Last updated: January 18, 2025
The climate of Harbour Island, Bahamas, is characterized by a distinct Köppen-Geiger classification of As, indicating a tropical climate with dry winters. The temperature ranges from a minimum of 16°C (61°F) in January, rising to an average of 25°C (78°F) throughout the year, and peaking at a maximum of 30°C (86°F) in September. This appealing climatic profile, with its mild winters and warm summers, makes Harbour Island an attractive destination for visitors seeking a tropical getaway.
In Harbour Island, Bahamas, temperature patterns reveal a moderate tropical climate with noticeable seasonal variations. The year begins with cooler months from January to March, where minimum temperatures gradually increase from 16°C (61°F) in January to 18°C (65°F) by March. As spring approaches in April, temperatures begin to warm, peaking during the summer months of June through August, when daily maximums reach up to 30°C (86°F). This summer warmth is complemented by consistently higher average temperatures, hovering around 28°C (83°F) during these months. The transitional months of October and November witness a gradual cooling, yet still maintain pleasant averages of about 25-27°C (78-81°F), while December brings the temperatures full circle back to the cooler range, emphasizing the island's appealing year-round climate.
Dunmore Town experiences a climate characterized by mild winter temperatures, with a minimum of 16°C (61°F) in January, and warm summer highs, reaching up to 30°C (86°F) in September. For more detailed information on the monthly temperatures in Dunmore Town, refer to the link: monthly temperatures in Dunmore Town.
Harbour Island, Bahamas experiences a diverse pattern of precipitation throughout the year, characterized by a distinct wet and dry season. The winter months of January through March receive relatively low rainfall, with January recording 48 mm (1.9 in) and decreasing to 25 mm (1.0 in) by March. As spring transitions into summer, precipitation begins to rise significantly, particularly in May when it peaks at 116 mm (4.6 in), indicating the onset of the wet season. This season continues into the summer, with rain becoming increasingly frequent; for instance, June and July report 87 mm (3.4 in) and 107 mm (4.2 in), respectively.
The peak of the wet season occurs in September, where rainfall skyrockets to 175 mm (6.9 in) over an average of 19 days of rain, making it the wettest month of the year. Following this, October still experiences substantial precipitation at 131 mm (5.2 in) over 18 days. As the year draws to a close, the rainfall diminishes with November recording 83 mm (3.3 in) and December further dropping to 42 mm (1.7 in). This cyclical pattern of precipitation not only defines the climate but also significantly influences the lush landscape and vibrant ecosystems of Harbour Island.
In Harbour Island, Bahamas, the sunshine duration exhibits a pronounced yearly pattern, with a steady increase from winter to summer. Starting in January with 214 hours of sunlight, the days gradually lengthen through February (281 hours) and March (327 hours). By April, sunshine hours reach 337, and as spring progresses into late spring and early summer, May shines with 341 hours. This rising trend continues into the summer months, peaking in July with an impressive 357 hours, offering visitors ample sunlight to enjoy the island's picturesque beaches.
As summer transitions to fall, the sunshine duration remains substantial but begins to taper off slightly, with August at 350 hours and September dropping to 313 hours. October and November continue the downward trend with 311 hours and 281 hours, respectively, marking the return of shorter daylight hours. By December, the island experiences 281 hours, signifying a close to the year that still offers a healthy amount of sunshine despite the cooler winter months. Overall, Harbour Island clearly favors sun-seekers, particularly during the summer months, while still providing a generally sunny climate throughout the year.
The UV Index in Harbour Island, Bahamas, demonstrates a significant seasonal variation, emphasizing the importance of sun protection throughout the year. In January, the UV Index stands at 6, categorized as high with a burn time of 25 minutes. As winter gives way to spring, the UV levels rise notably, peaking in March at an extreme index of 11, where the burn time decreases to just 10 minutes. April and May maintain this extreme rating of 12, illustrating the increased potential for sunburn and the necessity for adequate sun protection during these months.
As summer approaches, the UV Index reaches its zenith in June with a remarkable 13, further underscoring the extreme conditions of the Bahamian sun. The index remains elevated throughout the summer months of July and August, with values stabilizing at 12. Although there is a slight decline in September to 11, the extreme conditions persist into the fall. By October and November, the UV Index drops to 10 and 8 respectively, though still classified as very high. The year wraps up with December reverting to a high index of 6, suggesting that while sunshine is abundant year-round, vigilance with sun protection is crucial, particularly from late winter through early autumn.
UV Risk Categories
In Harbour Island, Bahamas, daylight duration exhibits a clear seasonal trend, with variations that reflect the transition from winter to summer. January begins with about 10 hours of daylight, gradually increasing to 11 hours in February. By March, the days extend further to 12 hours, signaling the arrival of spring. This trend continues into April, where daylight remains steady at 12 hours, before peaking in May as the island enjoys 13 hours of sunlight per day. June through July sustain this optimal exposure, boasting the longest days of the year, which encourages outdoor activities and gatherings.
As summer transitions to fall, daylight hours begin to taper, dropping back to 12 hours in August and September. The decline continues into October, marking a decrease to 11 hours, and further into winter months with November and December both returning to 10 hours of daylight. This cyclical pattern not only enhances the island's appeal as a year-round destination but also encourages visitors to take full advantage of the abundant sunshine, particularly during the extended daylight months of late spring and summer.
Dunmore Town, Bahamas, experiences a tropical climate characterized by warm temperatures year-round. Average highs range from 23°C (73°F) in January to about 30°C (86°F) in the summer months of July and August. Rainfall is higher in late spring and early fall, peaking in September at 175 mm (6.9 in), while sunshine is abundant, especially during the spring and summer, with July seeing up to 357 hours of sunshine. This pleasant climate makes Dunmore Town a desirable destination year-round. For more detailed information, visit Dunmore Town climate.
In conclusion, Harbour Island, Bahamas, offers a captivating climate characterized by its warm temperatures, abundant sunshine, and varied precipitation patterns throughout the year. With a distinct increase in sunshine duration and elevated UV Index during the summer months, visitors are encouraged to embrace outdoor activities while remaining mindful of sun protection. The seasonal shifts in daylight duration further enhance the island’s appeal by providing optimal opportunities for exploration and leisure. Overall, Harbour Island stands out as an attractive destination for those seeking a tropical paradise with vibrant natural beauty and a climate that fosters year-round enjoyment.