Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of Sidi Bou Othmane, Morocco, where the climate can lead to high levels of solar radiation, especially during the summer months. Awareness of UV levels helps in preventing sunburn and protecting skin health, allowing you to enjoy the sunny days safely. With typical midday readings peaking at 11 or 12 on the UV scale, the risk of harmful effects from ultraviolet rays increases significantly. As you explore this vibrant locale, keeping a close eye on the UV Index will empower you to take necessary precautions and ensure your outdoor activities are enjoyable and sun-safe.
The UV Index starts off gentle in the early hours, peaking at 1 at 07:00 and remaining low at 08:00. As the sun climbs higher, the intensity increases, reaching 3 by 09:00 and hitting a more noticeable 5 at 10:00. The midday sun becomes increasingly fierce, soaring to 8 by 11:00, then reaching its blistering maximum of 12 at 12:00 and 13:00. Even as the afternoon unfolds, the UV Index remains high at 11 and 12 until 15:00, before gradually tapering off to 8 at 16:00. As dusk approaches, the levels decline, settling back to 3 by 18:00 and returning to a safe 1 by 19:00. It's vital to protect your skin during those peak hours, especially between 11:00 and 15:00!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 11:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 15:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 16:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 17:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, the UV Index exhibits noticeable seasonal variations, with the highest risk months being from April to August. During these months, the UV Index reaches extreme levels (11-12), leading to a burn time as short as 10 minutes. Specifically, May and June represent peak UV exposure, warranting extra caution. As spring transitions into summer, the UV Index dramatically increases, climbing to 10 in April and peaking at 12 in June. Conversely, during the fall and winter months, the UV Index decreases significantly, dropping to moderate levels (4-6), allowing for longer safe exposure times of 30 minutes in January and December. Visitors and residents are advised to take precautions during high-risk months, such as applying broad-spectrum sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade, especially between 10 AM and 4 PM when UV radiation is strongest.
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 |
| Sidi Bou Othmane | 4 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 8 | 6 | 5 |
| Marrakesh UVI | 4 | 6 | 9 | 10 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 8 | 6 | 5 |