The Canary Islands are known as the islands of eternal spring, and it is true: there is no bad month to visit. But the best time depends on what you want. Here is how the year really feels, from someone who has lived through every season here.
Quick answer: for warm sea and long beach days, September and October are the best months. For mild weather and fewer families, May and June. For winter sun, November to March is warmer than almost anywhere else in Europe, although the sea is cooler.
The year at a glance
| Months | Weather | Sea | Crowds | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| December to February | Mild, sunny days, cool evenings | Coolest of the year | High, especially at Christmas | Winter sun, hiking, Carnival |
| March to May | Warming up, spring flowers | Cool, slowly warming | Busy at Easter, quieter in May | Hiking, sightseeing, good value |
| June to August | Hot and dry, windier on the eastern islands | Warm | High in July and August | Beach holidays, families |
| September to November | Warm, often settled | Warmest of the year | Moderate, rising in November | Swimming, diving, surf season starts |
As a rough guide, daytime temperatures on the sunny southern coasts are around the low 20s °C in winter and the high 20s °C in summer. The sea is roughly 18–19 °C at its coolest in late winter and around 23–24 °C at its warmest in early autumn. These are approximate averages; each island and each coast is different.
Winter: December, January and February
This is high season for visitors from northern Europe, who come for the winter sun. Days are often sunny and pleasant on the coast, but evenings are cool and the mountains can be cold. Mount Teide in Tenerife sometimes gets snow, which is an amazing sight from the beach.
- Bring: a jumper or light jacket for the evenings, and warm clothes if you go up to the mountains.
- Carnival: the carnivals of Santa Cruz de Tenerife and Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, in February or March depending on the year, are among the biggest in the world.
- Waves: winter brings the biggest swell, great for surfers but rougher for swimming on north-facing coasts.
Spring: March, April and May
Spring is a lovely time for walking: the hills are at their greenest after the winter rain and wild flowers are out. Easter is busy and prices go up, but May is one of the best value months of the year, with good weather and fewer crowds.
Summer: June, July and August
My favourite time of year, because I surf. It is hot, dry and reliably sunny. July and August are the busiest months, with families from Spain and the rest of Europe on holiday. The trade winds blow strongly in summer, especially in Fuerteventura and Lanzarote, which keeps the heat bearable and makes those islands perfect for kitesurfing and windsurfing at beaches like Sotavento, one of my favourite beaches in the Canaries.
Local tip: in summer the north of Tenerife is often under a layer of cloud while the south is sunny. If it is grey where you are, drive for half an hour and you may find the sun.
Autumn: September, October and November
For many visitors, the best time of year. The sea is at its warmest, the summer crowds have gone and the weather is usually warm and settled. It is the best season for swimming, snorkelling and diving, and the surf season starts again in October.
What is calima?
A few times a year, wind from the Sahara brings dust to the islands. The sky turns hazy and orange, temperatures can rise and the air can feel heavy. This is called calima. It usually lasts a few days. If you have breathing problems, stay indoors when it is strong and follow local health advice.
Best time by activity
- Beach and swimming: June to October.
- Hiking: October to May, when it is cooler and greener.
- Surfing: October to March.
- Kitesurf and windsurf: summer, when the trade winds are strongest.
- Good value and fewer crowds: May, June and late September.
Frequently asked questions
Is it warm enough to swim in the Canary Islands in winter?
Many people do, especially visitors from northern Europe. The sea is cool, so expect a fresh first dip. Heated hotel pools are common.
Which month has the best weather?
For most people, September and October: warm air, the warmest sea and fewer crowds than summer.
Does it rain in the Canary Islands?
Not much, and mostly between November and March. The eastern islands, Lanzarote and Fuerteventura, are the driest. The north of the western islands gets the most cloud and rain, which is why it is so green.
Check the official forecast from AEMET, the Spanish weather service, before your trip.
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