Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Kirkuk, Iraq, where the climate typically features hot, dry conditions that can lead to increased sun exposure. With UV levels reaching as high as 11 during peak hours, awareness of these values is essential to prevent sunburn and protect overall skin health. Attending to UV Index readings helps you make informed decisions about outdoor activities and safeguards against the long-term effects of UV radiation. Stay informed and enjoy Kirkuk's beautiful sunny days responsibly!
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins its ascent, starting at a gentle 2 at 07:00. By 08:00, it climbs to 4, indicating that protective measures are beginning to be advisable. The intensity peaks at 11 during the 11:00 and 12:00 hours, marking the time when sunlight is most potent. As the afternoon progresses, the index starts to decline; by 14:00, it drops to 8, and further diminishes to 6 by 15:00. As evening approaches, the UV Index wanes significantly, reducing to 3 at 16:00 and sinking to a mild 1 by 18:00, indicating a much lower risk. Overall, it’s a sun-soaked day, urging outdoor enthusiasts to be mindful of sun exposure, especially during those peak hours!
| 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 | 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 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 |