Last updated: August 1, 2025
In Zagora, Morocco, understanding the UV Index is essential for protecting your skin and overall health under the sun. With the region's BWh climate, where the sun shines brightly for much of the year, awareness of UV levels can significantly reduce the risk of sunburn and long-term skin damage. For instance, peak levels can reach up to 11 between 12:00 PM and 2:00 PM, indicating extreme risk for unprotected skin. By staying informed about the UV Index, residents and visitors can make healthier choices about sun exposure and safeguard their well-being while enjoying the beauty of this stunning desert landscape.
The UV index throughout the day presents a fascinating pattern of intensity. Early risers at 7:00 AM are greeted with a minimal index of 1, only slightly rising to 3 by 9:00 AM. As the day unfolds, the sun's reach steadily increases, peaking at a striking 11 between 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM. Midday brings the most intense exposure at 12:00 PM with a 10 on the scale. As the afternoon progresses, the intensity starts to wane, dropping to 9 by 3:00 PM and easing to 4 by 5:00 PM. Finally, the sun sets, leaving a gentle 2 at 6:00 PM before the UV index falls back to 1 by the evening hours. This data highlights the importance of sun protection during peak hours, especially between 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM when UV levels can be most harmful.
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 10:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 11:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 12:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 16:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 17:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
As the seasons transition, UV exposure levels can significantly vary, with high-risk months occurring from March to October, where the UV Index frequently reaches very high to extreme levels. Notably, May through August present the highest risk, with an extreme UV Index of 11 to 12 and a burn time of just 10 minutes. Conversely, January and December offer moderate exposure with a UV Index of 5, allowing for longer burn times of 30 minutes. Visitors and residents are advised to take precautions during peak UV months by wearing protective clothing, applying sunscreen regularly, and seeking shade during the sun's most intense hours between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. This awareness is crucial for minimizing sun damage and ensuring overall skin health throughout the 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 |
| Zagora | 5 | 6 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 8 | 6 | 5 |