Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Gueltat Zemmour, Morocco, is essential for safeguarding your skin and overall health. With the region's BWh climate providing ample sunshine, awareness of daily UV levels can help you effectively prevent sunburn and long-term skin damage. During peak hours, especially from 11 AM to 2 PM, UV levels soar, hitting a maximum of 13, indicating a significant risk for unprotected skin. By staying informed about these fluctuations, you can enjoy the beautiful Moroccan sun while prioritizing your skin's well-being.
As the sun rises, the UV Index steadily climbs from a modest 1 at 07:00, signaling the start of a warm day. By 09:00, it reaches 4, marking the onset of more potent rays. The peak UV exposure occurs at 13:00, hitting a formidable 13, encouraging sun protection measures for outdoor enthusiasts. As the afternoon progresses, the index begins to wane, dropping to 11 at 15:00 and gradually falling to 3 by 18:00, as the sun dips lower on the horizon. With the day winding down, the UV Index celebrates a dramatic shift, underscoring the importance of sun safety during those mid-day hours when the sunlight is strongest.
| 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 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
| 15:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 16:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 17:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, UV Index values exhibit seasonal fluctuations, with the highest levels occurring from March to September. During this period, particularly in May and June, the UV Index consistently reaches 13, classifying it as extreme, with a burn time of just 10 minutes. The high-risk months for sun exposure are therefore March through September, when protective measures are paramount. Residents and visitors are advised to take precautions during these months, including wearing sunscreen with high SPF, protective clothing, and sunglasses, and seeking shade during peak sun hours to minimize UV-related health risks. In contrast, January, February, October, November, and December see slightly lower UV levels, yet caution should still be exercised, especially when the index is above 6.
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 |
| Gueltat Zemmour | 6 | 8 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 10 | 8 | 7 |