Last updated: June 2, 2025
In Tarfaya, Morocco, being aware of the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health. With the sun's intensity peaking between 11 AM and 3 PM, understanding UV levels can help prevent painful sunburns and long-term skin damage. The BWh climate of Tarfaya brings plenty of sunshine, making it vital for residents and visitors alike to stay informed about daily UV exposure risks. As the UV Index can reach a maximum of 12, it’s essential to take proper precautions during those peak hours to enjoy the beautiful weather safely.
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins its gentle ascent, peaking from a modest 1 at 07:00 to a more intense 9 by noon. The hour of 13:00 marks the pinnacle of the day with a striking 11, signaling the need for sun protection as rays become particularly fierce. By 14:00, it reaches its maximum of 12, before gradually tapering off throughout the afternoon. As the day winds down, the index drops back to 3 by 18:00, and finally settles at a safe 1 by evening. This highlights the importance of being sun smart, especially during the midday hours when the UV intensity is 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 | 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 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 15:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 16:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 17:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 18:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, UV levels vary significantly, highlighting the importance of sun safety during certain months. The high-risk period spans from March to September, during which the UV Index reaches very high to extreme levels—notably peaking at 12 in May and June. The burn time decreases sharply, particularly in April, where a mere 10 minutes of unprotected exposure can result in skin damage. For visitors and residents, it is crucial to take protective measures such as applying sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade, especially during these high-risk months. In contrast, January and December present a lower risk with moderate UV conditions, where a burn time of 30 minutes provides a buffer for skin protection. Stay informed, and enjoy the sun safely!
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 |
| Tarfaya | 5 | 7 | 9 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 8 | 6 | 5 |