Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Al 'Aziziyah, Iraq is crucial for those looking to protect their skin and overall health from the sun's harmful rays. With peak UV levels reaching an alarming 11 around midday, awareness of these fluctuations can help residents and visitors alike prevent sunburn and long-term skin damage. The BWh climate of Al 'Aziziyah, characterized by hot, dry conditions, means UV exposure risks are high, especially during the sunnier months. By staying informed about the UV Index, you can enjoy the outdoors safely while prioritizing your skin's well-being.
The UV Index throughout the day presents a dynamic picture of sun exposure. As early as 7:00 AM, the index starts at a mild 2, ramping up to a moderate 4 by 8:00 AM. The sun's intensity peaks around 11:00 AM and 12:00 PM with a striking 11, marking the height of caution for outdoor activities. As we move into the afternoon, the index gradually declines, dropping to 8 by 2:00 PM and further to 5 by 3:00 PM. The evening brings relief, with the UV Index decreasing to a 1 by 5:00 PM and finally hitting 0 by 7:00 PM. It’s clear that the midday hours pose the greatest risk, so sun safety measures are essential during those peak times.
| 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 | 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 |
Seasonal UV changes reveal significant fluctuations throughout the year. From January to February, the UV Index remains moderate, with a burn time of 30 minutes. However, March brings a sharp increase to 8, indicating very high exposure risk and a reduced burn time of just 15 minutes. The UV levels peak in May and June at an extreme 11, necessitating cautious sun protection measures, as the burn time drops to merely 10 minutes. July and August still present very high UV levels, followed by a slight decline in September, but October maintains a high index of 7. November and December return to moderate levels, allowing for longer exposure times of 30 minutes again. Residents and visitors should prioritize sun safety, particularly during the high-risk months of March through August, by wearing protective clothing, applying sunscreen, and seeking shade to minimize 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 |
| Al 'Aziziyah | 4 | 5 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 5 | 4 |
| 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 |