Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Duncan Town, Bahamas, where the tropical climate brings ample sunshine year-round. Awareness of UV levels helps protect against sunburn and promotes overall skin health, particularly during the high-risk hours from 10 AM to 4 PM, when the UV Index peaks at an intense 12. Given Duncan Town's warm, sunny weather, paying attention to these levels is essential to enjoy outdoor activities safely while safeguarding your skin. Stay informed and embrace the sun responsibly!
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 |
The UV Index experiences significant seasonal variations, peaking in the summer months. From March through October, the UV Index consistently falls within the extreme category, with values reaching up to 13 in July and August. High-risk months for UV exposure are thus identified as March to October, where the burn time is notably reduced to just 10 minutes. In contrast, January and February are categorized as very high, requiring only 15 minutes of exposure for potential sunburn. By November, the risk decreases slightly to 8, and December sees a further reduction to 7, with a longer burn time of 25 minutes. Visitors and residents are strongly advised to take precautions during high UV months, such as wearing protective clothing, using sunscreen, and seeking shade, particularly during peak sun hours, to minimize their risk of skin damage.
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 |
Duncan Town | 8 | 10 | 12 | 13 | 12 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 11 | 8 | 7 |