How much sun exposure is needed for adequate Vitamin D production?

Vitamin D production from sunlight depends on several factors, including skin tone, age, latitude, season, time of day, and cloud or pollution levels. Because of this, there is no single amount of sun exposure that is appropriate for everyone.

While some researchers have suggested that brief sun exposure may support vitamin D synthesis, intentional unprotected sun exposure is not recommended due to the known risks of skin cancer and premature skin aging. When outdoors, it is important to use sun protection measures such as shade, protective clothing, and broad‑spectrum sunscreen.

UV rays do not effectively pass through glass, and dense cloud cover or smog can reduce UV exposure. Sunscreens with SPF 8 or higher can reduce vitamin D–producing UV radiation, but in typical use some vitamin D may still be synthesized.

For an individualized plan, including whether dietary sources and/or vitamin D supplementation may be appropriate, we recommend discussing your vitamin D status and risk factors with a healthcare provider.