Last updated: May 3, 2025
In Khenifra, Morocco, awareness of the UV Index is crucial for safeguarding your skin health under the intense sun. Understanding UV levels is key to preventing sunburn and long-term skin damage, particularly during the peak hours when UV exposure can reach a maximum of 12 around midday. With Khenifra's climate characterized by hot, dry summers, the risk of harmful UV rays can be elevated, making it essential for residents and visitors alike to stay informed. By paying attention to the UV Index, you can enjoy the sunny outdoors while protecting yourself from potential harm.
The UV Index today demonstrates a striking rise in intensity as the sun climbs higher in the sky. Starting from a mild 1 at 07:00, it quickly escalates to 3 by 08:00, then leaps to 5 at 09:00. The peak occurs at 12:00, where the index hits a blazing 11, just before reaching its maximum of 12 at 13:00. As the afternoon progresses, values gradually decline to 10 at 15:00, then drop to 4 by 17:00. By the evening, the index falls back to a safe 2 at 18:00, finally settling at 1 as the sun sets. This pattern highlights the importance of sun protection during the peak hours from 10:00 to 14:00, when the UV levels are most intense.
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 09:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 11:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 12 | 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 |