. Understanding UV levels helps you prevent sunburn and reduce long-term risks associated with excessive sun exposure. Given Kirkuk's BSh climate, characterized by hot, dry summers, the UV Index can reach high levels—peaking at 11 around midday. This makes it essential to stay informed about daily UV conditions to ensure your outdoor activities remain safe and enjoyable.
The UV Index data reveals an intriguing daily pattern in sun exposure. Starting the day at a modest 2 at 7:00 AM, the index climbs steadily, peaking during the late morning to early afternoon. At 11:00 AM and 12:00 PM, it reaches an intense 11, signaling a high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. As the sun begins its descent, the index gradually decreases, dropping to 8 by 2:00 PM and further down to 5 at 3:00 PM. By 6:00 PM, the UV Index falls to a gentle 1, and by 7:00 PM, it tapers off completely, hitting 0. This data underscores the importance of sun safety during peak hours, particularly between 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM, when the UV levels are at their 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 | 11 | extreme | 10 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 | 0 | low | 45 min |
As the seasons change, so do the UV Index levels, significantly affecting the risk of sunburn for visitors and residents. January and February start off with a moderate UV Index of 4 and 5 respectively, allowing for a burn time of 30 minutes. The risks escalate in March with a high UV Index of 7 (burn time 25 minutes), reaching a peak in the summer months of May, June, and July, where the UV Index hits its maximum at 11 (extreme) with a burn time of just 10 minutes. April also presents a high risk with a UV Index of 9 (very high, burn time 15 minutes). As summer wanes into August and September, although the UV Index drops slightly to 10 and 8, the risk remains high. October sees a decrease to a high of 7, while November and December return to moderate levels of 4 and 3. Residents and visitors should be particularly vigilant in the high-risk months of April to September, recommending sunscreen, protective clothing, and shade during outdoor activities to mitigate sun exposure effectively.
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 |
| Kirkuk | 4 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 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 |