Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Smara, Morocco, is vital for protecting your skin health in a region characterized by a hot desert climate (BWh). With UV levels reaching peaks of 11 during midday, awareness of these harmful rays is essential for preventing sunburn and long-term skin damage. As you enjoy the sunny days typical of Smara, knowing the UV Index can help you take necessary precautions to stay safe and maintain healthy skin while embracing the beauty of your surroundings.
The UV Index for the day showcases a significant rise in solar intensity as the sun climbs higher in the sky. Starting at a low of 1 at 07:00 and 08:00, the index escalates to 2 by 09:00. A marked increase occurs between 10:00 and 12:00, where it jumps to 4 and peaks at a striking 9 at noon. The afternoon witnesses even higher levels, reaching a maximum of 11 at both 13:00 and 14:00, signifying a critical time for sun protection. As the sun begins to set, the index gradually declines to 5 at 17:00, and eventually returns to a safe 1 by 19:00. It’s essential to take precautions during those peak hours to safeguard against harmful UV exposure!
| 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 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 11:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 12:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 15:00 | 10 | very high | 15 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 |