Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Halabja, Iraq, is essential for maintaining skin health and preventing sunburn. With the region's Csa climate characterized by hot summers, the UV exposure levels can reach a maximum of 11—indicating a very high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure during midday hours. By being informed about daily UV levels, residents and visitors alike can take proactive measures to protect themselves from potential skin damage and embrace the sun safely.
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins at a mild 2 by 07:00. It steadily escalates, reaching 4 at 08:00, and then surges to a peak of 11 between 11:00 and 12:00—this is when the sun is most intense. Vigilance is essential during these hours, as the risk of skin damage increases significantly. As the afternoon progresses, the UV levels gradually decline; 10 at 13:00, followed by a decrease to 8 at 14:00, a more manageable 6 at 15:00, and finally tapering off to 3 by 16:00. By 17:00, the index drops to 2, and the evening settles in with a minimal 1 by 18:00 and 19:00. It's a day of high UV exposure, urging outdoor enthusiasts to take precautions during peak hours.
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 09:00 | 7 | 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 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 16:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 17:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
The UV Index exhibits significant seasonal variations, with the highest risk months occurring from March to August when indices frequently reach 10 or higher, indicating extreme to very high exposure levels. Specifically, May and June are characterized by the maximum UV Index of 12, allowing for a burn time as short as 10 minutes. Conversely, the winter months of January, November, and December feature moderate UV levels, particularly suitable for outdoor activities with a burn time of 30 minutes. To protect against harmful UV radiation, visitors and residents are advised to wear protective clothing, apply broad-spectrum sunscreen, and seek shade during the peak sunlight hours, especially from late spring to summer.
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 |
| 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 |
| Halabja | 4 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 5 | 3 |