Beach vs mountain: where do you think you’re more likely to get a sunburn? Growing up in a beach town, I always knew I had to wear sunscreen at the beach (mind you, no one told me for years I had to wear it every day, everywhere) to avoid a sunburn. But I hate the beach (seriously, how you can stand the sand getting into every nook and cranny? And don’t get me started on tanning….), so there was never any chance of me getting a sunburn there.
No, I got all my sunburns in the mountains. And not even in the summer. We Italians celebrate several holidays in late April and early May, which gives us the perfect excuse to go camping, picnicking, or mountain hiking. Or all of these things. Fun times.
There’s a chain of mountains near Senigallia, my hometown, so me and my friends would often go there. It wasn’t the beach. It wasn’t summer. We were young and stupid. None of us ever thought of bringing sunscreen. We didn’t need it, right?
Wrong. By the time we were ready to go home, our foreheads, noses, and backs of neck and shoulders were badly sunburned. To add insult to injury, our moms would often tell us off (not that they would ever remind us to bring sunscreen in the first place – although they did mention something about wearing wide-brimmed hats… ahem).
Oh, in case you’re wondering, I’ve learned my lesson. I wear sunscreen every day now, no matter where I am, so no more sunburns in the mountains for this girl. Yay! But, this whole thing got me thinking: where are you more likely to get a sunburn?! Here’s what science says:
Where Are You More Likely To Get A Sunburn: Beach Or Mountains?
Yes, it’s a tricky question. And to answer it, we need to figure out where UV rays are at their strongest. Here’s how:
1. Where Are UV Rays More Intense?
Closer to the equator. The sun in Brazil is a lot more intense than in Norway. I know, I discovered hot water. But, the sun’s rays are also more intense at high altitudes. Not only is the atmosphere thinner, but the air is also cleaner. Less pollution means less natural “filtering” of sunlight, so your skin is getting hit with more direct, unfiltered UV. Add wind into the mix (which dries your skin out and can make sunburns worse) and you’ve got the perfect recipe for fried cheeks before you’ve even realised you’re burning.
According to a 1999 study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, direct UVB levels at 8,500 feet in Vail, Colorado, were approximately 60% higher than at sea level in NYC. There’s more. “The direct UV-B levels in Vail, “ the study found, “were the same as those in Orlando, a site nearly 775 miles closer to the equator.”
What does that mean in practice? Basically, if you’re in Vali at noon and are not wearing sunscreen, you’ll get a sunburn within 6 minutes! If you’re in NYC at the same time (noon), you’ll get one in 25 minutes. And if you’re in Orlando, nearer the equator, at noon, you’ll get a sunburn in 14 minutes.
It gets worse as you go higher. UV exposure increases by 10% for every 3,280 feet in altitude. So, if you’re somewhere 7,000 feet over the level of the sea, you’re exposed to 25% more UV rays than if you had stayed at the beach. The reason is simple: the higher up you go, the less of the earth’s atmosphere is there to block out UV rays.
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2. Which Environment Better Reflects UV Rays?
I know what you’re thinking. There’s snow in the mountains, so even if you’re higher up, there’s no chance of getting a sunburn. You can’t get a sunburn if there’s snow around, right? Dead wrong, my friend. UV rays don’t just come from the sky. They bounce off everything around you. Even if the sun looks “weak,” those reflected rays are still finding their way to your skin from angles you can’t predict.
That’s why skiers often end up with raccoon-style goggle tans and why sailors can burn under their chin and nose – places you wouldn’t think to cover first. Turns out, snow is one of the best reflectors of sunlight. If you’re skiing, building snowmen, or throwing snowballs at your friends, the snow will reflect 80 to 90% of UV rays back at you!
So, not only are UV rays more intense in the mountains, but it’s practically guaranteed they’ll get you, one way or another. Still water is a good reflector of UV light too, by the way. Those crystal waters can reflect up to 100% of UV rays. Basically, you get twice as much sun exposure! Sea foam? 25%. And dry beach sand only 15%.
You know what else sucks at reflecting UV rays? Grass. If you’re in a field somewhere, only 3% of sunlight will be reflected at you. Mind you, that doesn’t mean you can skip sunscreen.
Common Myth: “If It’s Cold, I Won’t Burn”
Temperature has absolutely nothing to do with UV intensity. You could be freezing on a snowy slope and still get a blistering burn. Cold weather can actually be more dangerous because you’re less likely to feel overheated and realise you’ve been in the sun too long. That false sense of security is what gets most people.
The Verdict
Yep, the mountains win this one. You’re more likely to get a sunburn hiking up Mount Blanc than lying on a beach in Ibiza. But let’s be real. Complacency is the real danger. People expect to burn at the beach, so they prepare. They don’t expect to burn on a springtime mountain hike, so they don’t bother. The result? Beach burns are common, but mountain burns are often nastier because they’re longer, deeper, and take people by surprise. Put on your sunscreen wherever you are.
How do You Prevent Sunburns?
No, you don’t need to stop going on holiday. Phew! But, as UV rays will get you wherever you are, you need to protect your skin both at the beach AND mountain (and lake, and park, and city – everywhere basically). Here’s how:
- Wear SPF30 sunscreen or higher and reapply it every couple of hours.
- Cover up your body as much as possible (without suffocating in the heat) when you’re in direct sunlight.
- Wear a wide-brimmed hat to protect your face and neck.
- Wear sunglasses, preferably with UV tinted lenses, to protect your eyes.
- Don’t forget the lips! Always use a lip balm with SPF.
- Avoid the sun as much as possible during peak hours (10am-4pm).
Quick tip: set a timer on your phone for reapplication. Two hours goes by faster than you think, and most people only reapply once – if at all. Also, don’t forget weird spots like the tops of your ears, the back of your hands, and your scalp if your hair is thin or parted. Those are prime burn zones people forget about until it’s too late.
Related: 7 Ways To Protect Your Skin From Sun Exposure
FAQs People Always Have About Sunburn At The Beach VS In The Mountains
Does Wind Make Sunburns Worse?
Wind doesn’t magically make UV rays stronger, but it’s a master of disguise. When it’s breezy, your skin feels cooler, so you think you’re safe – meanwhile, the UV is doing its thing. Add in the fact that wind sucks moisture from your skin, leaving it drier and more irritated, and you’ve got the perfect setup for a burn that feels even worse. Ever been skiing, felt totally fine all day, and then gone home looking like a tomato with a side of sandpaper? That’s wind helping the sun mess with you.
Can You Burn In The Shade?
Oh, 100%. Shade blocks the direct rays, but UV is like a pinball – it bounces off anything reflective. Sand, snow, water, even pale walls can send those rays back at you from angles you’d never expect. Ever sat under a beach umbrella all day and still gone home pink? That’s why. The shade gives you a false sense of security, so you stay out longer without protection.
Why Does Sunburn Feel Worse In Cold Weather?
Because the cold and wind are already roughing your skin up, and a sunburn on top of that is like pouring lemon juice on a paper cut. Cold air strips away moisture, making your skin more sensitive, and wind chafes the surface. When you finally thaw out indoors, all that damage shows up at once – cue the stinging, redness, and regret.
How Much UV Exposure Do You Really Get At Different Altitudes?
Rough guide:
- 3,000 feet: +10% more UV than sea level
- 5,000 feet: +16% more
- 7,000 feet: +25% more
- 10,000 feet: +40% more
If you’re skiing at 12,000 feet with snow reflecting UV, you could be getting nearly double the UV exposure of someone at the beach.
Does Snow Reflect More UV Than Water?
Yep, and in a way that’s worse. Snow is like a giant 360° mirror – it reflects 80-90% of UV all around you all day long. Still water can reflect up to 100%, but only if you’re in the right position for it to bounce straight at you. Snow doesn’t need an “angle” – it just sends it everywhere. That’s why people get those classic ski goggle tans even when it’s cloudy.
Why Do Skiers Get “Goggle Tans”?
Because the sun isn’t just hitting you from the sky – it’s bouncing off the snow and coming up underneath. Your goggles block part of your face, so the rest gets fried. It’s not a subtle look, either. You end up with a perfect outline of your eyewear, like you were spray-painted in reverse.
Can You Really Burn Under Your Chin Or Nose?
Absolutely. Reflected UV can sneak into all sorts of weird places – under your chin, up your nose, even the inside of your ears. You don’t notice until you wash your face that night and wonder why everything feels tender. That’s why sunscreen sticks are handy – they make it easier to swipe product into awkward spots.
Are Mountain Burns Worse Than Beach Burns?
They can be nastier. At the beach, most people expect to burn, so they prepare. In the mountains, you feel cool and safe, so you don’t notice the damage happening – and by the time you do, it’s already a deep burn. Plus, high-altitude burns often mix with windburn, which just makes healing a miserable experience.
Does SPF Work Differently At High Altitude?
No – SPF protection works the same anywhere. The catch is that in the mountains, you blow through that “time limit” faster because the sun’s stronger. That’s why reapplying more often is key, even if you’re wearing SPF 50.
How Often Should I Reapply When Skiing Or Hiking?
Two hours is the max, but if you’re sweating, wiping your face, or wearing gear that rubs your skin, reapply every 90 minutes. Wind, sweat, and friction all break sunscreen down way faster than lying still on a towel.
Do I Need Different Sunscreen For Mountains VS Beach?
Not necessarily, but the formula matters. For mountains, thicker creams or sticks are great because they don’t run into your eyes in cold wind and stay put longer. For the beach, water-resistant is your friend because, well… water.
Should I Go Higher SPF In The Mountains?
If you’re pale or burn easily, yes. SPF 50+ buys you a bit more time before your skin starts taking damage, but it’s not an all-day pass to slack on reapplying. Think of it as a slightly thicker shield, not an invincibility cloak.
Is Tanning At High Altitude Safer Because The Air’s Cleaner?
Nope. Clean air means fewer particles to scatter UV, so you actually get hit with more of it. That fresh mountain air is great for your lungs, terrible for your skin.
Does Water-Resistant Sunscreen Work In Snow?
Yes – “water-resistant” also usually means it holds up against sweat and moisture, which is exactly what you get in snow sports. But it’s not bulletproof; friction from scarves, helmets, or wiping your nose will still wear it off.
What’s The Easiest Way To Carry Sunscreen When Hiking Or Skiing?
Travel-size tubes or sticks. Sticks are a lifesaver in cold weather because you can swipe them on without freezing your fingers off, and they don’t leak in your bag.
Should I Wear Sunglasses Even If It’s Not Bright?
Definitely. UV can burn your eyes just like your skin, and in snowy conditions, that’s how you end up with snow blindness – basically a sunburn on your cornea. It’s as awful as it sounds.
The Bottom Line
You’re more likely to develop a sunburn (and faster too) at the mountains than at the beach. But, honestly, you can get one anywhere if you don’t wear sunscreen. And if not sunburn, then wrinkles and sun spots. Don’t risk it. Pile on that sunscreen. Anytime (during the day). Anywhere.
About Gio
Hi, I’m Gio. I’m a no-nonsense, tell-it-like-it-is skin coach and writer on a mission to help you achieve your best skin day ever – every day. I bust skincare myths and debunk marketing jargon to help you figure out what’s worth the splurge and what’s best left on the shelf – using science, not hype. I also offer skincare consultations to help you create the best skincare routine for your unique needs.
