Last updated: July 2, 2025
In As Suwayrah, Iraq, staying informed about the UV Index is crucial for safeguarding your skin and overall health. The UV Index indicates the strength of ultraviolet radiation from the sun, which can lead to sunburn and increase the risk of skin cancer if not properly managed. Understanding the varying UV levels throughout the day, especially during peak hours from 10 AM to 2 PM when the index rises to a maximum of 10, empowers residents to take proactive measures for sun protection. With a BWh climate characterized by hot, dry conditions, As Suwayrah faces unique sunlight exposure risks, making daily UV Index awareness an essential part of outdoor activities and skin care. Stay informed, stay safe!
The UV Index at dawn starts off low, peaking at a moderate 2 by 7:00 AM. As the sun rises higher, the intensity escalates quickly, reaching a noteworthy 10 from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM—a time when protection against UV rays is essential. The intensity begins to wane in the afternoon, dipping to 8 at 2:00 PM, then falling to 5 by 3:00 PM, and continuing its decline through the evening. By the time the day closes, the UV Index settles back down to a safe 1 by 5:00 PM, where it remains until dusk. It's a day to appreciate the sun, but don't forget that midday protection is crucial!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 3 | 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 | 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 | 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 |