Last updated: July 2, 2025
In the vibrant city of Marrakesh, Morocco, understanding the UV Index is crucial for preserving your skin health and preventing sunburn. With its BSh climate, Marrakesh experiences high UV levels, particularly during the midday sun, peaking at 11 from 1 PM to 2 PM. Awareness of these UV levels can empower residents and visitors alike to take proactive measures when enjoying outdoor activities, ensuring a safer and more enjoyable experience under the sun.
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins its ascent, starting at a gentle 1 at 07:00 and 08:00. By 09:00, it registers a noticeable 2, but the real intensity kicks in at 10:00 with a jump to 5. The peak arrives between 12:00 and 14:00, where the index soars to a striking 10 and 11 respectively, reminding us to seek shade and protect our skin. Following this midday zenith, the index begins to decline, dropping to 7 by 16:00, and gradually tapering off towards 5 at 17:00. As evening approaches, the UV levels ease back to 2 at 18:00 and a mellow 1 by 19:00, signaling the end of the day’s sun-soaked intensity.
| 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 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 11:00 | 7 | high | 25 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 |
The UV Index experiences significant seasonal changes, peaking from March through August, where it reaches extreme levels. Specifically, May and June record the highest UV Index of 12, indicating a critical risk for skin damage with a burn time of just 10 minutes. July and August also maintain a high UV Index of 11. In contrast, the fall and winter months see a decline, with January and December reflecting a moderate UV Index of 4 and 5, respectively, allowing for longer exposure times of 30 minutes. Given these variations, it is crucial for visitors and residents to take precautions during high-risk months (March to October), including seeking shade, wearing protective clothing, and applying sunscreen regularly to prevent harmful 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 |
| Marrakesh | 4 | 6 | 9 | 10 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 8 | 6 | 5 |