Being out and about in sunny weather can be an enjoyable time, but it always comes with the potential risk of getting sunburn.

Due to this, some people might look to spend time in the shade out of the way of direct sunlight and might not apply sunscreen as a result.

However, does this practice actually protect your skin from the sun's harmful UV rays or would you still need to use sunscreen despite this?

Experts from the Skin Cancer Foundation and Cancer Research UK have given their verdict so you know what to do.

Do you need sunscreen in the shade?

The Skin Cancer Foundation points out that the "sun doesn’t stay still for long" which can pose a challenge to keep in the shade as its position will also change.

Their website adds: "Trees and awnings may provide some coverage when the sun is directly overhead, but less as it rises and sets, allowing the sun’s rays to hit you from different angles."

Additionally, even being in the shade doesn't completely shield a person from UV radiation which bounces off reflective surfaces.

They explain: "Under a beach umbrella, you may be receiving less direct UV radiation, but you’re still surrounded by sand that is reflecting UV rays on all sides of your beach chair or blanket. Because of these limitations, shade isn’t enough to protect you."

Therefore, it would still be useful to apply sunscreen even if you're planning on just staying in the shade.

Cancer Research UK recommends using a combination of sunscreen, shade and clothing to best protect yourself from sunburn.

They add: "Remember that the sun moves across the sky throughout the day, and so shady spots move too. 

"Be sure to check where the shade is so that you’re still protected. If you can’t move with the shade, then use umbrellas or parasols to create shade where you are."

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If you're staying underneath an umbrella or parasol you can often find the ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) on the label.

This tells you how good the protection is against UV rays, with a UPF of 30 to 49 offering very good protection, while a UPF of 50+ is rated as excellent.

However, the UPF can be reduced if the material is damaged or weathered.