Last updated: June 2, 2025
In Smara, Morocco, awareness of the UV Index is crucial for maintaining skin health and preventing sunburn, especially under the intense sun typical of the BWh climate. Understanding the UV levels can help residents and visitors alike make informed decisions about sun protection, reducing the risk of skin damage and long-term health issues. With peak UV Index values often soaring to 12 or 13 during the midday hours, it’s essential to stay vigilant about sun safety practices to enjoy the sunny climate while safeguarding your skin.
The UV Index throughout the day tells a compelling story of sunlight intensity. Beginning at a gentle 1 at 07:00, the rays gradually escalate, reaching 2 by 09:00. A notable surge occurs at 10:00, climbing to a robust 5. The sun reaches its zenith between 12:00 and 14:00, peaking at a striking 13 at 14:00. As the afternoon fades, the index begins to decline, tapering off to 5 at 17:00 and down to a serene 1 by 19:00. This data emphasizes the importance of sun protection during midday hours when UV exposure is at its highest.
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 10:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 11:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
| 15:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 16:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 17:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
The UV Index demonstrates significant seasonal changes, with the highest values occurring from March to September. High-risk months include April through September, where UV Index levels reach extremes of 11 to 13, dramatically reducing safe sun exposure times to as little as 10 minutes. During these months, both visitors and residents should adopt protective measures, such as wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and sunglasses, to minimize the risk of skin damage. As the seasons transition into the fall and winter, UV levels decrease, allowing for safer outdoor activities in months like October, but maintaining awareness of higher indices in November and December is still recommended.
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 |
| Smara | 6 | 7 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 11 | 12 | 11 | 9 | 7 | 6 |