Travel
UV Index Gran Canaria: Month by Month + Packing List
Gran Canaria shares the Canaries' 28°N latitude: midday UV hits 4 even in December — early-summer level for Northern Europe. The Maspalomas dunes are doubly sneaky: pale sand reflects radiation from below while the trade wind carries the heat away. People burn here at 24°C with a breeze.
Typical peak UV by month
Typical midday peak on clear days. Clouds lower it; sea, sand and altitude push it up.
Time to sunburn in Jul (UV 11)
| Very fair (type I) | ~14 min |
| Fair (type II) | ~18 min |
| Medium (type III) | ~27 min |
| Olive (type IV) | ~41 min |
Unprotected skin, typical values. SPF 50 extends this roughly 50× when applied properly.
When to go
For sun-seekers, Apr–Sep are the most intense months (UV 11 in Jul). Sensitive skin or travelling with small kids? Jan–Dec are gentler — mild enough for long days outside, though protection still pays off.
What to pack — tick as you go
Links open the pick for your region — we may earn a commission.
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Lip Protection carry-on ✓ alwaysSun Bum SPF 30 Lip Balm 3-Pack →
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Daily Face SPF carry-on ✓La Roche-Posay Anthelios UV Pro-Sport SPF 50 →
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UV400 Sunglasses carry-on ✓SOJOS Retro Polarized UV400 →
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Kids Sunscreen SPF 50+ look for ≤100 mlBlue Lizard Kids Mineral SPF 50+ →
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High Protection Face look for ≤100 mlEltaMD UV Sport SPF 50 →
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UPF 50+ Clothing carry-on ✓BALEAF UPF 50+ Sun Protection Hoodie →
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Body Sun Protection checked luggageBanana Boat Sport Ultra SPF 50 →
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After-Sun Care checked luggageSun Bum Cool Down Aloe Vera Gel →
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Gradual Self-Tan checked luggageJergens Natural Glow Daily Moisturizer →
Flying there? Read the carry-on rules first: Sunscreen in your carry-on →
Check the live UV
Check the current value: open the live UV — search your city on the homepage
Frequently asked questions
How high is the UV index in Gran Canaria in summer?
At the summer peak the UV index typically reaches 11 (Jul) — very high to extreme. Unprotected fair skin burns in roughly 14 minutes.
Do I need sunscreen in Gran Canaria in winter?
Yes. A typical December midday reads UV 4 — early-summer level for the UK. SPF 30–50 for the face is sensible.
Is the sun stronger in Gran Canaria than at home?
Considerably. A UK or US-northeast summer rarely passes UV 8; in Gran Canaria, 11 is normal — and the high-UV season lasts longer. Sea breeze and wind hide the exposure.