How much suncscreen to wear?

[mittelst]

I've always wondered how the Florida non-summer UV index compared with the summer UV index of my home state (New York). My past trips have all been in February, when I've got the NE-White-As-A-Ghost skin malady . Not wanting to spend my vacation with a sunburn, I have slathered on the sunscreen.

I found a good site that charts the UV index across the year for all the states. Take a look at:
http://www.cpc.ncep.noaa.gov/products/stratosphere/uv_index/uv_annual.html

It looks like Feb in Florida is no worse than Oct. in New York. No wonder I've not gotten a tan in the past!

This year, I'm going in October (9 more days). The Oct. UV index for Florida is about the same as mid-August for New York. It looks like sunscreen is warranted for prolonged exposure (water park, mid-day at the pool), but since I'm still sporting my summer tan, I should be OK.

 

[Muffy]

Great advice. Sunscreen is important in FL!

 

[Debi]

Regardless of what time of year I go, I always apply a LOT of sunscreen. It's so easy to get burnt in FL and then spend your vacation red as a lobster and equally as sore. Remember to apply suncreen 2-3 times per day, and have a great trip!

 

[pmcpmc]

Use 15 to start don't ever go below 8.