Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Spanish Wells, Bahamas is crucial for protecting your skin and maintaining optimal skin health. With consistently high UV levels—peaking at a staggering 12 during midday hours—awareness and preparation are key to avoiding sunburn and long-term skin damage. This tropical paradise boasts a climate that invites outdoor activities, but the intense sunshine also brings an increased risk of harmful UV exposure. Staying informed about daily UV levels empowers residents and visitors alike to enjoy the sun responsibly while safeguarding their skin from its potential dangers.
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 |
Throughout the year, UV Index levels fluctuate significantly, reaching their peak during the warmer months. From January to December, the high-risk months for UV exposure are February through September, where the index consistently falls within the very high to extreme categories. Particularly alarming are March, April, May, June, July, August, and September, with a persistent index of 11 or higher, resulting in a burn time as short as 10 minutes. To protect against skin damage, it is crucial for both visitors and residents to take preventive measures during these months, such as wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade, especially during midday hours when the sun's rays are strongest. As October to December approach, while the UV levels decrease, caution is still advised with burn times of 15 to 25 minutes in November and December. Always stay informed and protect your skin 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 UVI | 6 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Spanish Wells | 6 | 9 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 13 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Nassau UVI | 6 | 9 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 13 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 10 | 8 | 6 |