Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Samarra, Iraq, is crucial for protecting your skin and ensuring overall health amidst the region's hot semi-arid climate. With peak UV levels reaching as high as 11 between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM, awareness of these measurements can significantly reduce the risk of sunburn and long-term skin damage. Samarra's sunny days come with elevated UV exposure risks, making it essential to stay informed about UV levels throughout the day. Recognizing these fluctuations empowers residents and visitors to take necessary precautions, ensuring safe enjoyment of the beautiful Iraqi outdoors.
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 |
Throughout the year, UV Index levels fluctuate significantly, impacting sun exposure risks. High-risk months include March to September, where the UV Index reaches very high to extreme levels, particularly peaking in May with an Index of 11, indicating a burn time of just 10 minutes. During these months, it's crucial for visitors and residents to take protective measures, such as wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak hours. In contrast, October sees a high UV Index of 7 with a longer burn time of 25 minutes, while the winter months of January, February, November, and December present moderate UV exposure, allowing for safer outdoor activities with a burn time of 30 minutes. Awareness of these seasonal changes is essential for maintaining skin health.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Samarra' | 4 | 5 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 5 | 3 |
| Mosul UVI | 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 |