Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Cooper's Town, Bahamas is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health. High UV levels, particularly between 10 AM and 2 PM, can lead to sunburn and increase the risk of long-term skin damage, making it essential to stay informed. In this tropical climate, where sunshine is abundant, knowing the daily UV Index helps residents and visitors alike take necessary precautions. With peak UV readings often reaching as high as 12, being mindful of sun exposure can safeguard your skin while you enjoy the beautiful Bahamian outdoors.
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, the UV Index experiences significant seasonal fluctuations, with the most critical months for sun exposure being February to September. During this period, UV levels reach their peak, categorized as either very high or extreme, particularly between April and August where the index soars to 12 or higher. These months require extra precautions, as the burn times decrease dramatically to just 10 minutes in extreme conditions, underscoring the need for effective sun protection. For visitors and residents alike, it is crucial to prioritize sun safety measures, such as applying broad-spectrum sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak sunlight hours. The relatively lower UV levels in January, November, and December still warrant attention with high burn times of 25 minutes, making it important to remain vigilant year-round.
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 | 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 |