Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Santa Cruz de Tenerife is crucial for protecting your skin from harmful ultraviolet rays. High UV levels can lead to painful sunburns and long-term skin damage, making it essential to stay informed about your sun exposure. With a mild climate characterized by abundant sunshine, Santa Cruz de Tenerife experiences notably high UV readings, peaking at 12 during midday hours. By being aware of the daily UV Index, you can take proactive measures to safeguard your skin and enjoy the beautiful weather this Spanish gem has to offer.
As the sun rises, the UV Index remains low, starting at a maximum of 0 at 7:00 AM. However, by 8:00 AM, it ticks up to 1, signaling the beginning of UV exposure. The intensity climbs steadily, hitting 4 by 10:00 AM and reaching 6 at 11:00 AM. The peak occurs at 1:00 PM, with a striking 11, shortly followed by the highest level of 12 at 2:00 PM—a time when sun protection is crucial! As afternoon turns to evening, the index gradually declines, falling to 6 by 5:00 PM and tapering off to 3 at 6:00 PM, before settling at a gentle 2 by 7:00 PM. This data highlights the importance of seeking shade and wearing sunscreen during the midday hours when UV exposure is at its peak.
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 10:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 11:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 12:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 15:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 16:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 17:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 18:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 19:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, UV levels exhibit significant seasonal changes, with the highest risks occurring from March through September. During this peak period, the UV Index reaches extreme levels of 11 to 12, particularly in April, May, June, and July, where the recommended burn time drops to as little as 10 minutes. February and October also show higher UV indices of 7 and 9, categorizing them as high and very high, respectively. Residents and visitors should take special precautions during these months, such as wearing protective clothing, applying sunscreen, and seeking shade, especially during midday when the sun's rays are most intense. Conversely, January, November, and December present moderate UV levels, with longer burn times of 30 and 25 minutes, allowing for safer outdoor activities with reasonable sun protection.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Barcelona UVI | 3 | 4 | 5 | 7 | 8 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 6 | 3 | 2 |
| Zaragoza UVI | 3 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 9 | 8 | 6 | 3 | 2 |
| Valencia UVI | 3 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 6 | 4 | 3 |
| Madrid UVI | 3 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 9 | 8 | 6 | 4 | 3 |
| Sevilla UVI | 3 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 4 | 3 |
| Santa Cruz de Tenerife | 5 | 7 | 9 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 11 | 9 | 7 | 5 |