Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Al Kut, Iraq is essential for safeguarding your skin health and preventing sunburn. With the region's BWh climate, characterized by hot and arid conditions, residents and visitors often face heightened UV exposure levels, particularly between late morning and early afternoon when the UV Index can soar to a maximum of 12. Awareness of these UV levels is crucial, as it empowers you to take necessary precautions, such as wearing protective clothing or using sunscreen, to minimize the risk of skin damage and long-term health issues. Stay informed and enjoy the sunshine safely!
The UV Index throughout the day offers a vivid glimpse into solar intensity, peaking dramatically as the sun reaches its zenith. Starting at 7:00 AM with a moderate 2, the index climbs steadily, reaching 4 by 8:00 AM. By 9:00 AM, it surges to 7, and from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM, it hits its maximum, soaring to 12 at noon. As the day progresses, a gradual decline begins, with 11 at 1:00 PM and tapering down to 8 by 2:00 PM. The afternoon sees a gentle decrease, settling at 6 by 3:00 PM, and finally dwindling to a mere 1 by 5:00 PM. The sun's impact fades into the evening, where the UV Index drops to 0 by 7:00 PM, signaling a retreat from the day's solar embrace. This data highlights the importance of sun protection from late morning through early afternoon, when UV levels are at their highest.
| 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 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 12:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 6 | high | 25 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 |