Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Smimou, Morocco, where the warm, arid climate (BSk) often results in heightened sun exposure risks. As UV levels can soar to dangerous heights—peaking at 12 during midday—being aware of these values is essential for preventing sunburn and protecting your skin health. Regularly monitoring the UV Index helps you plan safe outdoor activities, ensuring you can enjoy Smimou's beautiful landscapes while staying safe from harmful UV radiation.
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins its ascent, starting at a gentle 1 by 07:00. By 08:00, it nudges up to 2, but it's between 09:00 and 14:00 where the intensity peaks, reaching a startling high of 12. This midday surge emphasizes the need for precautions as the sun’s rays are at their strongest. The index gradually declines in the afternoon, dipping to 10 at 15:00, and further to 8 by 16:00. As evening approaches, the UV threat lessens significantly, dropping to 3 at 18:00 and returning to a safe 1 by 19:00. Stay safe and shield yourself during those critical peak hours!
| 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 | 6 | 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 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 15:00 | 10 | very high | 15 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 |
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 |
| Smimou | 4 | 6 | 9 | 10 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 8 | 6 | 5 |
| Marrakesh UVI | 4 | 6 | 9 | 10 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 8 | 6 | 5 |