Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of Halshaw, Iraq, where the sun shines brightly against a Mediterranean climate. Awareness of UV levels is essential not just for sunburn prevention but also for maintaining long-term skin health. In Halshaw, the midday UV Index can peak at an intense 12, indicating extreme risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. By keeping an eye on daily UV forecasts, locals can better protect themselves during the region's prominent sunny spells, ensuring safe enjoyment of the outdoors while minimizing potential skin damage.
The UV Index throughout the day exhibits a dramatic rise, peaking at 12 around noon. Starting from a humble 2 at 7:00 AM, the intensity steadily climbs as the sun ascends. By 10:00 AM, it reaches 9, signaling that sun protection is essential. The zenith occurs at 11:00 AM with a staggering 11, followed closely by 12 at noon, making it crucial to seek shade and wear sunscreen. The index begins to taper off in the afternoon, descending to 6 by 3:00 PM, and then falls further to 1 as evening sets in. This trend underscores the importance of monitoring UV levels to ensure safe sun exposure at its peak.
| 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 | 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 |
As the year progresses, the UV Index experiences significant fluctuations, exposing individuals to varying levels of risk. The months of March through August notably showcase particularly high UV exposure, with May recording an extreme index of 13 and a burn time as low as 10 minutes. April and June also present very high levels, making these months critical for sun safety. Conversely, January, November, and December feature moderate risks with an index around 3-5, allowing for safer outdoor activities with a burn time of 30 minutes. Visitors and residents should take precautions during the high-risk months of February through September, especially from March to August, by wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak sun hours to mitigate harmful effects from 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 |
| 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 |
| Halshaw | 4 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 13 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 9 | 7 | 5 | 3 |