Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of Sidi Yahya Ou Saad, Morocco, where the sun's intensity can fluctuate dramatically throughout the day. With the region's Mediterranean climate, generally characterized by hot, dry summers, knowing the UV levels helps in preventing sunburn and promoting overall skin health. As UV exposure peaks around midday—reaching a high of 11 at 1 PM—being informed allows you to take necessary precautions, whether it’s applying sunscreen or seeking shade, ensuring you can enjoy the sunny days without compromising your well-being.
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, UV Index levels display significant seasonal changes, peaking in the summer months. The high-risk months are March to August, where the UV Index reaches very high to extreme levels, particularly in May and June, when it hits 11 to 12 with a burn time of just 10 minutes. To protect skin health, visitors and residents are urged to take precautions during these months, such as wearing protective clothing, applying broad-spectrum sunscreen, and seeking shade during peak sun hours. In contrast, the fall and winter months see lower UV levels, with January and December at a moderate 4, allowing for safer outdoor activity with burn times of 30 minutes. Always remain vigilant, as UV rays can still pose risks even on cloudy days.
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 |
| Sidi Yahya Ou Saad | 4 | 6 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 8 | 6 | 4 |
| Marrakesh UVI | 4 | 6 | 9 | 10 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 8 | 6 | 5 |