Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Fes, Morocco, is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health. As the sun shines brightly in this historic city, with its Mediterranean climate providing ample daylight hours, awareness of UV levels can help prevent sunburn and long-term skin damage. During peak hours, particularly between 12 PM and 1 PM when the UV Index soars to 11, it's essential to take precautions. Whether you’re exploring Fes's vibrant medina or enjoying the scenic views, being informed about UV exposure risks can ensure you enjoy the sun safely and maintain your skin's health. Stay protected and make the most of your time under the Moroccan sun!
As the day begins, the UV Index starts off at a gentle 1 at 7:00 AM, gradually rising to moderate levels by 8:00 AM with a value of 3. By 9:00 AM, the sun becomes more assertive, reaching 5, and peaks at a notable 11 by 1:00 PM, signaling the highest risk for unprotected skin. Just before the afternoon starts to wane, the index remains at a 10, then gently dips to 9 by 3:00 PM. As the shadows lengthen from 4:00 PM onward, the UV Index decreases to 6, 4, and finally settles back down to 2 by 6:00 PM, wrapping up the day with a soft farewell of 1 by 7:00 PM. It's a vivid reminder of the sun's power, urging us to embrace sun safety during the peak 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 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 11:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 10 | 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 change, so does the UV Index, which significantly impacts sun exposure and risks for skin damage. January and February start with a moderate UV Index of 4 and 5 respectively, allowing for a burn time of 30 minutes. However, by March, the index spikes to 8, marking the beginning of very high exposure levels, with a reduced burn time of just 15 minutes. The months of April to July reach the extreme category, peaking at 12 in June, necessitating strict sun protection with a burn time as low as 10 minutes. As summer wanes into August and September, the index remains high, hovering around 10 to 9, before tapering off in October to a high level of 7 with a burn time of 25 minutes. Finally, November and December see a return to moderate levels. Residents and visitors should prioritize sun safety, especially during the high-risk months of March through September, by applying sunscreen frequently, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak hours to minimize harmful exposure.
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 | 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 |