Last updated: May 3, 2025
In Oualidia, Morocco, staying informed about the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health. High UV levels, particularly during the midday hours, can lead to sunburn and long-term skin damage, making awareness essential for both locals and visitors. The climate in Oualidia, characterized by its Mediterranean influences (Csa), brings about specific UV exposure risks, especially during the sunniest parts of the day. With peak UV Index values soaring to 11, understanding these levels empowers you to enjoy the sun safely, ensuring your beach days are as enjoyable as they are safe.
From dawn to dusk, the UV Index reveals a riveting journey of sun intensity. Beginning the day at a mild 1 at 07:00, the index gradually rises, hitting 2 by 08:00. As the sun climbs higher, expect it to reach 4 at 09:00 and soar to 6 by 10:00. The peak intensity occurs between 12:00 and 13:00, where it soars to a striking 10 and then 11, urging everyone to seek shade or slather on sunscreen. By the afternoon, the value begins to gently decline, falling to 9 at 15:00 and tapering off to 5 at 17:00. As the evening approaches, the index drops quickly to 2 by 18:00 and finally settles back to 1 by 19:00, marking the end of a sun-soaked day.
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 6 | high | 25 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 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 16:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 17:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, the UV Index experiences significant fluctuations, with the highest levels occurring from March to August. March and April see a rapid increase in UV exposure, peaking at 11 in May, June, and August, classified as extreme risk, where unprotected skin can burn in just 10 minutes. The high-risk months are concentrated in late spring and summer, particularly May through August, when individuals are advised to take substantial precautions, such as seeking shade, wearing protective clothing, and applying sunscreen frequently. Conversely, during the winter months of January, February, November, and December, the UV Index remains in the moderate category (4-5) with a burn time of 30 minutes. Regardless of the month, it's critical for both visitors and residents to remain vigilant about UV exposure to prevent skin damage.
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 |
| Oualidia | 4 | 5 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 11 | 9 | 7 | 5 | 4 |
| Fes UVI | 4 | 5 | 8 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 5 | 4 |
| Marrakesh UVI | 4 | 6 | 9 | 10 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 8 | 6 | 5 |