Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Meknes, Morocco, where the sun’s rays can be particularly intense due to the region's Csa climate. With peak UV levels often reaching an index of 11 in the early afternoon, awareness of these levels is essential for sunburn prevention and long-term skin health. By keeping track of UV exposure, you can safeguard your skin from harmful effects while enjoying outdoor activities in this historically rich and vibrant city. As you explore Meknes, remember to stay informed about the UV Index to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience 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 |
Throughout the year, UV Index levels fluctuate significantly, highlighting varying risks associated with sun exposure. High-risk months occur between March and August, with peaks in May and June, where the UV Index reaches 11-12 in the extreme category, allowing for a burn time of just 10 minutes. Notably, April and August also present high risk with Index values of 9 and 10, respectively. Residents and visitors are advised to take precautions during these months, such as wearing protective clothing, applying sunscreen frequently, and seeking shade during peak sun hours to minimize the risk of skin damage. In the winter months, from December to February, the UV Index remains at a moderate level, but it is still advisable to practice sun safety, particularly in February as the UV Index rises to 5.
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 |
| Meknes | 3 | 5 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 12 | 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 |