Last updated: June 2, 2025
In Sidi Smai'il, Morocco, being aware of the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health. The UV Index measures the strength of ultraviolet radiation from the sun, helping residents and visitors alike avoid harmful sunburns and long-term skin damage. With a Mediterranean climate typical of the region, Sidi Smai'il experiences significant UV exposure, reaching a peak index of 12 at noon—a level that poses a high risk for harm even with short sun exposure. Understanding these UV levels empowers you to take necessary precautions, ensuring a safe and enjoyable time under the Moroccan sun.
At dawn, the UV Index begins gently, with a maximum of 1 at 07:00 and 08:00. As the sun climbs higher, the intensity ramps up, reaching a moderate 3 by 09:00. The real surge occurs between 10:00 and 13:00, where it peaks at an impressive 12 at 13:00, signaling a time to seek shade and protect your skin. The afternoon sees a slight decline, with UV levels at 11 and 10 during the subsequent hours before tapering off in the evening. By 19:00, the index returns to its morning low of 1, offering a gentle conclusion to the day. Remember to stay safe and shield yourself during those peak hours!
| 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 | 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 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, UV exposure significantly fluctuates, peaking during the summer months. January and February see moderate UV Index levels of 4 and 5, allowing for longer burn times of 30 minutes. However, as we transition into March and April, the UV Index rises drastically to 8 and 10 respectively, indicating very high risk with reduced burn times of just 15 minutes. The highest risk months of May to August showcase an extreme UV Index, reaching up to 12, resulting in a minimal burn time of only 10 minutes. As summer wanes, September sees a slight decline to 10, before tapering off in October with a high risk index of 7 and a burn time of 25 minutes. Visitors and residents are advised to ensure proper sun protection, especially during the high-risk summer months, by wearing sunscreen, hats, and protective clothing, and limiting sun exposure during peak hours.
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 Smai'il | 4 | 5 | 8 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 7 | 5 | 4 |
| Marrakesh UVI | 4 | 6 | 9 | 10 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 8 | 6 | 5 |