Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Tarfaya, Morocco, a region characterized by its BWh climate, which brings plenty of sunshine throughout the year. With UV levels peaking between 11 AM and 2 PM, reaching as high as 12, awareness of these levels becomes essential for preventing sunburn and protecting skin health. By keeping an eye on the UV Index, you can better plan your outdoor activities and take necessary precautions, ensuring a safer and more enjoyable experience under the Moroccan sun.
The UV Index (UVI) reaches its peak at 14:00, soaring to a maximum of 12, making midday the ideal time to seek shade and protect your skin. Early morning hours start off gently, with a UVI of 1 at 07:00, gradually rising to 3 by 09:00. As the sun climbs higher, the UVI escalates sharply, hitting 6 at 10:00, and then rapidly climbing to 10 by noon. After its zenith at 13:00, where it measures an intense 11, the index begins to taper off, dropping to 10 at 15:00 and then gradually declining to 1 by 19:00. This hourly data underscores the importance of sun safety, especially during those peak sunlight hours!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 11:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 12 | 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 |
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 |