The short answer is yes, you can still get sunburnt in the shade—even on cloudy or cool days. In Australia, ultraviolet (UV) radiation levels are among the highest in the world, and harmful UV can damage your skin whenever the UV index is 3 and above.
With more than 95 per cent of skin cancers being caused by UV exposure, protecting your skin is absolutely vital. In South Australia, the UV reaches 3 and above from August to May; it can even reach 3 and above in northern parts of the state during winter.
There are many ways to protect your skin from harmful UV. But there are still some misconceptions around what does and doesn’t offer skin protection. For example, some may assume simply avoiding direct sunlight by sitting in the shade will afford enough protection.
Why can you get sunburnt in the shade?
UV behaves differently to the visible sunlight we can see or warmth we feel from the sun. Simply sitting in the shade will be less bright and may help you cool off, but UV can still bounce off different surfaces like sand, concrete and grass.
UV is completely invisible to the naked eye—if you could see UV, you’d be able to watch it bounce around and still reach exposed skin without a direct path.
Being in the shade does help reduce your exposure to UV, but it is most effective when combined with multiple sun protection measures.
How can I avoid getting a sunburn?
Cancer Council SA recommends the Slip, Slop, Slap, Seek and Slide approach to protecting your skin.
Slip protective clothing on, like shirts with long sleeves and a collar, and long trousers or skirts. Some clothing even comes with an Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) label, which is a guide on how much protection the fabric provides against UV radiation.
Slop on plenty of sunscreen. Look for a type that is SPF50 or 50+ and that is broad-spectrum. It’s especially important to apply and reapply sunscreen, at least every 2 hours, on days when the UV level is 3 and above. Use one teaspoon (5ml) of sunscreen for each arm and leg, one for the back, one for the front of the torso, and one for the face, neck and ears. A full adult body application is equal to seven teaspoons (35ml) of sunscreen.
Slap on a hat to provide personal shade for your face, neck and ears. Broad-brimmed hats, bucket hats and legionnaire hats made from a closely-woven fabric offer the best protection.
Seek shade to help minimise the amount of UV you’re exposed to. This is certainly an easy way to protect your skin from UV, but needs to be in conjunction with other sun protection methods.
Slide on sunglasses to help protect your eyes. Look for close-fitting, wrap-around styles to protect them from UV damage and prevent degenerative changes in your eyes, like cataracts and pterygia.
Frequently asked questions
Can I get a sunburn on a cloudy day?
Yes, you can. The UV Index can still reach 3 and above on a cloudy day. Cloud does not provide sun protection as UV can pass through clouds. In some cases, certain types of clouds can increase the amount of UV reaching us on the ground when they scatter and reflect UV rays.
Can UV affect me in the shade?
UV rays bounce around and reflect off many surfaces, meaning you can still get a sunburn when you’re in the shade. Being in the shade does offer more protection than being in direct sunlight, but it is recommended you protect your skin in five ways: Slip, Slop, Slap, Seek and Slide.
Can I still get a sunburn on a cold day?
Heat and UV levels are not linked. The UV Index can still be above 3, even on days when it is not hot. UV is always highest during the middle part of the day, whereas temperature peaks later in the afternoon. In South Australia, the UV levels reach 3 and above from August until May, so it is important to check the UV Index before heading outside and to protect your skin accordingly. Daily sun protection times provide a practical way to know when the UV will reach 3 and above for your location.
Is shade enough protection when the UV Index is 3 and above?
Shade does provide some protection from UV, but is most effective when used in conjunction with other forms of sun protection. We recommend protecting your skin in five ways: Slip, Slop, Slap, Seek and Slide.
What if the UV Index is below 3?
When the UV Index is below 3, you generally don’t need sun protection unless you will be outside for long periods of time, or near highly reflective surfaces. UV damage is cumulative, so in these situations sun protection is still recommended.
How do I know what the UV level is?
You can search online for UV levels in your area, such as on the Bureau of Meteorology website. You can also download the free SunSmart Global UV app on Google Play or the App Store from anywhere in the world to check daily UV levels and recommended sun protection times for your location each day.
