SunticUV index in Tenerife today
Tenerife lies off the coast of northwest Africa, giving the Canary Islands subtropical sun and meaningful UV in every season, including winter. The only accurate figure is a live one for your exact spot: Suntic shows Tenerife's real-time UV index and a 10-day forecast.
Sun and UV in Tenerife
Thanks to its low latitude and position near the African coast, Tenerife enjoys sunshine year-round, earning its 'island of eternal spring' reputation. Midday UV reaches high or very high levels through summer and stays moderate-to-high even in the winter months that draw northern Europeans for sun. Mount Teide's altitude pushes UV higher still for anyone heading up the volcano.
When is UV highest in Tenerife?
UV is highest around solar noon (broadly 10am to 4pm) and strongest across April to September. The exact peak shifts with the season and the day's weather. For more on this, see when is the sun strongest.
The UV index scale
| UV index | Risk level | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| 0-2 | Low | Minimal risk. Safe to be outside; sunglasses on bright days. |
| 3-5 | Moderate | Take care at midday. Use SPF 30+, a hat and shade around noon. |
| 6-7 | High | Protection needed. SPF 30+, cover up, seek shade 10am-4pm. |
| 8-10 | Very high | Extra protection. Avoid the sun at midday; SPF, clothing and shade are essential. |
| 11+ | Extreme | Take all precautions. Unprotected skin can burn quickly; stay inside or fully covered at peak hours. |
UV index categories follow the World Health Organization / US EPA scale.
Staying sun-safe in Tenerife
- Winter sun here is real sun: UV can still warrant protection in December and January, unlike mainland Europe.
- A trip up Mount Teide means thinner atmosphere and noticeably stronger UV than at the coast.
- Black volcanic beaches feel hot underfoot, but it's the direct and reflected UV, not the heat, that burns skin.
Wherever you are, the basics hold: use broad-spectrum SPF 30+, seek shade around midday, cover up, and never let your skin burn. See our sunburn prevention tips.
See Tenerife's live UV index
Suntic turns the live UV index into personal safe-sun times, sunscreen reminders and vitamin D tracking on your iPhone.
