Last updated: August 1, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for the residents of Al Maymunah, Iraq, where scorching sun exposure can significantly impact skin health. With UV levels often soaring, especially around midday when they peak at 11, awareness can be your best defense against sunburn and long-term skin damage. This region's BWh climate brings warm, dry conditions conducive to high UV radiation, making it essential to keep an eye on daily UV forecasts to enjoy the beautiful Iraqi sun safely. By staying informed about UV levels, you can better protect yourself and your loved ones from harmful effects while enjoying outdoor activities.
The UV Index for the day showcased a dramatic rise in sun intensity, starting at a mild 2 at 07:00 and peaking at an impressive 11 by 12:00. As the sun reached its zenith, the UV levels climbed swiftly, highlighting the need for sun protection. The index slightly declined throughout the afternoon, settling at 5 by 15:00 and tapering off to 1 by 17:00. As dusk approached, the UV index dropped to 0 by 19:00, signaling a retreat from the sun's strong rays. With the highest values occurring midday, it's essential for sun-seekers to take precautions during those peak hours to safeguard their skin.
| 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 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 11:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 10 | 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 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 17:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
As the seasons change, so do the levels of ultraviolet (UV) radiation, significantly affecting both residents and visitors. From January to March, the UV Index begins to rise from 5 to a peak of 9, indicating a transition to very high levels, with the shortest burn times occurring in March and April at just 15 minutes. The summer months of May through July are particularly concerning, with UV Index readings reaching as high as 12, classified as extreme, where unprotected skin can burn in as little as 10 minutes. As summer wanes, August and September still exhibit very high UV levels, though slightly reduced, creating an ongoing risk. By October, the UV Index decreases to 7, but caution is still needed as exposure can lead to sunburn in 25 minutes. The winter months see a significant drop, with January and November returning to a moderate level. It is essential for everyone to stay informed about these seasonal changes, always applying sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak hours, particularly from March through September, to minimize the risk of skin damage.
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 |
| Basrah UVI | 5 | 7 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 5 | 4 |
| Al Maymunah | 5 | 6 | 9 | 10 | 12 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 5 | 4 |