Seasons and tattoos
When is the best season for a tattoo?
Short answer: autumn and winter. A tattoo does not like sun, sea and sweat — and it is most vulnerable in exactly the first few weeks. Here is why the cold months are the best time, what to keep in mind in each season and how to plan so that your tattoo is ready for summer.
Why autumn and winter win
- Less sun.
- UV rays are a new tattoo's worst enemy — they irritate the healing skin and fade the ink. In autumn and winter it is easy to keep it in the shade.
- No sea or pool.
- For the first 2–3 weeks the tattoo must not soak in water. In summer that means missed beach days; in winter you lose nothing.
- Less sweat.
- Sweat irritates a new tattoo and slows the healing. In cool weather the skin sweats less.
- Ready for summer.
- If you start now, the tattoo will be fully healed by the time short sleeves come back. For a big project with several sessions, autumn is the ideal start — you will finish it by spring.
The seasons at a glance
| Season | Pros | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|
| Autumn | Weak sunlight, a pleasant temperature, time left before summer | Rain and wind — keep the dressing dry |
| Winter | No sun, sea or sweat; clothes cover the tattoo | Dry skin, tight and woollen clothes, colds |
| Spring | Still time before summer for a small tattoo | The sun gets stronger — protect the spot |
| Summer | Free time, holidays | Sun, sea, pool and sweat — the hardest season for healing |
If you still want a tattoo in summer
You can — just plan more carefully:
Book at least 3 weeks before the sea or your holiday. Protect the tattoo from the sun with loose clothes. Don't put sunscreen on it until it has healed. Once it has healed — always SPF 50 on the spot, so it does not fade. No pool, sea, sauna or jacuzzi while it heals. Choose a spot that is easy to cover.
What to keep in mind in winter
Winter is almost ideal, but there are a few things:
- Loose cotton clothes.
- Tight and woollen clothes rub and irritate a new tattoo.
- Keep the skin moisturised.
- Cold and central heating dry it out — follow your artist's instructions for the cream.
- Ill? Move the appointment.
- The body heals more slowly, and the session is harder to sit through.
- Book in good time.
- Popular artists' free dates fill up fast.
Now it's your tattoo season
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Find your artistFrequently asked questions about the tattoo season
When is the best season for a tattoo?
Autumn and winter. There is less sun, no sea or pool, and the skin sweats less — all of which helps the healing.
Can I get a tattoo in summer?
Yes, but you have to protect it from sun and water while it heals. Book at least 3 weeks before the sea.
How long after a tattoo do I have to stay away from the sea?
At least 2–3 weeks, until the skin has healed. Follow your own artist's instructions.
When should I get a tattoo so it is ready for summer?
A small tattoo — by April or May. A big project with several sessions — from autumn.
Does the sun harm a healed tattoo?
Yes, over time UV rays fade the ink. Put SPF 50 on the spot when you are in the sun.