Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Marrakesh, Morocco is essential for anyone looking to enjoy the sun safely. With its BSh climate, Marrakesh often experiences high UV levels, especially during peak hours, which can pose significant risks such as sunburn and long-term skin damage. Awareness of these UV levels not only helps in preventing painful sunburns, but also plays a critical role in maintaining overall skin health. From a midday peak of 12 to a tapering off in the afternoon, grasping the implications of these readings can empower residents and visitors alike to take appropriate precautions and make the most of their time in this vibrant city.
The UV Index throughout the day presents a dynamic picture of sun exposure. Starting off gently at 1 by 07:00, the index begins to climb steadily, reaching 4 by 09:00. As the sun rises higher, the intensity peaks dramatically at 12 between 13:00 and 14:00, marking the highest risk for sunburn. Following this zenith, the index gradually declines, dropping to 10 at 15:00, and further easing to 2 by 18:00. Finally, the evening sees a return to safer levels, settling at 1 by 19:00. It’s clear: the midday hours are when the sun’s rays are strongest, so staying protected is key!
| 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 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 11:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 15:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 16:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 17:00 | 4 | 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 |