Calima in Adeje: What’s Going On, Why It Matters, and How to Handle It
Right now, Adeje is wrapped in a warm, dusty veil — the famous calima has returned. Instead of the usual bright blue skies, September often brings a hazy golden filter over Tenerife. Meteorologists explain that late summer and early autumn are some of the most common times for Saharan dust to sweep over the Canary Islands, and this week Adeje is experiencing it in full. If you’re visiting or living here, here’s everything you need to know to stay comfortable and safe while enjoying the island.
What Exactly Is Calima?
Calima is a weather phenomenon caused by hot winds carrying fine mineral dust all the way from the Sahara Desert to the Canary Islands. These dust particles travel hundreds of kilometers across the Atlantic, creating skies that look more like a sepia filter than a postcard. While it may look like mist, it’s actually airborne desert sand that changes the island’s atmosphere.
Why September?
Calima can happen any time of the year, but September is a particularly active month. At the end of summer, strong trade winds and lingering high temperatures make it easier for Saharan dust to reach the islands. In recent years, hot episodes have been extending later into the season, giving the impression that summer doesn’t end when the calendar says it should.
What Does Calima Feel Like in Adeje?
Golden light everywhere — sunsets during calima can be surreal, with dramatic orange and red tones.
Visibility drops — mountains, the ocean horizon, and even Teide can look blurred.
The air feels dry and heavy — some people notice irritation in their throat, nose, or skin.
Temperatures rise — even though the sun looks dim, the heat feels more intense.
Health Effects: Who Feels It Most
Not everyone is affected in the same way. For people with allergies, asthma, or respiratory sensitivities, calima can trigger coughing, congestion, or shortness of breath. Eye irritation and dry skin are also common. Even healthy people may feel more tired or dehydrated than usual during these dusty days.
Official Weather Alerts
The Canary Islands are currently under a heat episode, with alerts issued for unusually high temperatures and suspended dust. The yellow alert threshold for heat is set at 34ºC, and some islands are expected to climb several degrees above that. Authorities expect this combination of hot air and calima to persist until the weekend, highlighting once again how summer seems to be stretching further into September and October.
Tips for Getting Through Calima in Adeje
- 💧 Stay hydrated: drink more water than usual and avoid excess caffeine or alcohol.
- 😷 Protect your lungs: use a mask or scarf if you have asthma or allergies.
- 🕶️ Protect your eyes: sunglasses reduce irritation and discomfort.
- 🏋️ Pause heavy outdoor exercise: avoid hiking or running during the hottest, dustiest hours.
- 🏠 Stay indoors when possible: close windows when dust levels are high, use AC or air purifiers if available.
- 👕 Care for your skin: shower after being outside and use moisturiser to prevent dryness.
- 📅 Check local forecasts: AEMET provides daily updates and warnings for heat and dust episodes.
How Long Does Calima Last?
Episodes of calima in Adeje can last from just a few hours to two or three days. Occasionally, when weather patterns are stable, it may linger longer. It isn’t a permanent condition, but rather a visitor from the Sahara that comes and goes throughout the year.
Adeje’s Local Experience
In Adeje, calima changes daily life in visible ways. Outdoor terraces and promenades can feel less inviting as fine dust settles on surfaces, and views of the mountains or ocean become hazy. Locals are used to adapting — spending more time indoors, choosing cafés with shaded seating or air conditioning, and scheduling outdoor activities for early mornings or late evenings when the dust is lighter.
Conclusion
Calima is more than just haze on the horizon — it’s part of Tenerife’s natural rhythm. In Adeje, it reminds us how closely connected the Canary Islands are to the Sahara. While it can be uncomfortable, a few simple adjustments make it manageable. With hydration, protection, and awareness of weather alerts, you can still enjoy your time on the island. Think of calima as nature’s own golden filter — a temporary chapter in your Tenerife experience that adds to the story of life in Adeje.
