Question:

Can I get a sunburn on a cloudy day?

Answer from board-certified dermatologist Sarah Lonowski, MD: 

Yes, you can get a sunburn on a cloudy day. A significant portion of ultraviolet (UV) radiation can pass through cloud cover to the earth’s surface. So, while the sun may not feel as intense on a cloudy day, your skin can still be exposed to damaging UV rays. 

The UV index is a handy tool for understanding the sun's intensity throughout the day. It rates the strength of UV radiation at a given point in time on a scale from zero (minimal sunburn risk) to 11+ (high sunburn risk). You should use protective clothing, hats and sunscreen whenever the UV index is three or above. 

Use the weather app on your smart phone to find the UV index in your location. You can adjust your settings so that the UV index appears on your phone’s home screen. That way, you can know your risk and protect your skin before you head out the door.