Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Essaouira, Morocco, is essential for anyone who enjoys the sun-drenched beauty of this coastal city. With its BSh climate, Essaouira enjoys a mild atmosphere but also presents notable UV exposure risks that can lead to sunburn and long-term skin damage. By grasping the significance of UV levels, you can take proactive steps to protect your skin while basking in the sun. With peak UV Index values reaching a high of 11 around midday, being informed about the UV Index not only keeps your skin healthy but also enhances your overall outdoor experience in this charming Moroccan destination.
The UV Index throughout the day reveals a striking pattern of increasing intensity, peaking during the early afternoon hours. Starting from a peaceful 1 at 7:00 AM, it gradually escalates, reaching 4 by 9:00 AM. The real surge begins at 10:00 AM, where it hits 6, and continues to climb to a robust 11 by 1:00 PM, maintaining this high level until 2:00 PM. As the sun begins to descend, so does the UV Index, tapering off to 10 at 3:00 PM and gradually falling back to 1 by 7:00 PM. This day presents a clear reminder of the importance of sun protection during peak hours, especially from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM, when the UV radiation is at its most intense.
| 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 | 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 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 15:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 16:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 17:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, UV Index values exhibit significant seasonal changes, highlighting varying levels of sun exposure risk. From January to February, the UV Index rises from 4 (moderate) to 6 (high), reducing safe exposure time from 30 minutes to 25 minutes. The UV risk escalates in March and April with indices at 8 and 10 (both very high), demanding increased vigilance as burn times drop to 15 minutes. The peak of the UV Index occurs from May through August, reaching 11 (extreme), where only 10 minutes of sun exposure is deemed safe. As summer transitions to fall, UV levels gradually decline, with September and October maintaining very high levels at 10 and 8, respectively. Residents and visitors should be especially cautious during the high-risk months of May through August, adopting protective measures such as wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade to minimize health risks associated with excessive UV exposure.
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 |
| Essaouira | 4 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 8 | 6 | 5 |
| Marrakesh UVI | 4 | 6 | 9 | 10 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 8 | 6 | 5 |