Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Essaouira, Morocco, where the sun shines brightly in its Mediterranean climate. With UV levels peaking at an intensity of 11 during the midday hours, awareness of these rising numbers is essential for sunburn prevention and maintaining long-term skin health. This coastal city, known for its moderate temperatures, can still pose significant risks due to its typical high UV exposure between 10 AM and 4 PM. Stay informed and protect your skin while enjoying the beautiful surroundings Essaouira has to offer!
As the sun rises, the UV Index gradually increases from a low of 1 at 07:00, signaling a relatively mild start to the day. By 10:00, it reaches a moderate 4, but the real intensity kicks in around 11:00, peaking at a staggering 11 by 13:00. This two-hour stretch showcases the sun's strength, making it crucial for sun safety awareness. As the afternoon wanes, the UV Index starts to decline, falling back to 7 by 16:00 and settling at a gentle 3 by 18:00. With this data, remember to protect your skin during those peak hours to enjoy the sunny day safely!
| 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 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 17:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 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 |