Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Zag, Morocco, is crucial for residents and visitors alike, as it directly impacts sun safety and skin health. With a climate classified as BWh, Zag experiences intense sun exposure, particularly during peak hours when the UV Index can soar to levels of 11-12. Being aware of these levels is essential for sunburn prevention and reducing the risk of long-term skin damage. As the sun climbs in the sky, knowing when to seek shade and applying sunscreen becomes vital—ensure you protect your skin while enjoying the beautiful outdoor climate of Zag!
The UV Index starts off gently at 1 by 7:00 AM, but as the sun climbs higher, it quickly escalates, reaching a moderate 2 by 8:00 AM. By 9:00 AM, the index surges to 4, indicating an increase in sun exposure. The peak intensity occurs at 12:00 PM, where the UV Index hits an impressive 11, marking it as very high, and it remains at 12 from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM. As the afternoon progresses, the index begins to drop, falling to 8 by 4:00 PM and further declining to 5 by 5:00 PM. The evening sees a return to lower levels, with the UV Index dropping to 2 at 6:00 PM and settling back to 1 by 7:00 PM. Stay protected during peak hours!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 11:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 15:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 16:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 17:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
As the seasons change, so do the UV levels, significantly affecting the risk of sunburn. January starts with a moderate UV Index of 5, allowing for a burn time of 30 minutes. By February, the index rises to 7 (high), reducing safe exposure time to 25 minutes. The spring months of March and April continue this trend, both reaching a very high level of 10, necessitating a burn time of just 15 minutes. Entering May through September, the UV Index peaks at an extreme level of 12-13, where a mere 10 minutes can lead to sunburn, especially in the middle of summer. October sees a decline to 9 (very high), while November and December return to high levels, with indices of 7 and 6, respectively, allowing for 25 minutes before burning occurs. Visitors and residents should prioritize sun safety, particularly during high-risk months from March through September, by using sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak hours.
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 |
| Zag | 5 | 7 | 10 | 10 | 12 | 13 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 9 | 7 | 6 |