Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Aqrah, Iraq, is crucial for safeguarding your skin from harmful sun exposure. With peak UV levels often reaching as high as 11 during midday, the potential for sunburn and long-term skin damage significantly increases. Awareness of these UV levels not only helps in sunburn prevention but also plays a vital role in promoting overall skin health. Given Aqrah's Csa climate, where dry summers can lead to intense sun exposure, being mindful of the UV Index is essential for enjoying outdoor activities safely. Stay informed and protect yourself from the sun's powerful rays!
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins at a mild 2 by 07:00. It steadily escalates, reaching 4 at 08:00, and then surges to a peak of 11 between 11:00 and 12:00—this is when the sun is most intense. Vigilance is essential during these hours, as the risk of skin damage increases significantly. As the afternoon progresses, the UV levels gradually decline; 10 at 13:00, followed by a decrease to 8 at 14:00, a more manageable 6 at 15:00, and finally tapering off to 3 by 16:00. By 17:00, the index drops to 2, and the evening settles in with a minimal 1 by 18:00 and 19:00. It's a day of high UV exposure, urging outdoor enthusiasts to take precautions during peak hours.
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 09:00 | 7 | 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 |
Throughout the year, UV index levels show significant seasonal changes, reaching their peak during the summer months. From March to August, the UV Index escalates from 8 to 11, indicating very high to extreme exposure levels, with the most critical months being May, June, and July where the burn time is reduced to just 10 minutes. As the year progresses into September and October, UV levels gradually decrease, but caution remains essential, particularly in September with a UV index of 8. During the winter months, November through February, UV levels drop to moderate levels, offering safer exposure with burn times increasing to 30 minutes. For safety, visitors and residents are strongly advised to take protective measures, especially during the high-risk months of March to August, by seeking shade, wearing protective clothing, and applying sunscreen to minimize the risk of UV-related 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 |
| 'Aqrah | 4 | 5 | 8 | 9 | 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 |