Getting a tan in winter is absolutely possible — you just need to use the right method. The most effective options are self-tanning products (mousse, lotion, drops, or spray tan), tanning beds, and strategic sun exposure on days when the UV index is high enough. Of these, self-tanners are by far the easiest, safest, and most reliable choice for a winter glow.
The challenge with winter tanning is that the sun’s UV rays are much weaker, your skin is drier, and shorter days mean less time outdoors. But with the right approach, you can maintain a natural-looking tan all season long — no summer sun required.
Below, we cover every method that works, how to make your tan last longer in the colder months, and the small prep steps that make a big difference to the final result.
Key Takeaways
- Self-tanning products (mousse, lotion, drops, spray tan) are the most reliable way to get a tan in winter — no UV exposure needed.
- Tanning beds are a solid alternative if you want a UV-based tan without relying on the winter sun.
- Sun tanning in winter is possible but only effective when the UV index is 3 or above.
- Always exfoliate before applying any self-tanner — dry, flaky winter skin causes patchy, uneven results.
- Moisturising daily is the most important thing you can do to extend the life of your winter tan.
- Tanning products last longer in winter because you sweat less and shower less frequently.
- Layering a tan-extending product between sessions helps maintain colour without reapplying a full self-tan.
The Best Ways to Get a Tan in Winter
There are three main routes to a winter tan: self-tanning products, tanning beds, and the sun itself. Here is how each one works and when to use them.
1. Self-Tanning Products (The Best Option)
For most people, self-tanners are the go-to method in winter. They work independently of the weather, they’re safe, and the formulas available now give genuinely natural-looking results. Winter is actually a great time to use them — because you sweat less and bathe less frequently, they tend to last longer than in summer.
There are several types to choose from depending on your preference:
Self-Tanning Mousse
Mousse is the most popular format for a reason. The airy foam formula is easy to spread evenly across the body and absorbs quickly without streaking. It delivers a deep, lasting tan and is a great all-body option.
We Recommend: b.tan Self Tanner Mousse
Self-Tanning Lotion
Lotions are beginner-friendly and easy to blend. They’re lighter than mousse and absorb quickly, making them ideal for a gradual, buildable tan rather than a dramatic colour change overnight.
We Recommend: Beauty by Earth Self Tanning Lotion
Self-Tanning Drops
Tanning drops are a brilliant option if you want full control over how dark you go. You mix a few drops into your regular moisturiser and apply as normal. This makes them especially useful for the face, where a heavy mousse or lotion can feel like too much.
Spray Tans
Spray tans are one of the most efficient options for full-body coverage and typically last 7–10 days. You can either apply one at home with a spray can or get a professional spray tan at a salon for a flawless, even finish. A professional spray tan is a great option if you have an event coming up and want a guaranteed result.
For more detail on preparation, take a look at our guide on spray tan instructions before and after.
2. Tanning Beds
Tanning beds are a popular winter alternative for people who prefer a UV-based tan. They use ultraviolet radiation to stimulate melanin production in the skin — the same process that happens when you tan in the sun, just without needing good weather.
You’ll typically need a few sessions to build up noticeable colour, and it’s worth starting with shorter sessions if you’re new to tanning beds to avoid overexposure. Applying a tanning oil before your session can help amplify the results and keep your skin from drying out under the UV lamps.
When using a tanning bed, wear as little clothing as possible to avoid tan lines, and rotate your body regularly during the session for even coverage. If you’re sensitive in certain areas, use a small towel to cover them.
3. Sun Tanning in Winter
Yes, you can still tan from the sun in winter — but it requires some patience and the right conditions. The key factor is the UV index. When the UV index is 0, you will not tan no matter how long you sit outside. For any meaningful colour change, you generally need a UV index of 3 or above.
Check your local UV forecast on a weather app or site like Weather.com before planning an outdoor session. If there’s a sunny day where the index hits 3+, midday (11am–2pm) is usually when it peaks.
To get the most from a winter sun session, apply a tanning lotion or home-made tanning oil beforehand. Options like coconut oil help attract more UV light to the skin and can speed up the natural tanning process. Rotate your body throughout the session to avoid uneven patches.
How to Prepare Your Skin for a Winter Tan
Winter skin is drier and flakier than summer skin. If you apply a self-tanner or head into a tanning bed without preparing your skin properly, you’re far more likely to end up with patchy, uneven results. These two steps make a genuine difference.
Exfoliate Before Every Tanning Session
Exfoliating removes the dry, dead skin cells sitting on the surface of your skin. If you skip this step, those dead cells are what will absorb your tanner first — and since they’re about to shed naturally, your tan will fade much faster and unevenly.
Use a gentle exfoliating scrub or mitt all over your body 24 hours before your tanning session. Pay extra attention to drier areas like elbows, knees, and ankles. For a detailed step-by-step, see our guide on how to exfoliate before a spray tan — the same advice applies to all self-tanners.
Moisturise Before and Between Sessions
Hydrated skin holds a tan far better than dry skin. Apply a light, oil-free moisturiser the night before your self-tanning session (not directly before, as it can act as a barrier to the product). Between sessions, keep your skin moisturised daily to slow down the natural fading process.
How to Make Your Winter Tan Last Longer
Once you’ve got your tan, keeping it looking good in winter takes a bit more maintenance than in the warmer months. Here is what actually works.
Moisturise Every Day
This is the single most important thing you can do. Dry, flaky skin sheds faster, and your tan fades with it. Use a good body lotion or moisturising body oil daily, especially after showering. If you want to maintain colour at the same time, a gradual tanning moisturiser is a great option — it keeps your skin hydrated and adds a little colour with each application.
Use a Moisture-Rich Tanning Oil
Winter is a great time to incorporate a tanning oil into your routine. A good tanning oil replenishes moisture while keeping your skin looking dewy and bronzed. Apply after moisturising for an added glow — particularly effective on the legs and arms.
Avoid Coarse or Rough Clothing
Heavy winter layers, particularly wool or textured fabrics worn directly against the skin, create friction that can strip a spray tan or self-tanner much faster than normal. Opt for a soft, smooth base layer underneath heavier jumpers and coats to protect your tan from rubbing off.
Use a Tan-Enhancing or Extending Product
When your tan starts to fade slightly, a tan-enhancing cream or bronzing product can help keep the colour looking fresh between sessions rather than going straight back to square one. These products boost the existing pigment without adding a full new layer of colour, which makes them ideal for top-ups throughout the week.
The Face Tan Trick That Makes a Difference
The face is one of the first places a tan starts to fade — and a pale face against a tanned body is a giveaway. A simple trick is to use a tan enhancer like coconut oil on targeted areas of the face when sun tanning or to apply tanning drops mixed into your moisturiser for a natural-looking glow.
Focus on these areas for the most natural-looking result:
- The sides of your forehead
- The bridge of your nose
- The apples of your cheeks
- Your chin area
- Your T-zone if you tan there naturally
Important: If you’ve never applied a tanning product to your face before, test it on your arm or leg first to check for any skin reaction before going near your face.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get a tan in winter?
It depends on the method. Self-tanners and spray tans develop colour within 4–8 hours, with results fully visible the next morning. Tanning beds typically require 3–5 sessions to build noticeable colour. Sun tanning in winter is the slowest option — it depends entirely on the UV index and can take multiple sessions with no guarantee of results if the index is too low.
Can you actually tan from the sun in winter?
Yes, but only when the UV index is high enough. A UV index of 3 or above is generally needed to produce any meaningful tan. In northern climates and during the depths of winter, the index can drop to 0–1 for weeks at a time, which makes sun tanning effectively impossible during those periods. Always check the UV forecast before planning a session.
Why is it harder to tan in winter?
Several factors work against you. The sun sits lower in the sky, which means UV rays travel through more of the atmosphere and arrive weaker at ground level. Skin is also drier and flakier in winter, which means it holds colour less well. Cold temperatures mean you’re covering more skin with clothing too, limiting exposure.
How do people stay tan throughout the winter?
Most people who maintain a tan in winter use a combination of regular self-tanner applications (every 7–10 days), daily moisturising to slow fading, and a gradual tanning moisturiser between sessions. Some also use tanning beds once or twice a month to maintain a base UV tan.
Is it safe to use a tanning bed in winter?
Tanning beds carry similar UV exposure risks to the sun, including increased risk of skin damage with overuse. The key is moderation — start with shorter sessions, don’t overdo frequency, and avoid tanning beds if you have a history of skin sensitivity or are taking photosensitising medications. Always follow the guidance of the salon you use.
Do self-tanners last longer in winter?
Generally yes. Because you sweat less and tend to shower less frequently in winter, self-tanners don’t fade as quickly as they do in summer. That said, dry skin in winter can cause uneven fading, which is why moisturising daily is so important to keeping the colour looking fresh and seamless.
What is the best self-tanner for winter?
For full-body application, a self-tanning mousse gives the most even, natural-looking results and is easiest to control. For a gradual approach, a tanning lotion blended into your daily moisturiser works well. For the face specifically, tanning drops mixed into your regular moisturiser are the most natural-looking option. All three are worth having in your routine depending on the result you want.
Final Thoughts
Getting a great tan in winter is genuinely easy once you know which method to use. For most people, self-tanners are the clear winner — they work regardless of the weather, the results are impressive, and they last longer in winter than any other time of year. Tanning beds are a solid choice if you prefer a UV-based colour, and sun tanning can work on the right day if the UV index is in your favour.
The biggest difference between a patchy winter tan and a natural-looking one comes down to preparation. Exfoliate before, moisturise consistently, and protect your tan from friction, and you’ll be surprised how long it lasts. If you’re new to self-tanning or want to get your technique right, our spray tan preparation guide is a great place to start — and our full self-tanning section has everything you need to find the right product and method for your skin.