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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.

Monday

3–9

May 2027

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

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YEARLY DATEFirst Week in May (Monday to Sunday)

OBSERVED INUnited Kingdom

CATEGORYAwareness

SUBCATEGORYPublic Health

INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

Let's shine a light on Sun Awareness Week starting on May 6! Originating in Canada in 1989, this week-long celebration is designed to help people understand the importance of sun safety and the risks of overexposure. What started as a small initiative to raise awareness about sun burn and skin cancer, has now blossomed into a global event that brings together dermatologists, health advocates, and sun-lovers alike! During this time, let's all bask in the warmth of the sun, but also remember to protect our skin and practice healthy habits for a sun-safe lifestyle. Let's radiate positivity, stay sun savvy and have a sizzling Sun Awareness Week!

TIMELINE

Sun Awareness Week Timeline

Sun Awareness Week Start

Sun Awareness Week originated in Canada as an initiative to raise awareness about sunburn and skin cancer.

Growing Awareness

Throughout the 1990s, Sun Awareness Week gained more recognition in Canada and started spreading to other countries.

US Recognition

The United States adopted Sun Awareness Week to promote the importance of sun safety amongst its citizens.

European Participation

Several European countries started celebrating Sun Awareness Week promoting sun-safe habits within their populations.

Global Awareness

By 2010, Sun Awareness Week was celebrated in many parts of the globe, educating people about the dangers of sun overexposure with various events and campaigns.

Digital Celebrations

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many 2021 Sun Awareness Week events were held virtually, even broadening the reach of sun safety education.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate Sun Awareness Week

Attend a Sun Safety Workshop

Look for local health or community organizations hosting workshops or presentations on sun safety. You can learn important information about skin cancer, the UV index, and the importance of sunscreen.

HOST

Host a hat fashion show

Hats are not just a stylish accessory, they're an excellent way to protect your scalp and face from harmful UV rays. Have a fun hat fashion show to celebrate the week. Award prizes for the most creative or stylish hats.

START

Start a Sunscreen Swap

Everyone has their preferred sunscreen, why not turn this into a fun event? Ask participants to each bring their favorite brand and type of sunscreen – lotions, sprays, sticks, you name it. Then, everyone trades and gets to try out a new protection product!

SET

Set up a sun-protected picnic

Get some friends together for a picnic, but make sure to choose a spot with plenty of shade or bring your own sun protection gear. This can include large sun hats, umbrellas, and of course, sunscreen. Make it a point to remind everyone at the event about the importance of sun protection.

MAKE

Make your own sun-safe t-shirts

Seek out some plain white t-shirts and non-toxic fabric paints. Then, get creative and make some sun-themed designs. Not only does this raise awareness, but it's also covers key parts of your body from the sun's rays!

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why Sun Awareness Week is Important

It promotes community involvement

Sun Awareness Week involves various levels of community involvement—from attending workshops to participating in sunscreen swaps, and crafting sun-safe t-shirts. It strengthens community ties while advocating for a cause that benefits individuals and society as a whole.

It encourages sun safety education

Sun Awareness Week provides an essential platform for educating people about the importance of protecting their skin from the sun's harmful rays. It draws attention to sunburn and skin cancer, emphasizing the need for preventative measures and early detection.

It inspires us to have fun in the sun—safely!

From hosting a hat fashion show to setting up a sun-protected picnic, Sun Awareness Week encourages us to enjoy the outdoors, while also being mindful of our health. It shows that it is possible to bask in the warmth of the sun without compromising on safety.

Related holidays

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!

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!

UV Safety Awareness Month

Protect your skin this summer by being aware of UV Safety - wear sunscreen, stay in the shade, and check the UV index daily!

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