What is Calima?
Calima is a weather phenomenon common in the Canary Islands where dust and sand particles from the Sahara Desert are carried by winds across the Atlantic Ocean. This atmospheric dust affects air quality, visibility, and can significantly impact photography conditions.
We measure Calima using PM10 (Particulate Matter 10 micrometers), which indicates the concentration of dust particles in the air measured in micrograms per cubic meter (μg/m³).
Air Quality Levels
Excellent
0-20 μg/m³
Perfect Conditions
- ✅ Crystal clear skies
- ✅ Excellent visibility (often 20+ km)
- ✅ Vibrant colors and sharp details
- ✅ Ideal for landscape and long-distance photography
Good
20-50 μg/m³
Great Conditions
- ✅ Clear skies with minimal haze
- ✅ Good visibility (15-20 km)
- ✅ Slight atmospheric haze can create warm tones
- ✅ Still excellent for most photography
Moderate
50-100 μg/m³
Acceptable Conditions
- ⚠️ Noticeable haze in the atmosphere
- ⚠️ Reduced visibility (7-15 km)
- ⚠️ Warmer color cast, muted details at distance
- ✅ Can still work for close-range and portrait photography
Unhealthy
100-200 μg/m³
Challenging Conditions
- ❌ Heavy atmospheric haze
- ❌ Poor visibility (2-7 km)
- ❌ Strong orange/brown color cast
- ❌ Not recommended for landscape photography
- ⚠️ May cause respiratory issues for sensitive individuals
Hazardous
200+ μg/m³
Severe Conditions
- ❌ Extremely poor visibility (< 2 km)
- ❌ Dense dust clouds blocking light
- ❌ Photography nearly impossible
- ❌ Health concerns - stay indoors if possible
Photography Tips During Calima
When to Shoot
- Early Morning: Often clearer conditions before dust increases during the day
- After Rain: Rain clears the dust, providing exceptional clarity
- Check Daily: Conditions can change rapidly - use our photography map for real-time data
Camera Settings
- White Balance: Adjust to compensate for warm color cast (try Cloudy or custom WB)
- Contrast: Increase in post-processing to combat haze
- Filters: UV or haze filters can help, but won't eliminate heavy Calima
Creative Opportunities
- Light Calima can create dreamy, atmospheric shots with warm golden tones
- Sunsets during moderate Calima can be spectacularly colorful
- Close-range subjects (portraits, macro) are less affected
Data Sources
Our PM10 data comes from OpenWeatherMap and is updated every twenty minutes. Weather stations across Tenerife and the Canary Islands provide real-time measurements.