Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Aoufous, Morocco, where the BWh climate brings intense sunlight, especially during the summer months. Awareness of UV levels can significantly aid in preventing sunburn and safeguarding skin health, as Aoufous experiences midday UV indices skyrocketing to 12, indicating extreme risk of harm without adequate protection. By keeping track of the UV Index throughout the day, you can take proactive steps to enjoy the sun safely and minimize potential health risks associated with high UV exposure. Remember, knowing when to seek shade or apply sunscreen is key for a safer, healthier outdoor experience!
As the sun rises, the UV Index starts off at a manageable 1 at 7:00 AM, but it quickly escalates. By 8:00 AM, it's at 3, making it a good time to grab some sunscreen. The intensity reaches 5 by 9:00 AM, and by 10:00 AM, it jumps to 8, signaling that deliberate sun protection is necessary. The peak occurs between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM, where it surges to an eye-watering 12 at 1:00 PM. After this zenith, the index gradually declines from 11 at 2:00 PM to 9 at 3:00 PM, and continues to decrease, settling at 1 by 7:00 PM. It's clear that the midday sun poses the greatest risk, reminding us to be vigilant about sun safety during those critical hours.
| 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 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 11:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 15:00 | 9 | 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 exhibits significant seasonal variations, with the highest risk months occurring from March to August. During this peak period, the UV Index reaches extreme levels, particularly in May and June, where the index tops at 11 to 13, resulting in a burn time of just 10 minutes. Visitors and residents should be particularly vigilant during these months, prioritizing sun protection measures like wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade. As the year progresses, the UV Index gradually decreases, falling back to moderate levels in January and December, providing a slight respite from the intense sun exposure typically experienced in the mid-year.
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 |
| Marrakesh UVI | 4 | 6 | 9 | 10 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 8 | 6 | 5 |
| Aoufous | 4 | 6 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 13 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 8 | 6 | 5 |