UV Index
UV Index
Today's UV index in Bethesda, United States 
will be up to 7.2, indicating a high level of sun exposure for the average person. Check our tips for today to make sure you're safe in the sun.
Last checked: 2025-05-08
With Bethesda's UV index reaching 7.2, protect your skin from harm by staying in shade, wearing protective clothing, and applying SPF 30+ sunscreen every 2 hours, especially between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. when UV rays are strongest.
Bethesda's UV index varies, reaching higher levels during summer months, typically around 7 to 9, indicating strong sunlight exposure. In winter, the UV index drops to lower levels near 1 to 3, reflecting weaker sun intensity.
Bethesda experiences four distinct seasons: warm, humid summers; cool, crisp falls; cold, sometimes snowy winters; and mild springs. Temperature and rainfall change gradually through the year, with summer heat and winter cold being the most noticeable shifts.
Compared to the wider Mid-Atlantic region, Bethesda has similar weather patterns with hot summers and cold winters. Neighboring states like Virginia and Pennsylvania show comparable seasonal changes, but coastal cities nearby often have milder winters due to ocean influence.
See the UV index hour by hour for Bethesda, along with the temperature and how cloudy it is. If the UV level is higher than moderate, it's best to avoid direct sunlight.