Can you get sunburned in the snow? UV index and skiing

Yes. Cold air doesn't lower ultraviolet (UV) radiation, and snow reflects it back at you, so skin and eyes can both burn. Here is what health bodies advise.

Why you can burn in the snow

The Global Solar UV Index guide from the World Health Organization (WHO) lists what raises UV levels. On the slopes, these matter most:

• Snow: fresh snow can reflect as much as 80% of UV, against about 15% for dry beach sand.
• Altitude: UV rises by 10% to 12% per 1,000 metres; with fresh snow, high altitude can double your exposure.
• Clear skies: UV is highest under a cloudless sky, though up to 80% gets through light cloud.
• Time of day: UV peaks in the four hours around solar noon, which falls between local noon and 2 p.m.
• Cold air: you can't feel UV, and cooler temperatures don't protect you, says the Skin Cancer Foundation. WHO flags early spring, when it's cold but the sun is unexpectedly strong.

What the UV index numbers mean

The higher the index, the greater the potential for damage to skin and eyes, and the faster it happens. WHO's advice:

• 0 to 2 (low): you can safely enjoy being outside.
• 3 to 7 (moderate to high): seek shade at midday, and wear a shirt, sunscreen and a hat.
• 8 and above (very high to extreme): avoid being outside at midday; shade, a shirt, sunscreen and a hat are a must.

Below 3, WHO says, the risk is limited even for very sensitive fair skin and protection isn't normally needed; from 3, use clothing, sunglasses, shade and sunscreen together. In Turkey, the meteorological service (MGM) explains the same categories online, but we found no UV index forecast among its products in October 2026. For summer, see what UV index is safe for tanning.

Sun protection on the slopes

Ski clothing covers most of you, so Cancer Council NSW says to focus on your face, throat, back of the neck, ears and, without gloves, the backs of your hands.

• Sunscreen: broad-spectrum (UVA and UVB). WHO's guide says SPF 15 or higher; the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) and the NHS, at least 30; the Skin Cancer Foundation, 50 or higher for outdoor activities. Turkey's Ministry of Health advises broad-spectrum, high-protection sunscreen.
• Reapplying: about every two hours (AAD, NHS); the Skin Cancer Foundation says at least every two hours, and after sweating or at high altitude. The NHS adds: straight after towel drying, or when it may have rubbed off.
• Reflected UV: Cancer Council NSW in Australia says to apply it under your chin, beneath the tip of your nose and behind your ears.
• Lips: a lip balm with SPF 30 or higher (AAD).

Estimate it for your skin type: UV index burn time calculator

Blaming the wind? Victoria's Better Health Channel, an Australian state health site, says the redness, stinging and peeling people blame on wind come from UV, and to reapply every two hours even if the label says four hours water-resistant.

Goggles and sunglasses

The NHS says sunlight reflected from snow is particularly dangerous for the eyes. The American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) recommends sunglasses or goggles that block at least 99% of UV and protect from dry, freezing wind; WHO recommends wrap-around sunglasses or ones with side panels. Polarised lenses cut glare but add no UV protection, says Better Health Channel.

What is snow blindness?

Snow blindness is a form of photokeratitis, which the AAO likens to a sunburned eye. It is caused by UV reflected off ice and snow and is especially common in high mountains. As with sunburn, the AAO says it usually isn't noticed until well after the damage is done; WHO says symptoms usually appear within a few hours. The AAO lists symptoms including pain, redness, blurred vision, tearing, a gritty feeling, light sensitivity and headache; rarely, temporary vision loss.

What to do, according to the AAO

• Take out contact lenses straight away.
• Get out of the sun and into a dark room.
• Put a cold washcloth over your closed eyes and use artificial tears.
• Take pain relievers as your eye doctor recommends, and antibiotic drops only if they recommend them.
• Don't rub your eyes.

When to see a doctor

The AAO says symptoms usually fade in a day or two. NHS Scotland's guideline for eye-care professionals says 24 to 48 hours, though mild blurring and light sensitivity can last a week or longer, and that patients should return if symptoms persist. Northern Ireland's official nidirect page on eye injuries, including UV, says to go to an emergency department straight away for persistent or severe eye pain or reduced or double vision, among other signs. If you're worried, see an eye doctor.

Do you need sunscreen in winter in the city?

WHO says UV is generally lower in winter, and its threshold of 3 holds all year: if the city index stays at 1 or 2, its advice doesn't call for sunscreen. But snow on the ground reflects UV, and WHO flags early spring. The AAD is stricter, recommending sunscreen every day on uncovered skin outdoors, as the sun gives off UV all year.

General information, not medical advice. If you have a skin condition, take medicines that can make you sun-sensitive or have eye symptoms that worry you, ask a doctor or pharmacist. Sources read in October 2026.

SPF Tanning App : UV Index shows the live UV index for your location and sends SPF reapplication reminders, both useful on the slopes. Its timer, based on your skin type and SPF, alerts you when your skin is at risk of burning: a warning, not permission to stay out longer. It also tracks vitamin D, and it doesn't replace sunscreen, shade and clothing. It's free to download on the App Store and Google Play; using it requires a subscription with a free trial.

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