Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Balad, Iraq is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health. With sunburn becoming a real risk, especially during peak hours, knowing the UV levels can help you take necessary precautions to minimize exposure. Balad, nestled in a BSh climate zone, experiences hot summers with high UV readings, often peaking at 11 between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM. By staying informed about the UV Index, residents can enjoy outdoor activities while safeguarding their skin against harmful rays.
The UV Index throughout the day reveals a dramatic rise in sun intensity, peaking during the late morning to early afternoon. Starting the day at a modest 2 at 7:00 AM, the index climbs steadily, reaching 11 by 11:00 AM and maintaining that level until 1:00 PM. This signifies a high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. Following this peak, the index begins to dip, dropping to 8 by 2:00 PM, and continuing its decline until it falls to 0 by 7:00 PM. With this information, it's crucial to take sun safety precautions—especially during the hours when the UV Index 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 | 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 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 16:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 17:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
As the seasons change, the UV Index experiences significant fluctuations, with ** March to August ** marking the peak risk months for sun exposure. The UV Index rises sharply in March (8) and April (9), transitioning to extreme levels in May and June (11), where only 10 minutes of sun exposure can lead to burns. July and August maintain a very high rating at 10 and 9, respectively, before tapering off in the fall. Notably, October (7) remains high, while November (4) and December (3) see a return to moderate levels. Visitors and residents are advised to take precautions during high-risk months—especially from March through June—by using sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and limiting outdoor activities during peak hours to reduce 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 |
| Balad | 4 | 5 | 8 | 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 |