Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of Khenifra, Morocco, where sunny days can lead to high UV exposure. This awareness plays a vital role in sunburn prevention and maintaining long-term skin health, particularly during the peak hours when UV levels soar. Khenifra, characterized by a Csa climate, often experiences intense sunlight with midday UV Index values reaching up to 11, signaling extreme risk. By staying informed about local UV levels, you can confidently enjoy the beautiful outdoors while protecting yourself from the harmful effects of UV radiation.
The UV Index for the day showcases a dramatic increase in intensity as the sun climbs higher in the sky. Starting at a mild 1 at 07:00, it remains low throughout the morning, only reaching 3 by 09:00. However, by 11:00, the index skyrockets to 8, peaking at an intense 11 from 13:00 to 14:00. As the afternoon wanes, the UV levels gradually decrease, dropping to 4 by 17:00 and tapering off to 1 once again by 19:00. It's clear that midday hours pose the greatest risk for sun exposure, making it crucial to take precautions during the peak hours from 11:00 to 14:00.
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 11:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 15:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 16:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 17:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, the UV Index experiences significant fluctuations, reflecting changes in sun intensity. High-risk months for UV exposure are primarily from March to August, where the index peaks at 11-12 in May, June, and July, categorizing these months as having extreme exposure levels, with a burn time of just 10 minutes. This is followed closely by April (UV Index 10) and September (UV Index 10), both classified as very high risk. Residents and visitors should exercise caution during these periods, reducing sun exposure, wearing protective clothing, and applying sunscreen frequently to mitigate the risk of skin damage. For January, February, November, and December, the UV levels are generally lower, categorized as moderate to high, allowing for somewhat longer safe exposure times. Therefore, while enjoying the outdoors, it’s crucial to be mindful of the UV index and take necessary precautions to stay safe.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Casablanca UVI | 3 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 5 | 4 |
| Sale UVI | 3 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 5 | 4 |
| Rabat UVI | 3 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 5 | 4 |
| Fes UVI | 4 | 5 | 8 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 5 | 4 |
| Khenifra | 4 | 5 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 8 | 6 | 4 |
| Marrakesh UVI | 4 | 6 | 9 | 10 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 8 | 6 | 5 |