Systems and methods are provided for measuring an ambient light level in a volume that is lighted by a pulsating light source. A first light sensor is configured to generate a first signal based on an amount of light detected in the volume. A bypass switch is configured to bypass the first light sensor at a first point in time when the light source is on and to not bypass the first light sensor at a second point in time when the light source is off. A second sensor is configured to generate a second signal based on an environment in the volume, and a difference circuit is configured to determine a difference magnitude between the second signal and the first signal to generate an ambient light signal.