Last updated: June 2, 2025
In the sunny town of Al Qayyarah, Iraq, staying informed about the UV Index is crucial for maintaining skin health and preventing painful sunburns. With a climate classified as BSh, residents and visitors alike experience varying levels of UV exposure throughout the day, peaking at a high 11 between noon and early afternoon. Understanding these UV levels can empower you to take protective measures when sunlight is strongest, ensuring a safe and enjoyable outdoor experience while safeguarding your skin against harmful effects.
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 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mosul UVI | 3 | 5 | 7 | 8 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 4 | 3 |
| Al Qayyarah | 3 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 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 |