When does Los Angeles need sun protection?

Whenever the UV index is 3 or above. In Los Angeles that is most of the year, including many winter middays. The EPA Sun Safety action steps apply at the same threshold used worldwide.

Does Los Angeles need sun protection in winter?

Usually yes. At 26.5°N, winter middays in Los Angeles still commonly reach UV 3 or higher. Check today's live reading on this page before a long lunch outside.

Can you burn on a cool day in Los Angeles?

Yes. UV is not heat. A cool, windy or lightly cloudy day in Los Angeles can still sit at UV 3 or above, especially from spring through autumn. Temperature on this page is for context only; the UV number is what decides protection.

UV index in Los Angeles today

Southern California's clear, dry skies push the UV index into the very high and extreme bands for much of the year. Haze can dull the heat without dulling ultraviolet, and beach glare adds a second dose on top of the sky reading.

Live reading · data by Open-Meteo · reference monitoring by ARPANSA

Today and tomorrow in Los Angeles

Peak UV, temperature and conditions for Los Angeles. Tomorrow’s peak is the number to plan around if you’re heading out in the middle of the day.

Weather conditions right now

Cloud and rain cut heat more than they cut UV. A partly cloudy day in Los Angeles can still sit at protection levels. Why you burn on cloudy days.

When Los Angeles needs sun protection

Sun protection is needed on most days in Los Angeles. Even winter middays often reach UV 3 or higher.

The threshold, per SunSmart and ARPANSA: whenever UV reaches 3 or above, Slip on covering clothing, Slop on SPF 50+ sunscreen, Slap on a hat, Seek shade and Slide on sunglasses. Read the full sun safety guide.

Where the UV adds up in Los Angeles

Long, happy hours outdoors are where exposure quietly accumulates. Local favourites where the five S’s earn their keep:

Santa Monica and Venice Beach
Griffith Park trails
Runyon Canyon
The LA River bike path

The UV scale at a glance

0–2Low
3–5Moderate
6–7High
8–10Very high
11+Extreme

Frequently asked questions

When does Los Angeles need sun protection?: Whenever the UV index is 3 or above. In Los Angeles that is most of the year, including many winter middays. The EPA Sun Safety action steps apply at the same threshold used worldwide.
Does Los Angeles need sun protection in winter?: Usually yes. At 26.5°N, winter middays in Los Angeles still commonly reach UV 3 or higher. Check today's live reading on this page before a long lunch outside.
Can you burn on a cool day in Los Angeles?: Yes. UV is not heat. A cool, windy or lightly cloudy day in Los Angeles can still sit at UV 3 or above, especially from spring through autumn. Temperature on this page is for context only; the UV number is what decides protection.