Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is essential for residents and visitors in Governor's Harbour, Bahamas, where year-round sunshine and tropical breezes present both delightful experiences and significant exposure risks. Knowing UV levels plays a crucial role in preventing painful sunburns and maintaining long-term skin health. With peak UV readings often reaching as high as 12 during midday, it's vital to be aware of when the sun's rays are most intense to safeguard your skin. The unique climate of Governor's Harbour brings a blend of warm temperatures and strong sunlight, so staying informed about the UV Index can help you enjoy this beautiful setting while minimizing your risk of UV-related harm.
During the early hours of the day, the UV Index starts off low at 1 at 7:00 AM, gradually rising as the sun climbs higher in the sky. By 10:00 AM, it reaches a moderate level of 6, with the intensity peaking at 12 from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM—the time when sun protection is crucial. As the afternoon unfolds, the UV levels taper off, hitting 9 at 3:00 PM before steadily declining to 1 by 7:00 PM. This data underscores the importance of staying mindful of sun exposure, especially during the peak hours when the UV Index is at its highest.
| 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 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 15:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 16:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 17:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, seasonal UV exposure varies significantly, with the highest risk occurring from March to September when the UV Index consistently remains in the extreme category (11-12). During these months, the burn time is notably short, at just 10 minutes, meaning that protective measures are crucial. February also marks a high-risk month with a very high UV Index of 9 and a burn time of 15 minutes. As the seasons change, UV exposure decreases, with October and November presenting very high conditions (8-10) but longer burn times of 15 minutes. By December and January, the UV Index falls to 6-7 and the burn time increases to 25 minutes. Visitors and residents should take precautions, such as wearing sunscreen and protective clothing, especially during the high-risk months to prevent harmful UV exposure.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| West End UVI | 6 | 9 | 10 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 7 | 5 |
| Freeport UVI | 6 | 9 | 10 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Lucaya UVI | 6 | 9 | 10 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Cooper's Town UVI | 6 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Governor's Harbour | 7 | 9 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Nassau UVI | 6 | 9 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 13 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 10 | 8 | 6 |