Plants protect themselves against potentially harmful effects of solar ultraviolet‐B radiation by a variety of mechanisms conferring UV‐B resistance. The underlying resistance mechanisms of a plant can be acclimated corresponding to the prevailing UV‐B exposure in their habitat such that under natural conditions UV‐B damage does not seem to exist. UV‐B resistance is not only induced by UV‐B radiation but to a large extent also by other environmental factors. Here, we review current evidence on how abiotic variables, e.g. low temperature or water deficit, affect UV‐B resistance mechanisms. We are focusing on acclimation of UV‐B screening through the accumulation of UV absorbing compounds, which is well investigated, and on the removal of UV‐B‐induced DNA damage by repair. Although the latter is a resistance mechanism specifically directed to UV‐B‐induced damage, it is strongly underinvestigated. Interaction of UV‐B radiation and other environmental factors can occur at the level of signal transduction chains, most often leading to cross‐resistance. Additionally, the influence of environmental conditions on physiological reactions may lead either to cross‐resistance or cross‐sensitivity.