Calima: Saharan dust episodes and how to handle them

Key rules

• Most affected areas: The Canary Islands, then the south and southeast of the mainland, see calima most.
• At home: Keep windows closed during an episode and wet-clean instead of sweeping.
• Vulnerable groups: If you have asthma, COPD or heart disease, or you are a child or older adult, stay indoors and keep your medication to hand.
• Mask: If you have a respiratory condition and must go outside, wear an FFP2 mask.

What calima is

Calima is a haze of dust or sand hanging in the air that cuts visibility. In Spain it usually comes from the Sahara. The sky turns yellow-orange or grey, and a fine layer of dust settles on cars, balconies and windowsills.

Where and how often it happens

The Canary Islands are the most affected area. Next come the south and southeast of the mainland (Andalusia, Murcia), the Mediterranean coast and the Balearic Islands. During intense episodes the dust can also reach the centre and north.

Dust arrives on a large share of days each year. On the mainland it is present on roughly a quarter to a third of days, and more often in the Canary Islands. The seasons differ by area, as the timeline below shows. Winter episodes in the Canary Islands often come with easterly winds.

Health effects

Most healthy people notice only dry eyes, a scratchy throat or a cough. The fine particles can make existing problems worse.

Take extra care if you have asthma, COPD or heart disease, or if you are a child or an older adult. You should:

• Stay indoors with windows closed where possible.
• Keep your prescribed medication within reach.
• Seek medical care if your symptoms get worse.

Everyone else should avoid intense outdoor exercise during strong episodes. Drink enough water and protect your eyes. Regional health authorities, such as those in the Canary Islands, issue alerts with their own thresholds. Check your region's alerts when the sky turns hazy.

What to do at home

• Keep windows and doors closed, especially at the peak. Don't air the house until the episode eases.
• If you use air conditioning, set it to recirculation. Clean or replace the filters afterwards.
• Wet-clean surfaces instead of sweeping, so you don't raise the dust again.
• Cover outdoor furniture and plants.
• Rinse your car with water before wiping it, so the grit doesn't scratch the paint.
• Postpone outdoor exercise. If you have a respiratory condition and must go out, wear an FFP2 mask.

The FAQ below covers masks, car cleaning and when to seek care.

Timeline and deadlines

• Canary Islands: main dust season: Mostly in winter, often with easterly winds

• Peninsula, especially the south and southeast: main dust season: Mostly in spring and summer, with a peak in summer

Frequently asked questions

Can calima reach the centre and north of Spain?

Yes, calima can reach the centre and north of Spain, but only during intense episodes. It is far more common in the Canary Islands, the south and southeast of the peninsula, the Mediterranean coast and the Balearic Islands.

When should I seek medical care during a calima episode?

Seek medical care if your symptoms get worse, especially if you have asthma, COPD or heart disease. Children and older adults should also stay indoors with windows closed where possible and keep prescribed medication to hand.

How should I clean my car after calima dust?

Rinse the car with water first, then wipe it. Wiping dry dust drags grit across the paint and scratches it. Cover outdoor furniture and plants before an episode if you can.

Should I wear a mask outside during calima?

Yes, wear an FFP2 mask if you must be outside and have a respiratory condition. Protecting your eyes and staying hydrated is also recommended.