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National Safe Sun Week

Soak up the sun safely during National Safe Sun Week! Protect your skin while enjoying the warm rays – fun in the sun, sans the burn!

Monday

24–30

May 2027

Last updated February 7, 2026 · by the Holiday Calendar Team

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YEARLY DATEWeek Before US Memorial Day (Mon-Sun)

OBSERVED INUnited States

CATEGORYAwareness

SUBCATEGORYPublic Health

INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

Charge your sunglasses and slap on your hat in celebration of National Safe Sun Week starting on May 20! This week-long event originated in the United States as a creative effort by dermatologists and skin care professionals to spread awareness about the importance of sun protection and educate others on the harmful effects of excessive sun exposure. From setting up a shady picnic to organizing fun outdoor activities that emphasize the use of SPF products, National Safe Sun Week is a chance not just to enjoy the sun, but to learn how to respect it. Soak up those golden rays – but remember, safety first! Here’s to fun in the sun, minus the sunburn, during this enlightening week!

TIMELINE

National Safe Sun Week Timeline

Niels Finsen's Therapy

Niels Finsen wins the Nobel Prize in Medicine for his use of ultraviolet light in treating diseases, increasing awareness about the potential risks and benefits of sun exposure.

SPF Rating System Created

The SPF (Sun Protection Factor) system for sunscreen is developed, providing a metric to measure the level of sunburn protection provided by sunscreen products.

Australia's Slip, Slop, Slap Campaign

Australia's famous 'Slip, Slop, Slap' campaign is relaunched to include 'Seek' (shade) and 'Slide' (on sunglasses) to promote comprehensive sun protection.

Sun Protection Breakthroughs

New technologies and formulations in sun protection are introduced, such as broad-spectrum sunscreens, which protect against both UVA and UVB rays.

National Safe Sun Week Established

The inaugural National Safe Sun Week is celebrated in the United States to further educate the public about the harmful effects of excessive sun exposure.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate National Safe Sun Week

Host a sun-safe fashion show

Invite friends to show off their best sun-safe outfits, complete with wide-brimmed hats, long-sleeved beach cover-ups, and stylish sunglasses. Throw in a runway walk-off, and your celebration is guaranteed to be fun and fashionable while promoting sun safety. Don't forget to offer prizes for the most creative or effective sun-safe ensembles!

THROW

Throw a sun protection picnic

Plan a safe outdoor gathering in a shady park or garden. Encourage guests to bring SPF-infused snacks like tomato salsa (lycopene in tomatoes helps protect skin from sun) and ask them to share their favourite sunscreen brands and UV-blocking clothing pieces.

ORGANIZE

Organize a 'Hat Day' at work

Encourage coworkers to wear their most fun, silly, or stylish sun hats to work for the day. Make it a competition for the best hat as an added incentive! This promotes dialogue about the importance of sun safety and UV protection.

ARRANGE

Arrange a sun-safe scavenger hunt

Create an outdoor scavenger hunt where participants must find sun-protective items like SPF lip balm, aloe vera gel, sun hats, and sunglasses. They'll have fun hunting, and they'll get to keep the sun-safe goodies!

SCREEN

Screen a sun safety film screening

Arrange a movie night featuring movies about summer and the outdoors. Prior to the movie, play a short information video or presentation on the importance of sun safety and ways to protect against harmful UV rays.

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why National Safe Sun Week is Important

It Encourages Social Interaction

Be it hosting a sun-protection picnic, organizing a 'Hat Day' at work, or arranging a movie night with an educational twist, National Safe Sun Week provides plenty of opportunities for socializing and bonding with others. It's a wonderful chance not only to protect our skin but also to build stronger relationships with friends, family, and colleagues.

It Promotes Health and Safety

National Safe Sun Week is all about advocating for better health practices. It reminds us of the real dangers associated with excessive sun exposure and the importance of using protective measures such as sunscreen, hats, and UV-protective clothing. This week gives everyone the knowledge and tools to safely enjoy the summer sun.

It's Fun

Who says learning about safety can't be entertaining? National Safe Sun Week includes plenty of exciting activities that encourage participation while effectively conveying the message of sun safety. From sun-safe fashion shows to outdoor scavenger hunts, there's something for everyone to enjoy.

Related holidays

Sun Awareness Week

Enjoy the sun, but be aware! Join us in Sun Awareness Week to learn about safe sun habits and the importance of protecting our skin.

Summer Sun Safety Month

Don't let the summer sun ruin your fun! Celebrate Summer Sun Safety Month and learn how to protect yourself and loved ones from harmful UV rays.

SunSmart Skin Cancer Prevention

Protect your skin and enjoy the sun with SunSmart Skin Cancer Prevention - because a little bit of sunscreen goes a long way!

National Stay Out of the Sun Day

Celebrate National Stay Out of the Sun Day - put on sunscreen and hats, and enjoy the shade with a cool drink and some fun activities!

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