Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in High Rock, Bahamas, a locale blessed with a tropical Am climate that offers ample sunshine year-round. With UV levels peaking between 11 AM and 3 PM, it's essential to be aware of potential sunburn risks and protect your skin from harmful rays. As the UV Index often reaches 12—which signals extreme exposure—monitoring UV levels is vital for maintaining skin health and preventing long-term damage. Stay informed about the UV Index to enjoy the beautiful beaches of High Rock safely while safeguarding your skin from the sun's powerful effects.
As the sun rises, the UV Index starts at a low 1 at 07:00, offering a safe environment for early risers. By 08:00, it edges up to 2, still remaining relatively mild. However, the tide begins to turn at 09:00 as it climbs to 3, marking the onset of more significant UV radiation. From 10:00 onward, the index surges dramatically, peaking at an intense 12 between 13:00 and 14:00—a critical window where sun protection becomes essential. After reaching its zenith, the UV levels begin a gradual decline, dropping to 10 at 15:00, and continuing to fall to just 1 by 19:00. This hourly data underscores the importance of vigilance during the midday hours when UV exposure is at its highest.
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 11:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 15:00 | 10 | 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, seasonal changes in UV exposure reflect significant shifts in the UV Index. From January to March, the UV Index rises from a high level of 6 to a very high 10, indicating a growing risk for skin damage. The months of April through September present the most critical danger, characterized by an extreme UV Index of 12, where the burn time diminishes to just 10 minutes. Following this peak, October sees a drop to 10 (very high), before conditions moderate in November and December, with indexes falling to 7 and 5, respectively. Visitors and residents are advised to take precautions during high-risk months, particularly from April to September. It is essential to limit sun exposure, wear protective clothing, apply sunscreen regularly, and seek shade to safeguard against skin damage during these periods of heightened UV intensity.
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 |
| High Rock | 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 |
| Nassau UVI | 6 | 9 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 13 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 10 | 8 | 6 |