Winter is when many British and German visitors come to the Canaries, looking for sun when it is cold and dark at home. The good news is that you will usually find it. The honest news is that winter here is not the same everywhere, and it is not always perfect beach weather. Here is what it is really like, from someone who lives here all year.
Quick answer: winter in the Canary Islands is mild and mostly sunny, with warm days and cooler evenings. The south of each island is the sunniest, and in the south of Tenerife it rains on very few days a year. The north is greener because it gets more cloud and rain, sometimes with storms. The sea is cooler than in summer, and Mount Teide can be covered in snow.
Winter weather at a glance
| South coasts | North coasts | Mountains | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Days | Mostly sunny and warm | Mild, mix of sun and cloud | Cool to cold |
| Rain | Very little | More frequent, sometimes heavy | Possible, with snow on Teide |
| Evenings | Fresh, light jacket | Cooler, jacket | Cold, warm clothes |
| Beach days | Yes, most days | Some days | No |
The south: your best bet for winter sun
In the south of Tenerife it is sunny almost all the time, and it only rains on a few days a year. The same is true of the south of Gran Canaria, around Maspalomas, and of Fuerteventura and Lanzarote, which are drier overall. If your main goal is lying on the beach in January, this is where to stay.
The north: greener, cloudier and wetter
I grew up in the north of Tenerife, and in winter there are sunny days, but also many cloudy days, rain and even the occasional storm. That is exactly why the north is so green. It is still mild, rarely cold on the coast, and it is the best season to see the forests and the countryside at their most beautiful. Just do not expect guaranteed beach weather.
Local tip: if it is cloudy where you are staying, drive to the other side of the island. Very often it is sunny there.
Snow on Mount Teide
One of the best things about winter in Tenerife is that you can swim in the morning and see snow in the afternoon. Teide often gets snow in winter. It looks amazing, but roads into the national park and the cable car can close because of snow and ice, so check before you go. Read my Mount Teide guide.
Is the sea warm enough to swim?
Many visitors swim all winter, but the Atlantic is cooler than people expect, and it is at its coolest in late winter and early spring. If you are coming from the UK or Germany it will probably feel fine; locals usually find it fresh. Surfers always wear a wetsuit, and winter is actually the best season for waves. See my guide to learning to surf in Tenerife.
Which island is warmest in winter?
- Tenerife (south): very reliable sunshine, with the bonus of snowy Teide on the horizon.
- Gran Canaria (south): just as sunny around Maspalomas and Mogán.
- Fuerteventura and Lanzarote: dry and sunny, but often windier, which makes it feel cooler.
- La Palma, La Gomera and El Hierro: beautiful, but more changeable, especially in the north and in the mountains.
What to pack for a winter trip
- Summer clothes and swimwear for the days.
- A jumper or light jacket for the evenings.
- A raincoat if you are staying in the north or plan to hike.
- Warm clothes, a hat and gloves if you go up Mount Teide.
- High factor sun cream. The winter sun here is still strong, and visitors burn all year.
Not sure yet? Compare all the seasons in my guide to the best time to visit the Canary Islands, and choose your base with where to stay in Tenerife.
Frequently asked questions
Is it hot in the Canary Islands in winter?
Not hot, but pleasantly warm during the day, especially in the south. Evenings are fresh, so bring a light jacket.
Does it rain in Tenerife in winter?
In the south, very little. In the north it rains much more, and there are sometimes storms. Most days still have some sun.
Is Christmas a good time to visit?
Yes. It is busy and prices go up, but the weather in the south is usually lovely, and for surfers it is the best time of the year.
Weather varies from year to year. Check the forecast and any weather alerts before you travel.
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