Last updated: July 2, 2025
In the picturesque town of Ifrane, Morocco, awareness of the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health. Understanding UV levels not only helps in preventing painful sunburns but also plays a key role in reducing long-term skin damage and the risk of skin cancer. Given Ifrane's Csa climate, characterized by warm summers, residents and visitors alike need to stay vigilant, especially during peak sun hours when the UV Index can soar to 12. By knowing the UV risks, you can enjoy the beautiful outdoors while safeguarding your skin!
The UV Index throughout the day presents a dramatic rise and fall in sun exposure. Starting at a gentle 1 in the early hours of 7:00 AM and 8:00 AM, the index swiftly climbs to 3 by 9:00 AM. As the sun reaches its peak, the UV index skyrockets to a maximum of 12 at 1:00 PM, indicating high levels of UV radiation. Even in the afternoon, the index remains noteworthy: 11 at 2:00 PM and 10 at 3:00 PM. As the day transitions towards evening, levels dip gradually to 4 by 5:00 PM, and further down to 1 by 7:00 PM. This data underscores the importance of sun protection, especially during the midday hours when UV exposure is at its peak.
| 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 | 11 | extreme | 10 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 | 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 changes, peaking during the late spring and summer months. From January to February, the index remains at a moderate level (4-5), allowing for a burn time of about 30 minutes. However, as we transition into March and April, the index escalates to very high levels (9-10), necessitating reduced exposure times of 15 minutes. The peak months for UV exposure are May to August, where the index reaches extreme levels (11-12) and the burn time drops to just 10 minutes. Visitors and residents should be particularly cautious from March through August, as these months pose the highest risk for UV-related skin damage. It’s advised to wear sunscreen, protective clothing, and sunglasses during these times, especially when outdoors during peak sunlight hours. As fall approaches, the UV Index declines, with October and November showing high levels (6-7) and slightly longer burn times of 25 minutes, while December returns to a moderate status. Always stay informed about daily UV levels, and take necessary precautions!
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 |
| Ifrane | 4 | 5 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 7 | 6 | 4 |
| Marrakesh UVI | 4 | 6 | 9 | 10 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 8 | 6 | 5 |