2025's Antarctic Ozone Hole Was 5th Smallest Since 1992, But Recovery Is Decades Off
The healing ozone layer is a genuine success story, but recovery is decades away and surface UV is still intense, here's why sunscreen still matters.
NASA and NOAA ranked the 2025 Antarctic ozone hole the 5th smallest since 1992 (average extent about 7.23 million square miles); the ozone layer is projected to fully recover around the late 2060s.
Scientists at NASA, NOAA, and the World Meteorological Organization describe the smaller 2025 hole as confirmation of a long-term recovery trend, while cautioning that full healing is still decades away.
Questions we get a lot
How big was the 2025 Antarctic ozone hole?
NASA and NOAA ranked it the 5th smallest since 1992, with an average extent of about 7.23 million square miles. The WMO described it as small and short-lived. Both point to a long-term recovery trend.
If the ozone layer is recovering, do I still need sunscreen?
Yes. Full ozone recovery is projected only around the late 2060s, and surface UV remains intense in the meantime. Even a healed ozone layer would not eliminate everyday UV exposure. Sun protection stays essential.
r/science: 'If the ozone hole is shrinking, does that mean we'll eventually need less sunscreen?'