Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Tall 'Afar, Iraq, is crucial for safeguarding your skin and overall health. The UV Index provides a clear measure of sun exposure, helping residents and visitors alike take proactive steps to prevent sunburn and long-term skin damage. With Tall 'Afar’s hot semi-arid climate, UV levels can soar, particularly between 10 AM and 2 PM, reaching dangerous highs of 11. Staying informed about these UV levels ensures that outdoor activities can be enjoyed safely, minimizing risks while maximizing fun in the sun.
The UV Index today showcases a dynamic rise and fall throughout the hours, peaking at 11 from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM. Starting from a gentle 2 at 7:00 AM, it climbs steadily, reaching 10 by 11:00 AM. As the sun approaches its zenith, the index hits its maximum of 11, indicating a high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. After this peak, the index begins its descent, tapering down to 6 at 3:00 PM before declining further to 2 by 5:00 PM. As evening sets in, it settles at a mild 1 from 6:00 PM onward, reminding us to take precautions when basking in the midday sun but allowing for safer outdoor activities as daylight fades.
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 3 | 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 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 9 | 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 |