Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for the residents of Tall 'Afar, Iraq, where the sunny climate can pose significant risks for skin health. With peak UV levels reaching as high as 11 around noon, awareness of these UV readings is essential for preventing sunburn and long-term skin damage. As a city located in a BSh climate zone, Tall 'Afar experiences intense sun exposure, especially during the summer months. By staying informed about the UV Index, you can take proactive measures to protect yourself and your family from harmful UV radiation while enjoying the beautiful outdoors.
The UV Index paints a vivid picture of the sun’s strength throughout the day. Starting at a modest 2 at 07:00, the index gradually climbs as the sun ascends, reaching 4 by 08:00. By 09:00, it spikes to 6, and before long, it peaks at an impressive 11 at 12:00, marking the most intense exposure. The afternoon starts to cool slightly, with the index dropping to 10 by 13:00 and then tapering off through 8 at 14:00, 6 at 15:00, and back to 4 at 16:00. As the sun begins its descent, the UV Index falls to 2 by 17:00, lingering at 1 through the evening hours, creating a gentle reminder to enjoy the sun but also to stay mindful of its intensity during 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 | 8 | 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 experiences significant seasonal fluctuations, peaking during the summer months. From January to February, the UV Index remains in the moderate category (4-5), allowing for a safe burn time of 30 minutes. However, as spring approaches in March, the Index rises to 7 (high) with a burn time of 25 minutes, indicating an increased risk for sunburn. The peak risk months are April through July, where the Index reaches an extreme level of 11 and a quick burn time of just 10 minutes. August and September see a slight drop to 9 (very high), but caution is still advised with burn times of 15 minutes. October returns to high levels (7), allowing for safer exposure, while November and December revert to moderate with burn times of 30 minutes. It is crucial for visitors and residents to stay vigilant, especially during the high-risk months from April to July, utilizing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak hours to mitigate UV exposure.
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 |
| Tall 'Afar | 4 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 9 | 9 | 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 |