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Sunburn Time Calculator

Estimate how long you can stay in the sun before burning.

Minutes before sunburn

12.1 min

Unprotected skin in these conditions.

Protected time with SPF

364.3 min

Using SPF 30, applied properly.

Risk level

Moderate

Based on a UV index of 7.

Sun safety recommendation

Apply sunscreen before going out and reapply every two hours.

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What is this calculator?

Skin burns at very different speeds depending on skin type and how strong the sun is. This calculator estimates the minutes of unprotected sun you can take before burning, how much longer sunscreen buys you, and the overall risk level for the conditions you enter. It is a planning aid for beach days and long walks, not medical advice.

How does it work?

Each Fitzpatrick skin type has a baseline burn time in strong sun. That baseline is divided by the UV index to reflect current conditions, then multiplied by your SPF factor for the protected estimate. Risk level comes from the UV index, and midday hours shorten the estimate slightly.

Frequently asked questions

What is a Fitzpatrick skin type?+

A six-point scale describing how skin reacts to sun. Type I always burns and never tans; type VI rarely burns.

Does SPF 50 mean I can stay out fifty times longer?+

In theory, but not in practice. Sweat, water and patchy application cut protection sharply, so reapply every two hours.

Where do I find the UV index?+

Most weather apps show it hourly. It usually peaks between 11am and 3pm.

Why does time of day change the result?+

The sun is highest around midday, so UV reaches skin more directly and burn times shorten.

Is this medical advice?+

No. It is an educational estimate. Follow local health guidance and see a doctor about any skin concerns.

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