UV Index in Long Beach, United States

Last updated: June 2, 2025

Understanding the UV Index in Long Beach, California is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health. With its Mediterranean climate, residents and visitors alike can experience significant UV exposure, especially during midday hours when the index peaks at 9—a level that poses a high risk for sunburn and long-term skin damage. By staying informed about the UV levels throughout the day, you can take proactive steps to safeguard against harmful effects of the sun, ensuring that your time outdoors is both enjoyable and safe. Whether you're hitting the beach or enjoying outdoor activities, being UV-aware in Long Beach is essential for maintaining your skin health and enhancing your sun safety practices.

Hourly UV Index in Long Beach

As the sun rises, the UV Index begins its ascent, starting at a gentle 1 at 07:00. By 08:00, it climbs to 2, indicating a mild increase in UV exposure. The real peak arrives at 12:00, where the index reaches a striking 9, underscoring the importance of sun protection during these hours. This high level remains steady until 14:00, followed by a gradual descent as the afternoon wanes: 8 at 15:00, 6 at 16:00, and continuing down to 2 at 18:00. As evening approaches, the UV Index drops to a soft 1 by 19:00, signaling a gentle close to the sun-soaked day. Remember to take precautions during the midday hours to safeguard your skin!

Average solar exposure data for the current time of the year. Actual values may vary and depend on many factors, such as cloud cover, vegetation cover, surface type, etc.
TimeUVICategoryTime to Burn
07:001low45 min
08:002low45 min
09:003moderate30 min
10:005moderate30 min
11:007high25 min
12:009very high15 min
13:009very high15 min
14:009very high15 min
15:008very high15 min
16:006high25 min
17:004moderate30 min
18:002low45 min
19:001low45 min

Monthly UV Index Trends in Long Beach

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.

Monthly Maximum UV Index for Long Beach, United States

The monthly maximum UV Index (UVI) represents the highest UV radiation level recorded each month in Long Beach. It measures the strength of ultraviolet radiation from the sun and helps assess the risk of sunburn and UV-related health issues.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec235699987532
Data source: Statistical UV Index data for Long Beach, based on information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

UV Risk Categories

  •  Extreme (11+): Avoid the sun, stay in shade.
  •  Very High (8-10): Limit sun exposure.
  •  High (6-7): Use SPF 30+ and protective clothing.
  •  Moderate (3-5): Midday shade recommended.
  •  Low (0-2): No protection needed.

Compare Long Beach UV Index with Other United States Cities

The table above highlights how UV exposure in Long Beach compares to other major locations across United States. This comparison helps travelers and residents better understand regional sun intensity and plan outdoor activities with sun safety in mind.
Long Beach's solar exposure compared to other cities in United States. Generated using Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service information.
 JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Long Beach235699987532
Chicago UVI34689101098642
Brooklyn UVI35681010998642
New York City UVI35681010998642
Los Angeles UVI46891011111010754
Houston UVI589111112121110975