ELS-0019Healthcare · Canary Islands

High UV Levels in the Canary Islands: What Expats and Visitors Need to Know

Official sources checked
Written by Sue Berry
Practical guidance

The Canary Islands can experience very high and extreme UV radiation—even on breezy, cloudy or pleasantly cool days. Here is how expats, older residents and visiting families can enjoy the sunshine more safely.

The Quick Answer

The Canary Islands can experience very high and extreme ultraviolet radiation, particularly during the warmer months, but strong UV exposure is possible throughout the year.

A UV Index of 8–10 is classed as very high, while 11 or above is extreme. At these levels, unprotected skin and eyes can be damaged surprisingly quickly.

Wind, cloud and comfortable temperatures do not remove the risk. The safest approach is to check the daily UV Index, avoid prolonged direct exposure during the strongest part of the day and use shade, suitable clothing, a wide-brimmed hat, UV-protective sunglasses and sunscreen.

Why This Matters

Many people choose the Canary Islands because they want a warmer, more outdoor lifestyle.

That can be wonderful for physical and emotional wellbeing, but it may also mean spending far more time exposed to strong sunlight than someone previously did in the UK or northern Europe.

The risk can be easy to underestimate because:

cooling winds make the day feel less intense;

cloudy skies can create a false sense of safety;

UV levels can remain high when temperatures feel comfortable;

exposure builds up through walking, gardening, driving and sitting outside;

some medicines can increase sensitivity to sunlight;

visiting family may not be accustomed to the strength of the sun.

Sun protection is not only about avoiding painful sunburn. Repeated exposure can contribute to premature skin ageing, eye damage and an increased risk of skin cancer.

Building sun protection into everyday routines helps residents and visitors enjoy outdoor life more safely.

Frequently asked questions

Can UV levels be high when it is cloudy? Yes. Cloud can reduce visible sunlight and heat, but harmful ultraviolet radiation may still reach the skin and eyes. Check the UV Index rather than relying on how the sky looks.

Does the wind reduce UV exposure? No. Wind cools the skin and can make the day feel more comfortable, but it does not remove ultraviolet radiation.

Is UV radiation only a summer problem in the Canary Islands? No. UV levels are generally stronger during warmer months, but sun protection can be needed throughout the year.

What UV level is considered extreme? A UV Index of 11 or above is classed as extreme. At this level, unprotected skin and eyes can be damaged very quickly.

What sunscreen factor should I use? SPF 30 or higher is commonly recommended, with SPF 50 useful during intense exposure. Choose broad-spectrum protection and reapply it according to the instructions.

Is a baseball cap enough protection? A cap protects part of the face and scalp but usually leaves the ears and neck exposed. A wide-brimmed hat provides broader protection.

Can medication make me more sensitive to sunlight? es. Some medicines can increase sun sensitivity. Check the leaflet or speak to a pharmacist or doctor.

When is the best time to walk a dog? Early morning and later evening are usually safer during periods of strong sun and heat. Check pavement temperatures and carry water.

What should visiting family bring? Visitors should bring high-factor sunscreen, suitable sunglasses, hats, covering clothes and reusable water bottles.

When should I call 112? Call 112 if someone collapses, loses consciousness, becomes confused or develops other severe or rapidly worsening symptoms.

Important — Read Before You Act

Very high UV exposure and extreme heat are related but separate risks.

Someone can experience damaging UV radiation even when they do not feel excessively hot.

Seek urgent medical help if a person develops serious symptoms such as:

confusion;

collapse;

loss of consciousness;

severe weakness;

rapid breathing;

a very fast heartbeat.

In Spain, the general emergency number is 112.

People taking regular medication should check the patient information leaflet or speak to a doctor or pharmacist if they are unsure whether it increases sensitivity to sunlight.

What To Do — Step by Step

Check the daily UV Index Look at the UV forecast before planning: long walks; gardening; beach visits; cycling; sightseeing; outdoor work; activities with visiting family. The UV Index is a better guide than temperature or cloud cover.
Understand the UV risk levels The usual UV Index levels are: 0–2: Low 3–5: Moderate 6–7: High 8–10: Very high 11 or above: Extreme Sun protection is advisable when the UV Index reaches 3 or above. When it reaches very high or extreme levels, stronger protection and reduced direct exposure are needed.
Plan outdoor activities around the strongest sunlight UV radiation is generally strongest around the middle of the day. Where possible: walk earlier in the morning; arrange outdoor jobs before the strongest period; choose later-afternoon activities; use shaded routes; avoid long periods in direct sunlight. During an extreme UV warning, public-health authorities may advise avoiding direct exposure altogether.
Use shade whenever possible Choose: covered terraces; trees; umbrellas; awnings; shaded walking routes; indoor rest periods. Shade can reduce exposure, but reflected UV from water, pale paving and surrounding surfaces may still reach the skin.
Wear clothing that provides protection Choose loose, lightweight clothing that covers: shoulders; upper arms; back; chest; legs where practical. A wide-brimmed hat protects more effectively than a small cap because it helps shade the face, ears, scalp and neck.
Protect your eyes Wear properly marked sunglasses offering protection from both UVA and UVB radiation. Dark lenses alone do not guarantee UV protection. Look for suitable safety markings and purchase sunglasses from a trusted retailer or optician.
Apply sunscreen correctly Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen that protects against UVA and UVB. Apply it generously to exposed areas and reapply: regularly throughout the day; after swimming; after heavy sweating; after towelling the skin; according to the product instructions. SPF 30 or higher is commonly recommended, with SPF 50 providing additional protection during intense exposure.
Protect commonly missed areas Remember to protect: ears; scalp and hairline; back of the neck; lips; shoulders; backs of the hands; tops of the feet; lower legs. These areas can easily be missed during everyday activities.
Check whether medication increases sun sensitivity Some antibiotics, anti-inflammatory medicines and other treatments may make the skin more sensitive to sunlight. Check: the patient information leaflet; warnings on the packaging; advice from a pharmacist; guidance from your doctor. Keep an up-to-date medication list so family or healthcare professionals can help if a reaction occurs.
Help visiting family prepare People arriving from the UK may not be accustomed to Canary Islands UV levels. Before they travel, remind them to bring: high-factor sunscreen; hats; suitable sunglasses; lightweight covering clothes; reusable water bottles; any medication information. Plan gentler outdoor activities during the first few days, particularly for children and older relatives.
Take extra care with babies and children Babies and young children have particularly vulnerable skin. Keep them out of strong direct sunlight and use: shade; suitable clothing; hats; age-appropriate sunscreen; plenty of fluids; regular indoor breaks. Never leave children in a parked vehicle, even briefly.
Protect pets from sun and heat Walk dogs early in the morning or later in the evening. Also: provide shade; keep fresh water available; check pavement temperatures; avoid exposed terraces; watch for overheating; ask a vet about pets with thin, pale or sensitive coats. UV and heat are different hazards, but they often need to be managed together.
Prepare a simple sun-safety kit Keep a small kit near the door or in the car containing: SPF 50 sunscreen; a wide-brimmed hat; UV-protective sunglasses; a light covering shirt; lip protection; drinking water; medication information. This is useful for unexpected walks, beach visits or days out.
Recognise signs that someone has had too much sun Move into a cool, shaded place if someone develops: painful or very red skin; dizziness; headache; weakness; nausea; unusual tiredness; excessive thirst; rapid breathing; a fast heartbeat. Offer water if the person is alert and able to drink safely. Warning
Make sun safety an everyday habit Simple routines might include: checking the UV Index with the morning forecast; keeping sunscreen beside your keys; leaving a hat in the car; planning walks earlier; carrying water; reminding visitors before arrival; reviewing skin changes; arranging appropriate eye and skin checks. Small routines are easier to maintain than relying on memory during every outing.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Judging UV risk by the temperature - A comfortable temperature does not mean UV radiation is low.
Assuming wind provides protection - The breeze may cool the skin but does not remove ultraviolet radiation.
Ignoring UV on cloudy days - Cloud cover does not block all harmful UV.
Using sunscreen but no other protection - Sunscreen works best alongside shade, suitable clothing, hats and sunglasses.
Applying sunscreen only once - Protection can reduce through swimming, sweating, towelling and time.
Forgetting the scalp, ears and feet - These areas are often exposed but easily missed.
Assuming visitors understand the local sun - Family arriving from cooler countries may underestimate how quickly they can burn.
Walking pets during the strongest part of the day - Hot pavements and strong sun can create serious risks for animals.
Ignoring medication warnings - Some medicines can make sun reactions more likely or more severe.
Waiting until someone feels unwell - Protection should begin before sunburn, dehydration or heat-related symptoms appear.

Your Action Checklist

Check today’s UV Index.
Plan outdoor activities away from the strongest period.
Use shaded routes and covered spaces.
Wear a wide-brimmed hat.
Wear approved UV-protective sunglasses.
Cover exposed skin with lightweight clothing.
Apply broad-spectrum sunscreen.
Reapply sunscreen regularly.
Protect the ears, scalp, neck, hands and feet.
Carry drinking water.
Check whether medication causes sun sensitivity.
Remind visiting family about strong UV levels.
Keep babies and young children out of direct strong sunlight.
Walk pets during cooler periods.
Check pavement temperatures before walking a dog.
Prepare a sun-safety kit.
Learn the warning signs of too much sun.
Keep the Spanish emergency number 112 available.
Review unusual skin changes.
Arrange appropriate health checks when needed.

In Summary

Living in the Canary Islands does not mean avoiding the sunshine. It means learning to respect how strong it can be.

Helpful everyday habits include:

checking the UV Index;

planning walks and outdoor activities for cooler times;

using shade;

wearing a wide-brimmed hat;

choosing approved UV-protective sunglasses;

covering exposed skin with lightweight clothing;

applying and reapplying sunscreen;

carrying water;

checking whether medicines increase sun sensitivity;

helping visiting family prepare before they arrive.

A breeze, cloud cover or mild temperature should not be treated as proof that UV exposure is safe.

Small, consistent habits can make outdoor life more enjoyable while reducing unnecessary risks.

Sue’s final thoughts & experiences

A personal note from Sue Berry

One of the lovely things about living in the Canary Islands is being able to enjoy the outdoors for so much of the year.

But because the breeze can make the day feel cooler, it is easy to forget how strong the sun really is.

Sun protection does not have to feel complicated. A hat by the door, sunscreen in your bag and checking the UV Index before heading out can become simple parts of everyday life.

A little preparation helps us enjoy the sunshine more safely—and gives visiting family the information they need to do the same.