Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of Oued Laou, Morocco, as it helps in safeguarding skin health and preventing sunburn. Oued Laou, with its Mediterranean climate characterized by hot, dry summers, exposes individuals to varying levels of UV radiation throughout the day. Awareness of these UV levels is essential, especially during peak hours when the index can soar to a maximum of 11—indicating an extreme risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. By keeping a close eye on the UV Index, you can enjoy the beautiful Moroccan sun while effectively protecting your skin from potential damage.
During the day, the UV Index exhibits a striking pattern as it peaks in the late morning and early afternoon. Starting from a modest value of 1 at 07:00, the index gradually climbs, reaching 3 by 09:00. Expect a sharp increase around 10:00, when it soars to 5, and it doesn't stop there; by noon, it hits an impressive 10. The highest point of the day occurs at 13:00, with a peak of 11, indicating a critical time for sun exposure. As the afternoon progresses, the index begins to decline, falling to 10 at 14:00 and tapering off to 9 at 15:00. By evening, the UV Index diminishes steadily, finishing the day back at 1 by 19:00. This data emphasizes the importance of protective measures during the high noon hours when UV levels are at their most intense.
| 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 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 12:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 16:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 17:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, the UV Index experiences significant seasonal changes, with January and December presenting the lowest levels (UV Index 3) and the summer months of June and July reaching peak levels (UV Index 11), categorized as extreme. April and May also have very high readings (UV Index 9-10), indicating a gradual increase in risk as spring progresses into summer. March, August, and September maintain a high risk for UV exposure (UV Index 7-9). Visitors and residents are advised to take precautions from March through October, especially during the extreme months of June and July, by seeking shade, wearing protective clothing, and applying sunscreen regularly, as burn times decrease significantly to as little as 10 minutes during peak UV periods.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oued Laou | 3 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 5 | 3 |
| 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 |