Can you get a sunburn in the shade?

It is possible to get a sunburn in the shade since ultraviolet rays scatter more easily than visible light in the atmosphere and bounce off the air onto the skin.

UV rays from the sun penetrate clouds more effectively than visible light, so there is not as much shielding as people's eyes may lead them to believe. This can cause a worse sunburn than on days with clear skies, because many are unaware that they are getting sunburned and don’t cover up or wear sunscreen. Sunburn is caused by UV light, which cannot be blocked by clouds or, in some cases, even physical objects.