Shade

Seek shade

Shade provides good protection from the sun and can be easy for people to use. Staying in the shade and out of the direct sun can reduce the amount of solar ultraviolet radiation (UVR) you receive by 75 per cent or more.

Types of shade

Shade can either be natural, man-made or a combination of both. Natural shade provided by trees or shrubs with dense, wide spreading foliage provides effective protection from harmful UVR.

Shade materials used in man-made shade structures include: glass, polycarbonate and fibreglass sheeting, canvas or other tightly woven cloths, PVC shade cloth, timber and steel roof sheeting.

To be effective, shade must:

fall in the right place at the right time of the day
provide at least 94 per cent reduction in direct UV radiation
be comfortable in all seasons and attractive so people will use it

Seek shade particularly during the two hours either side of solar noon, which is when the sun is highest in the sky and the UVR is most intense. In Australia, solar noon occurs at midday (noon) or at 1.00 pm during daylight saving. Shade is most important from 10am to 2pm and from 11am to 3pm during daylight saving. Another way to tell when to seek shade is to use the ‘shadow rule’:

"Watch your shadow – short shadow, seek shade!" ¹

Shade structures such as trees, umbrellas or canopies do not offer complete sun protection. UVR can scatter in the atmosphere and reflect from surfaces such as water, sand and concrete. Shade should always be used with other sun protection measures.

For more information about shade see the Sunsmart website:

¹ World Health Organisation