How Much Sun Do You Need for Vitamin D?
Find the exact minutes of sun exposure needed for your daily Vitamin D.
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Frequently Asked Questions — Vitamin D Calculator
How many minutes of sun do I need for Vitamin D daily?+
Rule of thumb: if your shadow is shorter than you are, UV is sufficient. Fair skin at equatorial latitudes: 10-15 min/day at noon provides ~1,000 IU. At 45°N in summer: 15-20 min. At 45°N in winter: UV too weak for synthesis.
Does time of day matter for Vitamin D from sun?+
Yes — UVB is only available when the sun is at least 45° above the horizon (roughly 10am-2pm in mid-latitudes during summer). The "shadow rule": when your shadow is shorter than your height, UVB is sufficient.
Best time of day to get Vitamin D from sun?+
Solar noon ±2 hours (10am-2pm) provides the most UVB per minute. Less skin area is required and burns happen faster — adjust exposure time accordingly, especially for fair-skinned individuals.