Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in As Suwayrah, Iraq is essential for anyone looking to protect their skin and enjoy the sun safely. With maximum UV levels reaching up to 11 during peak hours, understanding these measurements can significantly reduce the risk of sunburn and long-term skin health issues. As Suwayrah’s BWh climate presents intense sunlight, especially from late morning to early afternoon, it's crucial to stay informed about UV exposure risks. By regularly checking the UV Index, you can make informed decisions about sun protection strategies to enjoy your outdoor activities while keeping your skin healthy and safeguarded.
At dawn, the UV Index is relatively low, rising gently from 2 at 07:00. As the day progresses, outdoor enthusiasts should take caution, as the index peaks at a striking 11 at 12:00, indicating a very high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. The intensity remains elevated throughout the early afternoon, with readings of 10 at 13:00 and 8 by 14:00. However, relief comes as the sun begins to wane, dropping to 5 by 15:00. By late afternoon and into the evening, the UV Index declines further to 3 at 16:00, and finally settles at a minimal 1 from 18:00 onwards. For sun seekers, midday is the time to be especially cautious, ensuring skin is protected to enjoy the sun safely!
| 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 | 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 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | 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 |