Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of Sidi Rahhal, Morocco, particularly as this coastal town experiences a BSh climate, characterized by hot summers and mild winters. Awareness of UV levels is essential not only for preventing painful sunburns but also for protecting long-term skin health. The daily UV Index can peak as high as 13, especially during midday hours, indicating a high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. By keeping track of the UV Index, you can enjoy Sidi Rahhal’s beautiful beaches while taking timely precautions to safeguard your skin from potential UV damage.
The UV Index throughout the day reveals a striking pattern of increased solar intensity. Starting off at a mild 1 at 07:00 and 08:00, the risk begins to rise steadily, reaching a moderate 3 by 09:00. As the sun climbs higher, the index hits 5 at 10:00, escalating to a peak of 13 between 13:00 and 14:00—a point where caution is advised for outdoor activities. Fortunately, as the day transitions towards evening, the UV levels start to decline, dropping to 8 at 16:00 and further down to 1 by 19:00. This data emphasizes the need for sun protection during the midday hours, especially when the UV Index surges to its highest levels.
| 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 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 13 | 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 |
As the seasons change, so too does the UV Index, which indicates the risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. From January to March, the UV Index rises from a moderate 4 to a very high 9, with burn times decreasing sharply, signaling the approach of higher sun exposure risks. April sees the Index reach 10, followed by an extreme high of 12 in May and August, where visitors and residents should take strong precautions to protect their skin. June holds the highest level at 13, with only 10 minutes to burn, indicating the peak of risk. The threat remains intense through September with an 11, but begins to taper off into the fall with October at 8, returning to high levels in November and moderate in December. Thus, it's crucial for individuals to remain vigilant, especially from March to September, adopting sun safety measures such as wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak hours.
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 UVI | 4 | 6 | 9 | 10 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 8 | 6 | 5 |
| Sidi Rahhal | 4 | 6 | 9 | 10 | 12 | 13 | 11 | 12 | 11 | 8 | 6 | 5 |