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Sun safety

Advice for adults and children on sunscreen and sun safety.

Sunburn increases your risk of skin cancer. Sunburn does not just happen on holiday or only when it is hot. You can burn in the UK, even when it’s cloudy and cool.

There’s no safe or healthy way to get a tan. A tan does not protect your skin from the sun’s harmful effects.

Aim to strike a balance between protecting yourself from the sun and getting enough vitamin D from sunlight.

Sun safety tips

The BBC weather forecast includes UV levels. High or very high UV levels increases the risk of sunburn.

In the UK, the sun is hottest and strongest between 11am and 3pm from March to October. Make sure you:

  • Try to stay indoors or in the shade.
  • Avoid outdoor activities such as sport, DIY or gardening. If this is not possible, do it early in the morning or later in the evening.
  • Use at least sun protection factor (SPF) 30 sunscreen with at least 4-star UVA protection.
  • Wear clothes that provide sun protection such as long-sleeved tops or other light-coloured, loose-fitting clothes.
  • Wear a wide-brimmed hat to protect your face, eyes, head and ears and sunglasses to protect your eyes.
  • Most importantly, try to avoid burning at all.

What factor sunscreen (SPF) should I use?

For information on the use and types of sunscreen visit NHS Sunscreen and sun safety

More information

For more information about UV light visit the Met Office website.