Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is essential for residents and visitors in Long Beach, a picturesque coastal city blessed with abundant sunshine. With typical UV levels peaking around 8 to 9 during midday, awareness of these readings can be a game changer for sunburn prevention and long-term skin health. In Long Beach's Mediterranean climate, the risk of UV exposure is heightened, especially during the summer months, making it crucial to stay informed. By keeping an eye on the UV Index, you can enjoy the beautiful outdoor lifestyle while protecting your skin from harmful rays.
At 07:00, the UV Index begins at a mild 1, perfect for a leisurely morning stroll. As the sun rises higher, it gradually climbs to 2 by 08:00 and reaches 3 at 09:00. The intensity really kicks in at 10:00, jumping to 5, and soars to its peak of 9 by 13:00. This high exposure continues through 14:00, making midday the most crucial time for sun protection. As the afternoon wanes, the index dips to 7 at 15:00, then continues to decline to 5 at 16:00 and settles back to 3 by 17:00. The evening brings relief with a return to 2 by 18:00 and finally drops to 1 at 19:00. Make sure to stay protected during those peak hours!
| 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 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 11:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 12:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 16:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 17:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, the UV Index varies significantly, highlighting important seasonal changes that affect both residents and visitors. January and December see the lowest UV levels (Index 2, low exposure), with a generous burn time of 45 minutes, making them relatively safer months. As the year progresses into spring, February (Index 3, moderate) and March (Index 5, moderate) indicate a gradual increase in UV exposure, requiring more cautious sun protection. Attention is crucial during the peak summer months of May, June, and July, where the UV Index reaches 9, categorizing them as very high, with burn times dropping to just 15 minutes. August and September also pose high risks (Indexes 8 and 7, respectively), making sun safety paramount. As autumn approaches, conditions moderate again in October and November, reverting to a moderate index, but precautions should still be taken. Those engaging in outdoor activities should be vigilant with sun protection, especially between May and September, to mitigate the risk of skin damage.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Long Beach | 2 | 3 | 5 | 6 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 5 | 3 | 2 |
| 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 |
| Houston UVI | 5 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 5 |