When do I need to protect myself from the sun?

You should be protected from 11 am to 3 pm from late spring to early fall and during winter if you are involved in outdoor activities. The sun’s rays are strongest around midday, so try to avoid exposure around that time. The sun is harsher the closer you are located to the equator and at higher altitudes where the thinner atmosphere blocks fewer of the sun’s rays. The damaging effects of direct exposure to the sun can be increased if there is reflection from snow, water and light coloured sand. Snow reflects up to 80 per cent of the sun’s rays ‐ so you could be getting a double dose of radiation when involved in winter sports.