Last updated: July 2, 2025
In Hard Bargain, Bahamas, understanding the UV Index is vital for protecting your skin and overall health. With the sun reaching its peak intensity during the midday hours, knowing the UV levels can help you prevent harmful sunburn and long-term skin damage. The tropical climate here, characterized by high UV exposure, poses greater risks—especially between 10 AM and 2 PM when the index can soar to 12. By staying informed about daily UV ratings, residents and visitors can enjoy the beautiful Bahamian sunlight while safeguarding their skin.
From 7:00 AM to 8:00 AM, the UV Index remains low at 1, providing a gentle start to the day. However, as the sun climbs higher, the intensity picks up significantly. By 9:00 AM, it reaches a moderate 3, and by 10:00 AM, it has surged to 6, signaling the need for sun protection. The peak occurs between 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM, with the UV Index hitting a blistering 12, the highest reading of the day. After this zenith, there’s a gradual decline; it drops to 9 by 3:00 PM, and by 6:00 PM, it falls to 2 as the sun begins to set. As the day winds down, UV levels decrease back to 1 by 7:00 PM. This data highlights the critical hours for sun exposure, emphasizing the importance of protective measures during the midday peak.
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 1 | 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 | 9 | 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, UV index levels exhibit significant seasonal variation, with the highest values occurring from March to September, where the index reaches an extreme level of 12. The high-risk months for UV exposure are February to September, particularly the peak months of March, April, May, June, July, and August. During these months, the recommended burn time is as short as 10 minutes, necessitating protective measures. Visitors and residents are strongly advised to limit sun exposure during peak hours, wear broad-spectrum sunscreen, and don protective clothing to mitigate the risk of skin damage. As the year progresses into October, the UV index begins to drop, suggesting a moderate level of risk, but caution should still be observed in the high-risk months of winter, such as January, November, and December, where the index still presents a high category.
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 |
| Hard Bargain | 6 | 9 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Nassau UVI | 6 | 9 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 13 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 10 | 8 | 6 |