Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of Sidi Bou Othmane, Morocco, where the sunny BSh climate brings strong UV exposure throughout the year. As UV levels can soar to 12 during peak hours, knowing how to protect your skin is vital for preventing sunburn and maintaining long-term skin health. With the sun reaching its zenith between 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM, awareness of the UV Index empowers you to enjoy the beautiful outdoors while safeguarding yourself against harmful rays. Stay informed, stay safe, and embrace the vibrant sunlit lifestyle that Sidi Bou Othmane offers!
The UV Index values throughout the day reveal an interesting shift in sun intensity. Starting at a low 1 at 07:00, the index gradually climbs, reaching tenacious peaks by 12:00 with a remarkable 10 before hitting its highest point of 12 at 13:00. This indicates the strongest solar radiation, urging sun safety during these hours. As the afternoon progresses, the index begins to decline, tapering off to 7 by 16:00 and lowering further to 1 by 19:00. Such fluctuations underscore the importance of protective measures during midday, ensuring you enjoy the sunshine safely while staying mindful of the high UV levels.
| 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 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 2 | low | 45 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 |