UV rays become more intense in the spring, even before temperatures get warmer, the American Cancer Society warns. People in some areas may get sunburned when the weather is still cool because they may not think of protecting themselves if it's not hot out.

Yes, you can absolutely get a sunburn in April, and in many regions, it is one of the most common times for unexpected skin damage. By late April, the sun's angle in the Northern Hemisphere is roughly equivalent to its position in late August. While the air temperature may still feel cool or breezy, the Ultraviolet (UV) Index can reach high levels (6 to 8+) on clear days. Because people have not yet acclimated to the sun after winter, their skin often lacks a protective "base" of melanin, making it more susceptible to burning. Furthermore, many individuals forget to apply sunscreen in the spring because they don't "feel" the heat. In 2026, dermatologists emphasize that UV rays—not infrared heat—cause sunburns. Whether you are gardening, hiking, or sitting on a patio, just 15 to 20 minutes of exposure to the peak April sun (between 11:00 AM and 3:00 PM) can lead to significant erythema (redness) and long-term DNA damage to skin cells.