Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of Halabja, Iraq, where the sun shines brightly throughout the year. Being aware of UV levels can help prevent sunburn and protect your skin health, particularly in a region where midday UV exposure can reach alarming levels, peaking at 12 around noon. With Halabja's Csa climate, marked by hot summers, it's essential to be mindful of the sun's intensity—especially when planning outdoor activities. By staying informed about the UV Index, you can enjoy the sun safely while minimizing health risks associated with overexposure.
At dawn, the UV Index begins its ascent, starting at a mild 2 by 07:00. As the sun rises, the intensity ramps up, hitting a significant 4 by 08:00 and peaking at a sharp 12 around 11:00 and 12:00. This is the prime time for sun exposure, with a high risk of harm if protective measures aren’t taken. As the afternoon wanes, the index gradually declines, dropping to 9 at 14:00 and then down to 6 by 15:00. By 17:00, it falls back to 2, and as evening approaches, we see the UV Index fall to a tranquil 1 by 19:00, marking a gentle close to the day’s solar energy. Be sure to protect your skin during those peak hours for a safe sun experience!
| 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 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 11:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 12:00 | 12 | 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 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 |