Do clouds protect against UV rays?

"Oh, it's cloudy today! – I guess I don't need sunscreen..." What sounds logical is not entirely true in this context. A cloudy sky does not imply protection from UV rays. But don't worry! We've gathered everything you need to know and consider in this blog post.

Can clouds protect me from UV radiation?

Generally speaking, a cloudy sky does not automatically imply protection from UV rays. Therefore, you should always use adequate sun protection, especially if the local UV index reaches a value above "3". This information can easily be found in your smartphone's weather app or on a weather website. We recommend that you always check this briefly in the morning to start your day optimally. This way, you can protect yourself from UV radiation – even if the sun is not showing at all or only barely.

You should definitely protect yourself from a UV index of "3" and above!

Depending on the time of day and year, the intensity of UV radiation can vary greatly. Of course, geographical latitude and altitude also play a decisive role. In some cases, clouds can block part of the rays, for example, if the cloud cover is very dense and dark. But even this phenomenon does not offer reliable protection! We recommend that you always check the daily and local UV index. As soon as it reaches "3" and above, adequate sun protection is necessary.

Can clouds even intensify UV radiation?

In fact, especially bright clouds, under unfavorable conditions, can increasingly direct more light towards the ground and also partially reflect it back. Thus, the UV exposure can even increase under a cloudy sky. Therefore, it is better to rely on the respective UV index than on the seemingly cloudy sky.

The be-all and end-all: The right sun protection product!

It's best to use a sunscreen that offers broad-spectrum protection – meaning protection against UVA and UVB rays. Our sun protection products have this broad-spectrum protection. If you are unsure, feel free to contact us or check out our sunscreen finder to find the perfect sunscreen for you and your loved ones.