Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of Big Bear City, as it provides essential information about harmful ultraviolet radiation levels. With typical peaks in the late morning and early afternoon hours—reaching a staggering UV Index of 13—being informed can help prevent sunburn and protect skin health. The Csb climate in Big Bear City means plenty of sunny days, making awareness of UV exposure risks even more vital. By staying updated on UV levels, you can enjoy the great outdoors while safeguarding your skin from the sun's damaging effects.
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins its ascent, starting at a mild 1 by 7:00 AM, which quickly gets attention as it climbs to 2 by 8:00 AM. The real intensity kicks in by 9:00 AM with a noticeable 5, signaling a vibrant day ahead. The peak occurs between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM, reaching an impressive 12 at noon and peaking at 13 by 1:00 PM—a strong reminder to seek shade and apply sunscreen. As the afternoon progresses, values dip gradually to 6 by 4:00 PM, then toward a gentle 3 at 5:00 PM, and finally receding to 1 by 7:00 PM, marking the end of a sun-drenched day. Keep this UV data in mind to enjoy the sun responsibly!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 11:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 12:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 13 | 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 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
As the seasons change, so does the UV Index, with significant fluctuations throughout the year. January and December see moderate UV levels (4), allowing for a burn time of approximately 30 minutes. However, by February, the UV Index rises to 7, marking the start of high risk, with increased sensitivity to sun exposure (burn time of 25 minutes). The peak risk months are from March to August, when the UV Index soars to extreme levels (up to 13 in July), resulting in drastically reduced burn times (as low as 10 minutes). Come September, the risk remains high before tapering off in October with a UV Index of 8, allowing for 15 minutes of exposure. To stay safe, visitors and residents alike should be vigilant, especially during the high-risk months of March through August, by seeking shade, wearing protective clothing, and applying sunscreen regularly.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chicago UVI | 3 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 6 | 4 | 2 |
| Brooklyn UVI | 3 | 5 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 6 | 4 | 2 |
| New York City UVI | 3 | 5 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 6 | 4 | 2 |
| Los Angeles UVI | 4 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 10 | 7 | 5 | 4 |
| Big Bear City | 4 | 7 | 9 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 13 | 11 | 11 | 8 | 6 | 4 |
| Houston UVI | 5 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 5 |