Last updated: June 2, 2025
In Al Kut, Iraq, understanding the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin from harmful sun exposure. With UV levels peaking at 11 during midday, awareness of these indices can significantly reduce the risk of sunburn and contribute to long-term skin health. Given Al Kut's BWh climate, characterized by hot, arid conditions, residents and visitors alike face unique exposure risks, particularly during the sunniest hours of the day. Stay informed and safeguard your well-being by monitoring the UV Index—because your skin deserves the best care.
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 |
Throughout the year, the UV Index exhibits notable seasonal changes, with the highest levels occurring from March to August. The months of May and June are particularly critical, featuring an extreme UV Index of 12 and 11 respectively, and a burn time of just 10 minutes. Visitors and residents should be especially cautious during these high-risk periods, as well as in March, April, July, and August, where the index remains in the very high range, with burn times between 15 minutes to 10 minutes. In contrast, the winter months of January, November, and December present lower UV levels (moderate exposure), allowing for safer outdoor activities with burn times of 30 minutes. To ensure safety, it's essential to apply sunscreen, wear protective clothing, and limit sun exposure during the peak UV times from midday to late afternoon.
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 Kut | 4 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 5 | 4 |
Basrah UVI | 5 | 7 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 5 | 4 |