Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Al Hayy, Iraq, where the climate is characterized by hot, arid conditions typical of the BWh zone. Monitoring UV levels is vital for sunburn prevention and overall skin health, especially during peak hours when the index can surge to a maximum of 10 around midday. With UV exposure risks on the rise, being aware of the daily UV Index not only helps in making informed decisions about sun protection but also encourages healthier outdoor activities. As the sun climbs, so does the potential for skin damage, making it essential to stay informed and safe in the shining sun of Al Hayy.
At sunrise, the UV Index starts at a gentle 2 at 7:00 AM, gradually climbing to a moderate 4 by 8:00 AM. As the day progresses, the sun's intensity peaks with a striking 10 at both 11:00 AM and 12:00 PM, indicating a high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. By 1:00 PM, the index remains strong at 9, but starts to decline to 7 by 2:00 PM. Early afternoon light gives way to a safer environment as the index sinks to 5 at 3:00 PM, then further drops to 3 by 4:00 PM. As the sun sets, the UV Index descends into the low range, resting at 1 by 5:00 PM and tapering off to 0 after 7:00 PM—a clear reminder to protect your skin during those peak sun hours!
| 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 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 11:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 7 | high | 25 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, the UV Index exhibits significant seasonal variations, with the highest levels encountered during late spring and summer months. March through August presents the greatest risk, particularly in May with an extreme UV Index of 12, resulting in a burn time of just 10 minutes. June and July closely follow, maintaining an extreme exposure level and a burn time of 10 to 15 minutes. To protect oneself, it is crucial for visitors and residents to seek shade, wear protective clothing, and apply broad-spectrum sunscreen during these high-risk months. Conversely, January, November, and December reveal lower UV indices, categorized as moderate, allowing for more prolonged outdoor activities with a burn time of 30 minutes. Awareness of these seasonal changes is essential for safeguarding skin health year-round.
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 |
| Al Hayy | 4 | 6 | 9 | 9 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 5 | 3 |
| Basrah UVI | 5 | 7 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 5 | 4 |