Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in George Town, Bahamas, where the sunny climate lends itself to high UV exposure throughout the year. Awareness of UV levels helps prevent sunburn and protects skin health, allowing you to enjoy the beautiful beaches and outdoor activities without the painful consequences of overexposure. With UV Index peaks often reaching levels as high as 12 during midday, it’s essential to be informed about when to seek shade and apply sunscreen to safeguard against harmful ultraviolet rays. Embrace the sun, but do so wisely!
The UV Index today presents a clear trajectory of increasing intensity as the morning progresses, reaching its peak of 12 at 1:00 PM. Starting from a gentle 1 at 7:00 AM, the index escalates swiftly, hitting 6 by 10:00 AM and soaring to 9 by 11:00 AM. As the sun reaches its zenith, the index ticks up to a scorching 11 at 12:00 PM, before slightly receding to 9 at 3:00 PM. The afternoon transition shows a gradual decline as it drops to 6 by 4:00 PM, and the day winds down towards evening with values falling back to 1 by 7:00 PM. It's vital to take necessary precautions during the peak hours, especially between 12 PM and 2 PM, to safeguard against overexposure.
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 | 11 | 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, the UV Index exhibits significant seasonal changes, peaking during the summer months. High-risk months for UV exposure include March through September, where the UV Index reaches extreme levels of 12, resulting in a burn time as short as 10 minutes. February and October are also noteworthy, with UV Index ratings of 10 and burn times of 15 minutes. Residents and visitors are advised to take precautions during these high-risk months, such as wearing protective clothing, using broad-spectrum sunscreen, and seeking shade, especially during midday hours when UV radiation is at its peak. Remember, even on cloudy days, UV rays can penetrate and cause skin damage, so staying vigilant year-round is essential for skin health.
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 |
Nassau UVI | 6 | 9 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 13 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 10 | 8 | 6 |
George Town | 7 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 10 | 8 | 7 |