Do I need to worry about the sun / how strong is it in Morocco?

Do not underestimate the Moroccan sun — it is genuinely strong, and I see sunburn far too often, usually on people who thought "it’s only spring" or "it doesn’t feel that hot." The country sits at a southerly latitude with clear skies for much of the year, so UV is high even when the air temperature is pleasant. The two places it really bites are the Sahara and the High Atlas: in the desert the dry air and pale sand reflect sunlight straight back up at you, and at altitude the thinner atmosphere filters out far less UV, so a breezy, comfortable mountain afternoon can leave you scarlet.

The deceptive part is exactly that mismatch between heat and burn. On the dunes a steady wind keeps you feeling cool while the UV quietly cooks you; up at Imlil or Oukaimeden the cold air masks how exposed you are; and even on a mild winter day a few hours of clear-sky exposure adds up. People let their guard down precisely when it is not blazing hot, and that is when they get caught. Treat sun protection as a constant, not a high-summer-only ritual.

The defences are simple and non-negotiable in my book. Use a high-factor sunscreen — SPF 30 as a minimum, SPF 50 for the desert, kids and fair skin — and actually reapply it, especially after sweating. Wear a wide-brimmed hat (the locals wrap a scarf or cheche for good reason, and it works), proper UV sunglasses, and lightweight long sleeves rather than relying on cream alone for full days outdoors. A scarf or shawl is the most useful single item you can pack for both sun and dust.

Beyond clothing, manage your timing and your water together, because sun and dehydration go hand in hand here. Do your serious walking, exploring and camel rides in the cooler morning and late afternoon, and take it easy in the shade through the harshest hours, roughly noon to 4pm — this is why everything quietens down at midday. Lips, the back of the neck and ears are the spots people forget. Pack sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses before you arrive, since good options can be pricier and patchier to find locally.