Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Safi, Morocco, particularly given the region’s semi-arid climate. With UV levels peaking between late morning and mid-afternoon, awareness of these readings is essential for preventing sunburn and promoting skin health. As Safi experiences elevated UV exposure, reaching a maximum of 11 during the hottest hours, it becomes increasingly important to take proactive measures to protect your skin. By staying informed about the UV Index, you can enjoy the beautiful Moroccan sun while minimizing risks associated with excessive UV radiation.
As the sun rises, the UV Index starts off mild, peaking at 1 at both 7:00 AM and 8:00 AM. However, by 9:00 AM, it jumps to 2, signaling the beginning of stronger sunlight. 10:00 AM marks a significant increase, reaching 4, and by 11:00 AM, it escalates rapidly to 7. The sun is at its zenith by 12:00 PM, with the index soaring to 9, and it reaches its maximum level of 11 at 2:00 PM—a crucial time for sun safety. As afternoon progresses, the UV Index begins to decline, dropping to 9 at 3:00 PM, then to 7 by 4:00 PM, and continuing down to 2 by 6:00 PM. Finally, as dusk approaches, it settles back at a safe 1 around 7:00 PM. Staying protected during those peak hours, especially between 11 AM and 2 PM, is essential!
| 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 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 15:00 | 9 | 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 |
As the UV Index fluctuates throughout the year, residents and visitors should be particularly cautious during the high-risk months of March through August, when the UV Index reaches very high to extreme levels. In these months, the burn time decreases significantly to just 10-15 minutes. Specifically, May through August shows a consistent UV Index of 11, indicating extreme risk. Conversely, from January to February and in November to December, the UV Index is at a more moderate level (4-5), allowing for longer exposure times of 30 minutes. It is advisable to take protective measures such as wearing sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses, especially during midday hours when UV radiation is strongest. By staying informed and prepared, individuals can enjoy their time outdoors while minimizing the risk of UV-related health issues.
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 |
| Safi | 4 | 5 | 8 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 7 | 5 | 4 |
| Marrakesh UVI | 4 | 6 | 9 | 10 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 8 | 6 | 5 |