Even in Florida, the coldest months of the year typically fall between December and February, and despite the cooler temperatures, the winter sun can still take a toll.
Blue skies, bright afternoons, and strong UV rays remain part of daily life, even during Florida’s “winter.” Prolonged UV impacts your skin during everyday activities like driving to work, running errands, or sitting in traffic, and it sneakily takes a toll on your vehicle’s interior as well. That is why winter often becomes the most overlooked, yet important, time to think about protection.
Winter Sun: Protection Looks Different in Florida
In colder regions of the United States, protection against the winter sun often involves heavy clothing, limited outdoor exposure, and vehicle precautions like ice scrapers and tire chains. In Florida, winter looks very different. Residents continue driving daily in direct sunlight, often without considering the cumulative impact of UV exposure through vehicle windows.
Clinical research summarized by Health Union on SkinCancer.net explains that UVA rays can penetrate standard automotive glass and contribute to long term skin damage, particularly for drivers who experience repeated exposure on one side of the body. This exposure has been linked to premature skin aging and increased skin cancer risk.
Winter Sun: UV Exposure Does Not Stop This Time of Year
A common misconception is that cooler temperatures reduce UV risk. According to cancer researchers at Moffitt Cancer Center, UV radiation remains present throughout the year, including during winter months and overcast conditions. Florida’s geographic location means UV intensity remains higher than much of the country regardless of season.
Healthcare providers across the state, including Lee Health, consistently emphasize that sun protection should be a daily practice, not a seasonal one. While sunscreen is an important part of skin protection, it does not fully address prolonged exposure experienced while driving.
Protecting Your Vehicle from the Winter Sun Matters, Too
UV exposure from the winter sun affects more than just skin health. Over time, sunlight can fade upholstery, discolor trim, and weaken interior materials. While the winter sun may feel less intense, the long-term effects on vehicle interiors are cumulative, especially for commuters and drivers who spend extended time on the road.
Automotive window tint provides an added layer of protection that works year-round, not just during peak summer heat.
Why 3M Window Tint Makes Sense in the Winter Sun
3M automotive window tint is engineered to block a significant portion of harmful UV rays while maintaining visibility and driving comfort. Even during winter months, window tint helps:
- Reduce UV exposure to support skin protection
- Preserve vehicle interiors from fading and cracking
- Minimize glare caused by low winter sun angles
- Support more consistent interior temperatures on sunny days
Winter is also an ideal time to install window tint ahead of spring and summer, when heat and UV exposure intensify.
Protect What Matters All Year Long
Floridians are often diligent about sun protection at the beach, but everyday exposure, especially behind the wheel under the winter sun, is frequently overlooked. Protecting both your skin and your vehicle should be a year-round habit.
At Advanced Window Tinting in Jacksonville, we are committed to helping Florida drivers protect what matters most through high quality, professionally installed window film solutions.
Advanced Window Tinting is a 3M™ Premier Elite Installer of 3M™ Window Film. Since 1993, our team has installed industry leading window film on vehicles, homes, and commercial properties throughout Northeast Florida. Our technicians are knowledgeable about Florida specific UV exposure concerns and are here to help you select a window tinting solution that fits your needs.
Whether you are commuting daily, spending long hours on the road, or simply looking to protect your investment, we can help you choose a window tint solution that adds comfort, protection, and lasting value to your vehicle.
Ready to take a proactive step toward year-round sun protection? Contact Advanced Window Tinting at (904) 262-9919 to schedule an appointment or request a free estimate.
