Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of Duncan Town, Bahamas, where the sun's intensity can be remarkably high. Awareness of UV levels helps in preventing sunburn and protecting overall skin health. With a tropical climate characterized by strong sunlight, Duncan Town experiences significant UV exposure, peaking at a level of 12 around noon. This underscores the importance of monitoring UV Index readings throughout the day, so you can enjoy the beautiful Bahamian sun while safeguarding your skin from potential damage.
At dawn, the UV Index begins its day at a modest 1 at 07:00, signaling a low risk for sun exposure. As the sun climbs higher, the index rises steadily, reaching 2 by 08:00 and 3 at 09:00. The peak occurs around 12:00, where it soars to an impressive 12, indicating a very high risk for harm from unprotected sun exposure. The intensity slightly decreases in the afternoon, with readings of 13 at 13:00 and tapering to 9 by 15:00. As evening approaches, the UV levels drop, returning to 1 by 18:00 and 19:00. It's essential to stay protected during those peak hours from 11:00 to 15:00 when the UV Index is at its highest.
Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
---|---|---|---|
07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
08:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
09:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
10:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
11:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
12:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
13:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
14:00 | 12 | 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 |