Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of Zawyat ech Cheikh, Morocco, where the sun's intensity can pose significant risks to skin health. With a Mediterranean climate (Csa) that often brings sunny days, being aware of UV levels helps in preventing sunburn and long-term skin damage. During peak hours, such as from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM, the UV Index can soar as high as 12, indicating extreme risk. By staying informed on these levels, you can enjoy the beautiful Moroccan sunshine while protecting your skin from its harmful effects.
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 notable fluctuations, with the high-risk months ranging from March to October. The index peaks in May and June at an extreme level of 11-12, where the burn time is a mere 10 minutes. In contrast, January and December have moderate levels at an index of 4, allowing for a burn time of 30 minutes. Visitors and residents are advised to take precautions during the peak summer months, particularly from May to August, by wearing protective clothing, using broad-spectrum sunscreen, and seeking shade during peak sun hours. As the days shorten towards winter, UV exposure becomes less intense, but vigilance remains important year-round.
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 |
| Zawyat ech Cheikh | 4 | 5 | 8 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 8 | 6 | 4 |
| Marrakesh UVI | 4 | 6 | 9 | 10 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 8 | 6 | 5 |