Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Matthew Town, Bahamas is crucial for safeguarding your skin and overall health under the sun. The UV Index provides vital information about the strength of ultraviolet radiation, helping residents and visitors alike prevent sunburn and reduce the risk of long-term skin damage. With Matthew Town's tropical climate, UV levels can soar, particularly around midday, with a peak index of 13 at 1 PM, indicating a very high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. Staying informed about UV levels empowers you to take necessary precautions, ensuring that your time in this beautiful island paradise remains enjoyable and safe.
The UV Index undergoes a notable progression throughout the day, beginning at a gentle 1 at 07:00, before gradually rising to a moderate 2 by 08:00. As the sun ascends, the index climbs sharply, peaking at a dizzying 13 around 13:00—a clear indication that sun protection is essential during these hours. From this pinnacle, the UV Index begins its descent, tapering off to a 9 at 15:00 and finally dwindling to 1 by the evening hours of 18:00 and 19:00. With this data in mind, it's crucial to enjoy the outdoors safely, particularly between 11:00 and 14:00, when the sun's rays are at their most intense.
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 | 7 | high | 25 min |
11:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
12:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
13:00 | 13 | 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 |
The UV Index varies significantly throughout the year, with the highest levels occurring from March to October, where it consistently ranks within the extreme category at 12 or 13, requiring a burn time of just 10 minutes. February through October are notably high-risk months, making it essential for visitors and residents to take precautions during this period. Even though January, November, and December see a drop to a very high category (UV Index 8) with a longer burn time of 15 minutes, vigilance is still important. During the extreme months, it is highly advisable to seek shade, wear protective clothing, and apply broad-spectrum sunscreen to minimize the risk of sunburn and long-term skin damage. Stay informed and protected to enjoy the outdoors safely!
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 |
Matthew Town | 8 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 11 | 8 | 8 |