Last updated: June 2, 2025
In Mosul, Iraq, understanding the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health. With the region's BSh climate characterized by intense sunlight, awareness of UV levels is vital to prevent sunburn and long-term skin damage. Daily UV exposure can peak dramatically, reaching a high of 11 at noon, emphasizing the need for precautions to minimize risks during the hottest hours. By keeping an eye on the UV Index, residents and visitors alike can enjoy the sunny climate while effectively safeguarding their skin.
The UV Index throughout the day presents a fascinating pattern of increasing intensity. Starting at 07:00, the index is a mild 2, gradually climbing to 4 by 08:00. As the sun rises higher in the sky, the UV Index peaks at 11 around noon, indicating a high level of sun exposure risk. After reaching its zenith at 12:00, the intensity begins to wane, dropping to 10 by 13:00 and then tapering off to 8, 6, and finally 4 by the afternoon. As the day winds down, the UV Index declines further to a low 2 by 17:00 and settles at 1 by evening, signaling a much safer time for outdoor activities. This pattern emphasizes the importance of sun protection during peak hours, particularly from 10:00 to 14:00, when the UV levels are at their most hazardous.
| 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 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 16:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 17:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
The UV Index demonstrates a notable progression through the year, with high-risk months occurring from March to August when levels reach high to extreme. The most intense UV exposure is seen in May, June, and July, maintaining a peak index of 11, which corresponds to a burn time of only 10 minutes. Visitors and residents are advised to take extra precautions during these months by seeking shade, wearing protective clothing, and using sunscreen with a high SPF. In contrast, the UV Index decreases in the fall and winter months, with January, November, and December showing a moderate exposure level (UV Index 3-5), allowing for longer burn times of 30 minutes. It’s essential to remain vigilant, especially during late spring and summer, to protect your skin from harmful UV radiation.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mosul | 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 |