Last updated: May 3, 2025
In As Suwayrah, Iraq, understanding the UV Index is crucial for maintaining skin health and preventing sunburn. With its arid climate classified as BWh, the region experiences significant UV radiation levels, particularly during the peak hours of 10 AM to 2 PM when the index soars to a maximum of 11. As sunlight intensity can quickly lead to harmful effects, staying informed about daily UV levels helps residents and visitors take necessary precautions to protect their skin. Awareness of the UV Index empowers you to enjoy the sunny outdoors safely while minimizing risks associated with prolonged sun exposure.
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 |
| As Suwayrah | 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 |