Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Long Beach, United States, where the sun shines bright throughout the year in a Cfa climate zone. Being aware of UV levels not only aids in preventing sunburn but also plays a vital role in maintaining long-term skin health. With the UV Index frequently peaking at 11 between noon and 1 PM, it’s essential to be prepared for heightened exposure risks during the day. Stay informed and protect your skin while enjoying the beautiful beaches and outdoor activities that Long Beach has to offer!
At dawn, the UV Index starts at a gentle 1 by 07:00, indicating minimal exposure risk. As the sun climbs higher, the intensity rises sharply, reaching a maximum of 11 between 12:00 and 13:00—a time when protective measures are crucial. The peak UV Index highlights the importance of sun safety, as conditions can be particularly harsh. The afternoon sees a gradual decline, dipping to 8 by 15:00 and further decreasing to 3 by 17:00. As evening approaches, the index wanes to a mellow 1 by 19:00, suggesting a return to safer exposure levels. Keep in mind that tracking the UV Index throughout the day can help protect your skin from harmful rays!
| 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 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 11:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 8 | 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 |
Throughout the year, UV levels fluctuate, with high-risk months primarily falling between February and August. Notably, April to July feature an extreme UV Index of 11 to 12, necessitating precautions to limit sun exposure to just 10 minutes during peak hours. February and March present significant risks as well, with very high UV levels of 8 and 9, leading to burn times of only 15 minutes. To safeguard your skin, residents and visitors are advised to minimize exposure during peak sun hours, wear protective clothing, and use broad-spectrum sunscreen. As the year progresses, November and December offer lower UV levels, classified as high and moderate, respectively, allowing for longer safe exposure times of 25 to 30 minutes.
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 |
| Long Beach | 5 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 8 | 6 | 4 |
| Houston UVI | 5 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 5 |