Sun safety

When should we think about sun safety?

The best way to protect you and your child from the sun is to stay in the shade between 11am to 3pm. This is because the sun's ultra violet (UV) rays are strongest in the hours around midday. Other things that affect the amount of UV rays are the:

Time of year

The highest risk months in the UK are May to September. However, you can still burn if it is not particularly hot weather, especially children. A lot of cases of sunburn are reported in March/April because children play outside without any protection. The sun is also much stronger in other countries, so you need to take extra care if travelling abroad.

Thin or scattered cloud

You can still burn when there is thin or scattered cloud.

Reflection

85 per cent of UV rays can be reflected back from water, snow, sand, cement and you will therefore be exposed to higher amounts.

See our resources page for posters, leaflets and activity sheets.