U.S. States Ranked by Sun Exposure Risk

Residents of Arizona, Utah, and Hawaii are among the states facing the highest risk associated with insufficient sun protection in the United States, according to the Sun Exposure Risk Score developed by the WellnesPulse research team.

Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the U.S., and its rising rates are closely linked to exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, with sunlight being its primary source.

To identify the states with the highest and lowest risk associated with insufficient sun protection, the WellnessPulse research team compiled the Sun Exposure Risk Score.

Most of the top 10 highest-risk states like Arizona and Utah are located in or bordering the Sun Belt region, according to the analysis. Hawaii is an exception — being part of the Pacific region, the archipelago ranks third for the impact of insufficient sun protection.

Alaska, Massachusetts, and New York are among the states where the risk associated with inadequate sun protection is the lowest. The top 10 least-risky states are concentrated in the Northeast region.

The score was compiled taking into account two key metrics: annual average daily UV irradiance levels and incidence rates of melanoma, the deadliest type of skin cancer.

Read the full methodology here.

The top 10 risky states are mostly in the Sun Belt

Six out of 10 states with the highest risk associated with insufficient sun protection — Arizona, Florida, New Mexico, California, Nevada, and North Carolina — fall within the Sun Belt region, stretching from the Atlantic coast through into Southern California.

As its name suggests, the region has a warm and sunny climate, and high altitudes are not uncommon, making it more exposed to dangerous UV rays.

Utah, Colorado, and Kansas, the states bordering the Sun Belt region, also face the high risk associated with insufficient sun protection, according to the WellnessPulse analysis.

Meanwhile, Hawaii is the only state that isn't a part of the Sun Belt region or adjacent to it that made it to the list of the top 10 countries at risk.

#1 Arizona

Arizona has over 300 sunny days per year, while its city Yuma holds the Guinness World record for being the sunniest city, thanks to 4,015.3 hours of sunshine each year. The UV Index in the state can easily reach the levels considered 'extreme,' which may result in sunburn within 15 minutes in those with fairer skin types. Unsurprisingly, melanoma is highly prevalent in the state, with 21.8 cases per 100,000 people.

Sun Exposure Risk Score: 90.0

Ranks 1st for the annual average daily dose of UV irradiance

Ranks 9th for the melanoma incidence rate per 100,000 people

#2 Utah

There's a dark side to Utah's 3,029 hours of sunshine a year — the state has the highest melanoma incidence rate nationwide, 28.6 cases per 100,000 people. This may be because Utahns like spending time outdoors all year round, and many have fair skin type, which is one of the risk factors for melanoma. Moreover, Utah's landscape surfaces like sand, water, snow, and ice reflect UV rays, further increasing their exposure.

Sun Exposure Risk Score: 85.5

Ranks 9th for the annual average daily dose of UV irradiance

Ranks 1st for the melanoma incidence rate per 100,000 people

#3 Hawaii

A tropical archipelago, Hawaii, is generous with warm temperatures all year round and as many as 276 sunny days per year. However, its close proximity to the equator means more direct sun rays, putting the residents at a higher risk of skin cancer. While the incidence rate of 17.1 cases per 100,000 people is moderate, the rate of new melanoma diagnoses among whites in Hawaii is higher than the national average, highlighting the risks of sun to individuals with fair complexions.

Sun Exposure Risk Score: 79.8

Ranks 3rd for the annual average daily dose of UV irradiance

Ranks 21st for the melanoma incidence rate per 100,000 people

#4 Florida

Florida is undoubtedly a great vacation destination, thanks to its 2,927 hours of sunshine per year and beautiful beaches. However, being surrounded by water may increase the risk associated with inadequate sun protection: water reflects up to 10% of UV radiation, sand about 10%, and sea foam as much as 25%. Despite high UV irradiance exposure, the melanoma incidence rate is relatively moderate, with 16.9 cases per 100,000 people.

Sun Exposure Risk Score: 74.9

Ranks 4th for the annual average daily dose of UV irradiance

Ranks 23rd for the melanoma incidence rate per 100,000 people

#5 New Mexico

New Mexico is another Sun Belt state on the top 10 riskiest states list. Having 3,415 hours of sunshine a year and a high altitude of 5.700 ft, New Mexico receives the second-highest UV irradiance levels in the U.S. However, the melanoma incidence rate is 11.6 cases per 100,000 people, which is lower than the national average of 15.5 cases. Some experts attribute lower incidence to the majority-minority population — over 60% of New Mexicans are not white. Having fair skin is one of the melanoma risk factors; therefore, people of color may have lower odds of developing it.

Sun Exposure Risk Score: 71.8

Ranks 2nd for the annual average daily dose of UV irradiance

Ranks 46th for the melanoma incidence rate per 100,000 people

#6 California

California's 3,055 hours of sunshine a year and a coastline stretching 840 miles along the Pacific Ocean make it a perfect place for outdoor activities and, unfortunately, for higher risks associated with inadequate sun protection. The state has the 5th highest melanoma incidence rate in the country, with 15.6 cases per 100,000 people. The situation is especially concerning in Marin County, where the skin cancer incidence rate is 60% higher than in the rest of California, likely because of its predominantly white and older population.

Sun Exposure Risk Score: 71.7

Ranks 5th for the annual average daily dose of UV irradiance

Ranks 26th for the melanoma incidence rate per 100,000 people

#7 Nevada

In Nevada, where the sun shines about 300 days a year, an average elevation of 5,500 ft further increases UV radiation, as every 1,000 ft above sea level provides 5% more effect of sun exposure. Therefore, the state's residents face high risks associated with insufficient sun protection. With an incidence rate of 15.5 cases per 100,000 people, Nevada makes statewide efforts for melanoma prevention. In 2022, sunscreen dispensers were installed at Nevada's parks to provide SPF 30 for free.

Sun Exposure Risk Score: 68.7

Ranks 8th for the annual average daily dose of UV irradiance

Ranks 28th for the melanoma incidence rate per 100,000 people

#8 Colorado

Colorado has 3,204 hours of sunshine per year, so it is no surprise that as many as 72% of Coloradans say they participate in outdoor recreation at least once weekly. However, as Colorado is the highest-altitude U.S. state, its residents are more exposed to dangerous UV rays. Nevertheless, the melanoma incidence in the state is relatively moderate, with 14.5 cases per 100,000 people, despite the majority (65.1%) of its population being white and potentially at a higher risk of skin cancer.

Sun Exposure Risk Score: 68.5

Ranks 7th for the annual average daily dose of UV irradiance

Ranks 32nd for the melanoma incidence rate per 100,000 people

#9 North Carolina

While UV irradiance in North Carolina is lower than in other states in the top 10 ranking, it has the 11th highest melanoma incidence rate of 19.8 per 100,000 people. One of the explanations could be the largely fair-skinned population, as nearly 70% of North Carolinians are white. Another contributing factor could be the widespread use of tanning beds. According to a 2010 survey of community college students in NC, over 80% of girls reported using tanning beds, which could have played a role in the development of melanoma over the years.

Sun Exposure Risk Score: 65.7

Ranks 18th for the annual average daily dose of UV irradiance

Ranks 11th for the melanoma incidence rate per 100,000 people

#10 Kansas

Despite Kansas' low altitude, over 2,900 hours of sunshine per year make the state among those with the highest risk associated with inadequate sun protection. Melanoma rates in the state are some of the highest in the U.S., with 18.4 cases per 100,000 people. This could be partly explained by its predominantly fair-skinned population, as many as 85.9% of Kansans are white. Luckily, free skin cancer screenings are available across the state and are becoming especially popular in rural communities.

Sun Exposure Risk Score: 64.9

Ranks 15th for the annual average daily dose of UV irradiance

Ranks 16th for the melanoma incidence rate per 100,000 people

The top 10 least risky states are in the Northeast

The top 10 states where the risk associated with insufficient sun protection is the lowest are concentrated in the Northeast region, which has fewer sunny days and lower altitudes.

#1 Alaska

Alaska may receive the least UV irradiance among all U.S. states, but it doesn’t mean there are no sun-related dangers lurking in the Great Land. Reflective surfaces like snow, ice, and water can make UV rays more intense. For example, snow reflects 50–88% of UV light, compared to 15% reflected by dry beach sand. This is in addition to the ozone layer being thinner at northern latitudes. Nevertheless, Alaska has some of the lowest melanoma incidence rates in the country, which is 11.6 cases per 100,000 people.

Sun Exposure Risk Score: 5.0

Ranks 51st for the annual average daily dose of UV irradiance

Ranks 47th for the melanoma incidence rate per 100,000 people

#2 Massachusetts

Fewer hours of sunshine and lower altitudes of 508 ft above sea level may explain Massachusetts's low risk associated with insufficient sun protection. The state has the lowest melanoma incidence per 100,000 people nationwide, 8.2 cases per 100,000 people. The rates are low despite the state's overwhelmingly fair-skinned population — nearly 70% of Bay Staters are white.

Sun Exposure Risk Score: 24.6

Ranks 46th for the annual average daily dose of UV irradiance

Ranks 51st for the melanoma incidence rate per 100,000 people

#3 New York

With only 63 clear days a year, residents of New York State may face a lower risk associated with inadequate sun protection. While many complex factors determine the risk level, one reason could be urban pollution typical to heavily populated cities, which may act as a protective layer against UV rays but cause a wide range of other health issues. The incidence rate of melanoma in New York is among the lowest in the U.S. — 11.9 cases per 100,000 people.

Sun Exposure Risk Score: 30.0

Ranks 47th for the annual average daily dose of UV irradiance

Ranks 45th for the melanoma incidence rate per 100,000 people

#4 Rhode Island

The smallest U.S. state is no stranger to rainy clouds — the annual precipitation here is 42–46 in, reducing the levels of UV irradiance. So it comes as no surprise that Rhode Island has the third-lowest melanoma incidence rate in the country, 10.9 cases per 100,000 people. Decades-long skin cancer prevention efforts may also be paying off. In summer, melanoma screenings take place in parks during peak UV flux hours, while outdoor workers are also screened during colder months.

Sun Exposure Risk Score: 30.5

Ranks 41st for the annual average daily dose of UV irradiance

Ranks 48th for the melanoma incidence rate per 100,000 people

#5 Connecticut

Fairly sunny Connecticut, with 2,585 hours of sunshine per year, is also a low-altitude state, partly explaining its low risk associated with insufficient sun protection. The melanoma incidence rate here is among the lowest in the U.S., with 11.9 cases per 100,000 people. However, it doesn't mean that Connecticutians don't need sunscreen. The UV index in summer can reach very high levels of 8–10, meaning that UV radiation starts becoming harmful within 10 minutes for those with very light skin.

Sun Exposure Risk Score: 32.3

Ranks 40th for annual average daily dose of UV irradiance

Ranks 44th for incidence rate of melanoma per 100,000 people

#6 Michigan

With about 70 clear days a year, Michigan ranks 6th among the states with the lowest risk associated with insufficient sun protection. The relatively low melanoma incidence rate — 13.3 per 100,000 — could be partly explained by racial makeup. In Detroit, the most populous Michigan city, about 80% of residents are people of color, who are at a lower risk of developing skin cancer compared to individuals with fairer skin. Nevertheless, the rate of new melanoma diagnoses in the state has doubled between 1985 and 2016.

Sun Exposure Risk Score: 32.5

Ranks 43rd for the annual average daily dose of UV irradiance

Ranks 37th for the melanoma incidence rate per 100,000 people

#7 New Hampshire

While New Hampshire is far from being the sunniest U.S. state, melanoma is relatively common, with an incidence rate of 17.5 cases per 100,000 people. One of the potential explanations is the overwhelmingly fair-skinned population: nearly nine of 10 New Hampshirites are white, which puts them at about 20-fold higher risk of melanoma compared to Black people.

Sun Exposure Risk Score: 36.4

Ranks 49th for the annual average daily dose of UV irradiance

Ranks 19th for the melanoma incidence rate per 100,000 people

#8 Pennsylvania

The state has about 87 clear days a year, defined by clouds covering less than 30% of the sky and low altitude averaging 1,100 feet above sea level. Such natural conditions offer some level of protection against the sun. Unsurprisingly, Pennsylvania's melanoma incidence rate is the 8th lowest in the U.S. — 12.2 cases per 100,000 people — despite about 80% of the state's population being white. Nevertheless, one in 40 Pennsylvanians will be diagnosed with melanoma in their lifetime, emphasizing the importance of taking protective measures such as wearing sunscreen.

Sun Exposure Risk Score: 36.5

Ranks 36th for the annual average daily dose of UV irradiance

Ranks 43rd for the melanoma incidence rate per 100,000 people

#9 District of Columbia

Despite receiving plenty of sunshine, the District of Columbia has the second-lowest melanoma incidence rate across the nation, 8.3 per 100,000 people. This may partly be due to its racial makeup, as less than half of the population is white and, consequently, at a higher risk of the condition. DC is also among the growing number of states that allow schoolchildren to possess sunscreen at school without a doctor's note.

Sun Exposure Risk Score: 38.4

Ranks 28th for the annual average daily dose of UV irradiance

Ranks 50th for the melanoma incidence rate per 100,000 people

#10 Maine

Despite lacking sunshine, the northeasternmost U.S. state, Maine, has relatively high rates of melanoma, 19.2 cases per 100,000 people. As elsewhere in New England states, such high prevalence may be at least partly attributed to the fair-skinned population — more than 93% of residents are white. Moreover, an often cloudy sky can make Mainers underestimate the dangers of UV rays, which can penetrate the clouds and burn the skin.

Sun Exposure Risk Score: 39.2

Ranks 48th for the annual average daily dose of UV irradiance

Ranks 13th for the melanoma incidence rate per 100,000 people

The findings overview

The new WellnessPulse analysis reveals that the majority of states facing the highest risk

associated with insufficient sun protection are located in the Sunbelt region, which is known for its hot and sunny climate.

The states with the highest risks are Arizona, Utah, Hawaii, Florida, New Mexico, California, Nevada, Colorado, North Carolina, and Kansas.

While the increased incidence of skin cancers in recent decades is closely linked to UV exposure, it’s not the case for all of these states. Those with larger non-white populations like New Mexico may be less affected by skin cancer.

States with the lowest risk associated with inadequate sun protection are concentrated in the Northeast region, with less sunny days and lower altitudes. These are Alaska, Massachusetts, New York, Rhode Island, Connecticut, Michigan, New Hampshire, Pennsylvania, District of Columbia, and Maine.

Some of these states have relatively high rates of skin cancer, which could be partly influenced by their predominantly fair-skinned populations.

Methodology

The WellnessPulse research team developed a composite Sun Exposure Risk Score to identify the U.S. states with the highest and lowest risk associated with inadequate sun protection.

Sun protection includes measures such as using sunscreen, avoiding direct sunlight, limiting the amount of time spent in the sun, and wearing sun-protective clothing.

The analysis used two key metrics: annual average daily dose of UV irradiance (2020), J/m², and incidence rate (age-adjusted) of melanoma per 100,000 population (2021).

The research team analyzed the latest data available at the time of the analysis of 51 U.S. states.

Data analysis was conducted using the steps below:

• Collecting the data for each selected metric.
• Analyzing the data quality and statistical parameters.
• Standardizing each metric data to 0–100 ranges using Min-Max normalization (prior data transformation was not performed as no outliers were found in both datasets).
• Assigning weights to the metrics and calculating composite scores for each country analyzed.

Weights were assigned based on the team's knowledge of the topic at the time of the analysis. By assigning a 70% weight to UV irradiance levels, the team aimed to emphasize the immediate, biologically relevant risk of skin damage.

The remaining 30% for melanoma rates adjusts this weighting based on real-world outcomes and the potential societal response to UV exposure.

Each country's composite score value ranges from 0 to 100. A lower score suggests a region may be more vulnerable to insufficient sun protection than a higher score.

Limitations and important considerations

The analysis is subject to multiple limitations, which could have influenced the interpretation of the findings.

• The Sun Exposure Risk Score is generalized and provides an average value for the whole state of a particular land area.
• The composite score uses the most recent relevant data found from 2020–2021. The results could differ if different datasets were to be analyzed.
• UV irradiation averages used to compose the Sun Exposure Risk Score may not reflect regional or local variations in UV irradiation levels.
• Data collection methods and consistency can differ between or even within the same state over time. These variations can impact the comparability, consistency, and reliability of the data analyzed.
• Risks associated with insufficient sun protection depend on various factors, including but not limited to skin type based on the Fitzpatrick scale, time of day, geographical location, sunscreen application practices, time spent outdoors, genetic predisposition, age, and family history, among many other factors.
• Sun Exposure Risk Score research results provided are generalized insights, not universally applicable, and limited to the research scope and methodology.
• While the melanoma incidence rate metric is included to reflect the potential health risks associated with insufficient sun protection, it serves as an example and does not represent the full spectrum of UV-related or unrelated skin cancers. Other forms of skin cancer exist, and not all are directly attributable to UV exposure.