The Most and Least Sunburned States in 2026
The state with the highest sunburn search volume is Hawaii at 100.
Conversely, the state with the lowest sunburn search volume is Alaska at only 19.
Approximately 45% of Americans reported experiencing sunburn in 2021.
A staggering 82% of Americans still do not use sunscreen during the summer months.
As summer heats up across the U.S., people are spending more time outdoors, often neglecting sun protection. This oversight can lead to sunburn, a common skin issue that many are still facing. Interestingly, some states experience higher rates of sunburn than others. Let’s dive into which states are most affected by sunburn and how the trends have evolved over time.
Overview of the Most and Least Sunburned States
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It’s no surprise that Hawaii ranks as the most sunburned state. With a wealth of outdoor activities like surfing, hiking, and beach-going, residents and visitors alike are often caught unprotected under the sun.
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On the flip side, Alaska has the lowest incidence of sunburn, where the most common burns are likely from cozying up to a fireplace rather than sun exposure.
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Interestingly, California is surprisingly close to the bottom of the list in terms of sunburn rates, which may reflect a strong cultural emphasis on sunscreen use and skin protection among its beach-loving population.
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Following Hawaii, South Carolina and Florida tie for the second most sunburned states, with Florida’s nickname as the Sunshine State perhaps leading to an assumption that it would take the top spot.
For a complete breakdown of sunburn statistics by state, see the table below.
Methodology for Identifying the Most Sunburned States
Our analysis relied on Google Trends to gauge the states experiencing the highest search volume for “sunburn.” The period analyzed ran from July 1st to July 6th, capturing the increased outdoor activity around the long holiday weekend.
The 10 Most Sunburned States in 2026
Implications for Aloe Vera Companies
As outdoor activities continue to rise, so do the instances of sunburns, leading to increased searches for relief, particularly for aloe products. This trend suggests that companies specializing in aloe vera are likely enjoying a boost in sales. However, many individuals learn their lesson after a painful sunburn, which also benefits sunscreen manufacturers in the long run.
While the interplay between sun exposure and skin protection may seem like a marketing scheme, it’s crucial to prioritize sun safety. Remember, using sunscreen is not just a recommendation; it’s an essential practice to reduce the risk of skin damage and potential skin cancer.
| State | Sunburn Search Volume |
|---|---|
| Hawaii | 100 |
| South Carolina | 50 |
| Florida | 49 |
| Maine | 49 |
| West Virginia | 48 |
| Alabama | 46 |
| Iowa | 44 |
| Delaware | 43 |
| Wyoming | 43 |
| Arkansas | 42 |
| Kentucky | 42 |
| Oklahoma | 42 |
| Nebraska | 40 |
| Rhode Island | 40 |
| North Dakota | 39 |
| South Dakota | 39 |
| Indiana | 38 |
| Utah | 38 |
| Wisconsin | 38 |
| Michigan | 37 |
| Mississippi | 37 |
| New Hampshire | 37 |
| North Carolina | 37 |
| Pennsylvania | 37 |
| Missouri | 36 |
| Ohio | 36 |
| Idaho | 35 |
| Louisiana | 35 |
| Kansas | 34 |
| Massachusetts | 34 |
| New Jersey | 34 |
| Tennessee | 34 |
| Minnesota | 33 |
| Montana | 33 |
| Vermont | 33 |
| Connecticut | 31 |
| Georgia | 31 |
| Texas | 30 |
| Virginia | 30 |
| Colorado | 29 |
| Illinois | 29 |
| Arizona | 28 |
| Nevada | 28 |
| Maryland | 27 |
| New York | 27 |
| New Mexico | 26 |
| California | 25 |
| Oregon | 25 |
| Washington | 22 |
| Alaska | 19 |
Author
Amanda Postma is a writer for the Zippia Career Advice blog with a focus on creating entertaining content to help you through your job search. She received her BA from the University Of Missouri-Columbia.
