Morocco UV Index by Month & Region: Sun Safety Data Guide
Morocco receives between 2,800 and 3,200 hours of sunshine per year — among the highest totals in the Mediterranean basin. That much sun means ultraviolet (UV) radiation reaches levels that demand attention, especially between April and September when midday UV index values regularly exceed 10 (Very High) in southern and inland cities.
This guide breaks down the UV index by month for Morocco's main cities and explains what those numbers mean for daily sun safety.
The UV index is a standardized scale from 0 to 11+ developed by the WHO. A reading of 0 means no UV danger; 11+ means "Extreme" — unprotected skin can burn in under 10 minutes.
What the UV Index Numbers Mean
| UV Index | Level | Burn Time (Fair Skin) | Protection Needed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0–2 | Low | 60+ minutes | Minimal protection needed for most people |
| 3–5 | Moderate | 30–45 minutes | Wear SPF 30+, hat and sunglasses |
| 6–7 | High | 15–25 minutes | SPF 30+, hat, sunglasses, seek shade midday |
| 8–10 | Very High | 10–15 minutes | SPF 50+, full coverage, avoid midday sun |
| 11+ | Extreme | Under 10 minutes | Maximum protection — stay indoors 11 AM–3 PM if possible |
Monthly UV Index: 8 Moroccan Cities
Estimated maximum daily UV index at solar noon, based on clear-sky conditions and latitude/elevation. Cloud cover, dust haze and pollution typically reduce these values by 1–3 points in practice.
| Month | Tangier | Rabat | Casablanca | Fes | Marrakech | Agadir | Oujda | Errachidia |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 4 |
| Feb | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Mar | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 8 |
| Apr | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 10 |
| May | 9 | 9 | 9 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 11 |
| Jun | 10 | 10 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 11+ |
| Jul | 10 | 10 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 11+ |
| Aug | 10 | 10 | 9 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 11+ |
| Sep | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 10 |
| Oct | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 7 |
| Nov | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 4 |
| Dec | 2 | 2 | 2 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 2 | 3 |
Errachidia, Oujda and Marrakech regularly reach UV index 11+ from May through August. At these levels, unprotected fair skin can burn in under 10 minutes. This is as intense as equatorial sun exposure.
Why UV Varies Across Morocco
Two factors explain the differences between cities:
Latitude
Morocco spans from 36°N (Tangier) to 31°N (the Sahara border). The sun is higher in the sky at lower latitudes, delivering more concentrated UV per unit area. Marrakech (31.6°N) receives roughly 20% more peak UV than Tangier (35.8°N) at the same time of year.
Altitude
UV intensity increases by roughly 6–8% per 1,000 meters of elevation due to thinner atmosphere. Fes sits at 410 m, Marrakech at 466 m — modest differences. But mountain passes in the High Atlas (above 2,200 m) can receive UV that is 15–20% stronger than at sea level on the same day.
If you're hiking in the Atlas Mountains, apply SPF 50+ and reapply every 90 minutes — even on overcast days. UV passes through cloud cover and is amplified at altitude.
Seasonal UV Patterns
Winter (December–February): Moderate
UV index stays in the 2–5 range across most of Morocco. Sunburn is unlikely for locals but possible for fair-skinned visitors spending extended time outdoors. SPF 30 is sufficient for most activities.
Spring (March–May): Rapid Increase
UV index climbs sharply as the solar angle increases. March sees values of 6–8; by May, most cities are at 9–11. This is the season when people often get caught out — the air feels pleasant but UV is already at summer levels.
Summer (June–August): Extreme
Peak UV season. Nearly every city in Morocco reaches UV index 10 or higher at solar noon. Errachidia and Oujda hit 11+ — the maximum on the standard scale. Protection is essential between 10 AM and 4 PM.
Autumn (September–November): Fast Decline
UV drops as quickly as it rose in spring. September still sees Very High values (8–10), but by November readings are back in the Moderate range (3–5).
UV and Heat: Different Things
An important distinction: UV index measures radiation, not temperature. You can get a severe sunburn on a cool, windy day at altitude. On the other hand, Saharan dust haze blocks UV — so the hottest days are not always the most UV-dangerous. For an explanation of how Saharan dust affects air quality, see Understanding Morocco's Air Quality Index.
For more on how extreme heat works in Morocco, see Breaking Point: Morocco's Escalating Heatwaves.
Practical Sun Protection for Morocco
- SPF 50+ sunscreen from April through September (SPF 30+ the rest of the year)
- Wide-brimmed hat and UV-blocking sunglasses (look for CE or UV400 rating)
- Seek shade between 11 AM and 3 PM during summer
- Cover up — long sleeves and lightweight fabrics block more UV than sunscreen
- Reapply sunscreen every 2 hours, or after swimming/sweating
- Check the UV forecast on our weather page before planning outdoor activities
Key Takeaways
- Morocco's UV index reaches 11+ (Extreme) in southern cities from May to August
- Errachidia and Oujda have the highest UV exposure due to low latitude and clear skies
- Altitude amplifies UV by 6–8% per 1,000 m — critical for Atlas trekkers
- UV and temperature are independent — cool days can still mean high UV
- Apply SPF 50+ in summer, reapply every 2 hours
Sources
- WHO — Global Solar UV Index: A Practical Guide
- NASA — Total Ozone Mapping Spectrometer (TOMS) UV climatology
- Open-Meteo — UV index forecast data for Morocco
- Royal Moroccan Meteorological Service (DGM) — UV bulletins
