Spring sun risk: why you need to take extra care at this time of year

UK weather is notoriously changeable, and sunny days can be scarce – which is one reason why it can be easy to get caught out without sun protection to hand.

We're most vulnerable when the stronger rays arrive, typically from the beginning of March, though we often don't take them seriously enough.

If there's still a chill in the air, sun protection may be the last thing on your mind. But it's important to be extra vigilant at this time of year.

Want the latest food and health insights, advice and reviews delivered straight to your inbox? Sign up to our free monthly Food and Health newsletter 

When do you need sun cream in the UK?

Experts including Cancer Research UK and the British Association of Dermatologists generally recommend using sun protection between March and October in the UK, when the UV index (which forecasts UV intensity on a given day) is 3 or above and increased UVB radiation intensity means you're more likely to burn. 

UVB rays are the primary cause of sunburn, which increases your risk of skin cancer. Levels are at their strongest in summer and are negligible in winter in the UK.

When levels increase in the spring, don't assume you're safe if you're mostly spending time indoors. While glass does block most UVB rays, UVA rays (which also damage skin cells and cause accelerated ageing) can penetrate glass, so if you're often in a car on long journeys or near a bright window for prolonged periods you may be more exposed than you realise. 

The level of protection you need and when you need it will also depend on your skin colour and medical history. If you have lighter skin that burns more easily, you'll need to be extra vigilant at lower levels. 

If you're going on a winter sports holiday, such as a skiing break, high-protection SPF is important, as well as eye protection – especially at this time of year – because snow reflects sunlight and UV rays are more intense at higher altitudes.

Why spring sunshine can catch you out

UV levels increase in intensity from early March, meaning the spring sun is more intense – and we aren't used to it. 

After the winter months our skin is less used to UV exposure, so it's likely to be more sensitive to the sun if suddenly exposed, say in an impromptu park visit, on a sunny walk or doing some gardening.

Temperatures may still be relatively chilly, so you might not feel the signs on your skin, but the UV Index is already registering readings of 3 or 4 by the spring months, which the Met Office says should prompt you to seek shade during midday hours, cover up and wear sun cream.

So, it's worth checking your stock of sun cream, and thinking ahead to avoid being caught out.

How to avoid getting sunburn in spring

Here are some quick tips for staying safe in the spring sun:

Don't just go by how hot it feels or looks

The World Health Organization cautions: 'Don't be fooled by an overcast day or a cool breeze.'

While clouds block some UV, more than 90 per cent can still pass through light cloud and cause sunburn. In fact, light or thin clouds may even enhance UV levels by a process called scattering.

Not only that, the changeable UK weather can mean a rainy spring morning can easily evolve into a blisteringly hot afternoon. 

If you're planning to spend time outdoors – especially social events that can last hours, such as sports events, days out, barbecues or picnics – it's worth pre-applying sun cream, taking cover-ups such as hats and having a supply to hand in case you need a top up, or if you can't be sure there'll be shady spots.

While it's best not to rely solely on the weather forecast, you can plan ahead by checking the UV index online. If it's registering 3 or above you should be thinking about sun protection measures, especially if you have light or fair-coloured skin or burn easily.

Don't use out-of-date sun cream

Sun cream generally lasts for one or two years after opening, so check the icon of a circular pot with an open lid that you'll find on the back of the bottle to see what timeframe applies (if it says 12M it lasts for 12 months, and so on). 

Replace it with a newer bottle if necessary as there's no guarantee the active ingredients will still work optimally if it's past its best. Check the texture too; if it's changed colour or gone a bit watery, it's likely time for a replacement.

Apply generously, reapply often throughout the day. This applies even if your product says it's once-a-day or waterproof.

The NHS recommends at least SPF 30 for everyone, regardless of skin type.

Watch out for commonly missed areas

Pay special attention to areas that are heavily exposed. 

Prime burning hotspots are noses, ears, back of the neck and shoulders and your scalp. Areas that don't typically get much sun, such as the feet or the backs of your knees, are also vulnerable.

Don't just rely on sunscreen. Use clothing to help reduce sun exposure, such as a broad-brimmed hat, sunglasses and longer sleeves or trousers.

Don't rely on a moisturiser 'with SPF'

The British Association of Dermatologists (BAD) say that even though SPF moisturisers should provide sun protection at the level stated (eg SPF 30), in practice they are unlikely to offer the same level of protection as a sun cream.

This is because they are less likely to be resistant to water and being rubbed off, don't bind as well to the skin and may not contain UVA protection against UV ageing, plus research by BAD shows that people applied sun cream more effectively than they did an SPF moisturiser.

This doesn't mean you shouldn't bother using one: dermatologists recommend moisturisers and make-up containing UV protection because it's better than no protection at all. But they say that, while OK for small amounts of UV exposure, they aren't up to more prolonged or intense exposure.

For prolonged periods in the sun (including spending your lunchbreak outside on a sunny day) they recommend you apply a proper sun cream.

Best sunscreens and buying guide – we explain what to know and reveal the best options for adults, kids and face sun cream

Sun creams that passed Which? safety tests

Need to top up your supply? This is the list of products that passed our 2024 safety tests. 

Which? members can head to our sun cream reviews for the full list of results and to see which products are Best Buys. Best Buys were highly rated by our testers for the ease of application and how the sunscreen feels when wearing (absorption, smell, etc), in addition to passing safety tests that show they provide the sun protection claimed. 

SPF30 sun cream test passes

• Aldi Lacura SPF30 Sun Lotion, £2.79/200ml – available from Aldi.
  
• Boots Soltan Protect and Moisturise Spray/Lotion SPF30, £5.50/200ml – available from Boots.
• Lidl Cien Sun Spray SPF30, £3.29/200ml – available from Lidl.
• Nivea Sun Protect and Moisture Spray SPF30, £8.70/200ml – available from Asda, Boots, Sainsbury's, Savers, Superdrug and Tesco.
• Piz Buin in Sun Moisturising Sun Lotion SPF30, £7/200ml – available from Asda, Boots, Sainsbury’s, Superdrug, Tesco.

SPF50+ kids’ sun cream test passes

• Garnier Ambre Solaire Kids Water Resistant Sun Cream Spray SPF50+, £12/150ml – available from Asda, Boots, Sainsbury’s and Tesco
• Boots Soltan Kids Protect and Moisturise Lotion SPF50+, £5.50/200ml – available from Boots.
• Child's Farm SPF 50+ Kids lotion spray, £12/100ml – available from Boots, Superdrug, Sainsbury's and Tesco.
• Lidl Cien Kids Sensitive Sunscreen Spray SPF50+, £3.29/200ml – available from Lidl.
• Nivea Sun Kids Protect & Care Coloured Spray SPF50+, £8/200ml – available from Asda, Boots, Sainsbury’s, Superdrug, Tesco.
• Ultrasun Kids SPF50+, £32.00/150ml – available from Boots, M&S and John Lewis.

SPF50/+ face sun cream test passes

• Garnier Ambre Solaire Super UV Daily Invisible Face Serum with SPF 50+, £9.49/30ml – available from Boots, Sainsbury’s, Superdrug, Tesco.
• Nivea Sun UV Face Anti-Age Q10 Cream SPF50, £10.00/50ml – available from Asda, Boots, Sainsbury’s, Superdrug, Tesco.
• Ultrasun Face SPF50+, £26.00/50ml – available from Boots, M&S and John Lewis.

Our newest results for 2025 will be published in early summer. 

Unfortunately, it's impossible to publish results earlier because of the time it takes to test properly (including re-tests of products that fail), and when products become available to test (due to seasonality). You can find out more about our sun cream tests in our guide to how we test sunscreen.

Why you can trust us: at Which? we're free from manufacturer and retailer influence. Find out more about our impartiality and how your support helps us to stay editorially independent