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Background During the last 20 years, 50% of adults with sun‐sensitive skin have sunburned annually. Reducing the proportion of people who sunburn requires understanding the circumstances and outdoor activities during which at‐risk people sunburn. Methods A 7‐day observational study of melanoma survivors (n = 20) and young adult first‐degree relatives of melanoma survivors (FDRs) (n = 20) captured daily UV exposure, sun protection, and sunburns during spring and summer in the Midwest of the United States (latitude 41.8°N). Participants wore UV and physical activity sensors and completed a daily self‐reported survey of sun protection, sunburn, and physical activities. The estimated protection‐adjusted UV dose was calculated for each body area by integrating self‐reported sun protection with UV sensor dose. Results In 254 days, at least one body area in 9 of 20 (45%) melanoma survivors and 11 of 20 (55%) FDRs was sunburned (erythema at 24 hours). Sunburns were associated with spring and walking for transportation or leisure, especially walking the dog. Melanoma survivors used sunscreen daily on the face; however, forearms and lower legs were not protected during walking. Young adults did not use sun protection on the face, forearms or lower legs during walking for transportation and use was ineffective during sports. Conclusion The sun protection patterns of daily living identified in this study may promote recognition of erythema as sunburn and inform the development of tailored sun protection mobile applications promoting self‐monitoring with wearable UV sensors.