When is the best time to visit Tenerife? You can go all year: afternoons at the seaside are between 21 and 30 °C (70 and 86 °F), in summer and winter alike. For the best balance of warmth, sunshine, prices and crowds, aim for April to June and September–October. From November to March, Tenerife is one of the mildest destinations in Europe, but it is also the peak season and the time of the few rains of the year.
Tenerife, the largest of the Canary Islands, has a subtropical climate softened by the ocean and the trade winds. Temperature differences between the seasons are small on the coast, but the island is very mountainous: Teide rises to 3,715 m (12,188 ft) and it can be cold, even snowy, in winter. The north, more exposed to trade-wind clouds, is greener and wetter; the south is drier and sunnier. Here is how to choose your month, based on the official normals.
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When to go to Tenerife at a glance
- Best times April to June, September–October
- Winter sun December to March, about 21 to 23 °C (70 to 73 °F) in the afternoon on the coast
- Hottest August, an average high of about 29 to 30 °C (84 to 86 °F) at Santa Cruz (28.8 °C (84 °F) at Tenerife South)
- Wettest December at Santa Cruz (about 37 mm (1.5 in)), but the south stays very dry
- For hiking March to June and October–November
- Book ahead for the Santa Cruz carnival, the Christmas, February and Easter holidays, and July–August
When to go by priority
- Best weather: April to June and September–October; December to March for winter sun (see also where to go in May)
- Cheapest: May, then June, September, October and November
- Fewest crowds: May, June and September; avoid the Christmas, February and Easter holidays and July–August
- Events: Santa Cruz carnival (February or March), Corpus Christi in La Orotava (May–June), Canary Islands Day (May 30), Candelaria festivities (mid-August); check dates
Tenerife: the calendar at a glance
🔎 Month by month: Tenerife in February · Tenerife in November · Tenerife in December
✅ Best months: January, February, March, April, may, June, September, October, November
Tenerife weather: climate month by month
| Month | Avg. max | Avg. min | Rain | Rainy days | Crowds | Prices | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 21.5 °C (71 °F) | 15.5 °C (60 °F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) | 4 | High | High | Mild and sunny, winter peak season ✅ |
| February | 21.6 °C (71 °F) | 15.4 °C (60 °F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) | 4 | High (carnival) | High | Mild, Santa Cruz carnival ✅ |
| March | 22.4 °C (72 °F) | 15.9 °C (61 °F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) | 4 | High | High | Mild, ideal for hiking ✅ |
| April | 23.3 °C (74 °F) | 16.8 °C (62 °F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 2 | Moderate (Easter) | Moderate | Dry and mild, countryside still green ✅ |
| May | 24.8 °C (77 °F) | 18.2 °C (65 °F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) | 1 | Low | Low | One of the best values ✅ |
| June | 26.9 °C (80 °F) | 19.9 °C (68 °F) | 1 mm (0.04 in) | 0 | Moderate | Moderate | Warm and dry, before the school holidays ✅ |
| July | 29.2 °C (85 °F) | 21.6 °C (71 °F) | 0 mm (0.0 in) | 0 | High | High | Hot, families, high prices ⚠️ |
| August | 29.7 °C (85 °F) | 22.4 °C (72 °F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) | 0 | Very high | Very high | Peak of crowds and prices ⚠️ |
| September | 28.6 °C (83 °F) | 22.1 °C (72 °F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) | 1 | Moderate | Moderate | Sea at its warmest, crowds easing ✅ |
| October | 27.0 °C (81 °F) | 20.7 °C (69 °F) | 24 mm (0.9 in) | 3 | Moderate | Moderate | Still warm, first rains ✅ |
| November | 24.5 °C (76 °F) | 18.6 °C (65 °F) | 36 mm (1.4 in) | 5 | Moderate | Moderate | Mild, a few rainy days ✅ |
| December | 22.6 °C (73 °F) | 16.8 °C (62 °F) | 37 mm (1.5 in) | 5 | High (Christmas) | High | Mild but the wettest month at Santa Cruz ⚠️ |
These normals are for Santa Cruz, the capital, on the north-east coast. The south, where most of the beach resorts are (Los Cristianos, Playa de las Américas, Costa Adeje), is even drier: the Tenerife South airport station receives only about 119 mm (4.7 in) of rain a year, compared with 209 mm (8.2 in) at Santa Cruz (WMO 1991–2020 normals). The north-west (Puerto de la Cruz, La Orotava) is more often cloudy, and La Laguna, at altitude, is noticeably cooler. On the heights of Teide, temperatures have nothing to do with those of the coast: bring warm clothing all year.
Sea temperature month by month
The sea varies little: about 18 °C (64 °F) from February to April, its lowest level, and 23 °C (73 °F) in September–October. The north-east (Santa Cruz) and the south (Tenerife South) have almost identical values.
| Month | Santa Cruz de Tenerife | Tenerife South |
|---|---|---|
| January | 19 °C (66 °F) | 19 °C (66 °F) |
| February | 18 °C (64 °F) | 18 °C (64 °F) |
| March | 18 °C (64 °F) | 18 °C (64 °F) |
| April | 18 °C (64 °F) | 19 °C (66 °F) |
| May | 19 °C (66 °F) | 19 °C (66 °F) |
| June | 20 °C (68 °F) | 20 °C (68 °F) |
| July | 21 °C (70 °F) | 21 °C (70 °F) |
| August | 22 °C (72 °F) | 22 °C (72 °F) |
| September | 23 °C (73 °F) | 23 °C (73 °F) |
| October | 23 °C (73 °F) | 23 °C (73 °F) |
| November | 21 °C (70 °F) | 21 °C (70 °F) |
| December | 20 °C (68 °F) | 20 °C (68 °F) |
North or south: two climates on one island
| Station | January high | August high | Annual rain | Annual sunshine |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Santa Cruz de Tenerife (north-east) | 21.5 °C (71 °F) | 29.7 °C (85 °F) | 209 mm (8.2 in) | about 3,000 h |
| Tenerife South airport (south) | 22.8 °C (73 °F) | 28.8 °C (84 °F) | 119 mm (4.7 in) | about 3,050 h |
Afternoon temperatures are close between north and south. The real difference is clouds and rain: the trade winds often bring a layer of cloud to the north and north-east slopes, especially in summer and in the morning, while the south stays clear. If you come above all for sun and the beach in winter, the south is the safest choice. If you prefer green landscapes, historic towns and hiking, the north has more character.
The seasons in Tenerife: pros and cons
Winter (December to March): winter sun
It is 21 to 22 °C (70 to 72 °F) in the afternoon on the coast and 15 to 17 °C (59 to 63 °F) at night. This is the wettest season, but with only 3 to 5 rainy days a month at Santa Cruz and even fewer in the south. Teide is sometimes snow-covered, which can temporarily close some roads and the cable car. The sea is cool for many swimmers. It is the peak season, especially over the year-end holidays, in February and during carnival.
- Pros: mild weather that is rare in Europe in winter, sunny days in the south, good conditions for walking
- Cons: high prices during school holidays, cool sea, more frequent cloud in the north, cold at altitude
- Who is it for? A sun or hiking break to escape the winter
Spring (April to June): the best season for many
Rain almost disappears (10 mm (0.4 in) in April, 1 mm (0.04 in) in June) and highs climb from 23 to 27 °C (73 to 81 °F). After Easter, crowds drop sharply, especially in May, and prices follow. The countryside is still green in the north, the Anaga and Teno trails are pleasant, and the sea warms up gradually.
- Pros: dry, mild weather, lower prices, ideal for combining beach and hiking
- Cons: sea still cool in April–May, frequent trade-wind clouds in the north
- Our tip: May and June are among the best months of the year
Summer (July–August): hot and busy
It is about 29 to 30 °C (84 to 86 °F) in the afternoon at Santa Cruz, with no rain and nights at 21 to 22 °C (70 to 72 °F). The heat stays moderate compared with the Mediterranean, but spells of hot wind from the Sahara can push temperatures up and fill the air with dust. The southern resorts are very busy and prices are at their highest.
- Pros: warmer sea, all activities open, mild evenings
- Cons: crowds and high prices, risk of wildfires and heat spells
- Who is it for? Families tied to school holidays; book early
Autumn (September to November): the late season
September stays almost as hot as summer (28.6 °C (83 °F)) with the sea at its warmest, but far fewer people. October is still warm (27 °C (81 °F)) and sees the first rains return (24 mm (0.9 in)). November is mild (24 to 25 °C (75 to 77 °F)) and marks the gradual return of winter visitors.
- Pros: warm sea, falling prices and crowds, good hiking conditions late in the season
- Cons: rain returns in the north in October–November, shorter days
- Our tip: September and October are an excellent compromise
When to go to Tenerife by region
| Area | Highlights | Best time | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|
| South (Costa Adeje, Los Cristianos, Las Américas) | Beaches, hotels, sunshine | All year | The driest and sunniest |
| North-west (Puerto de la Cruz, La Orotava) | Historic towns, gardens, green landscapes | April–October | Cloudier, especially in the morning |
| Santa Cruz and La Laguna | Capital, World Heritage town, carnival | All year; February for carnival | La Laguna is cooler and damper |
| Teide National Park | Volcano, lunar landscapes | April–June, September–October | Cold, sometimes snow in winter |
| Anaga and Teno (Masca) | Hiking, remote villages | March–June, October–November | Trails slippery after rain |
The south and west
The south has most of the hotels and developed beaches. The weather is fine most of the time, in winter and summer alike. Further west, the cliffs of Los Gigantes and the harbor of Puerto de Santiago are quieter bases, with boat trips departing from them.
The north
Puerto de la Cruz, La Orotava and Garachico can be visited all year. Trade-wind clouds are more frequent there, particularly in summer, but they sustain dense vegetation and greener landscapes. This is the region of gardens, banana plantations and old Canarian houses with wooden balconies.
Teide and the mountains
Teide National Park, in the center of the island, sits above the sea of clouds: it is often sunny there when the north coast is overcast. On the other hand, winter is cold, snow can close roads and wind can stop the cable car. Spring and autumn are the best seasons for walking there; in summer, start early because of the sun and the altitude.
When to go to Tenerife by trip type
| Trip | Best time | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Beach and winter sun | December to March | Stay in the south; the sea is cool |
| Swimming in a warmer sea | July to October | September is cheaper than August |
| Hiking (Teide, Anaga, Teno) | March to June, October–November | Check access rules and any bookings required |
| Climbing Teide | April to June, September–October | Check summit access and conditions before you go |
| Carnival | February, depending on the calendar | Dates vary, accommodation fills up |
| Stargazing | All year, in clear weather | Teide’s sky is renowned; bring warm clothing |
| Budget | May, June, September–October | Outside school holidays |
Major events in Tenerife
| Period | Event | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| February or March (date varies) | Santa Cruz de Tenerife carnival | One of the biggest carnivals in Spain; book early |
| March–April (date varies) | Holy Week | Processions, notably in La Laguna |
| May–June (date varies) | Corpus Christi | Carpets of flowers and sand in La Orotava |
| May 30 | Canary Islands Day | Holiday in the archipelago |
| Mid-August | Festivities of the Virgin of Candelaria | Pilgrimage to the basilica of Candelaria |
Tenerife month by month: what to expect
Tenerife in January: Mild (21 to 22 °C (70 to 72 °F)) and sunny in the south, about 4 rainy days at Santa Cruz. Winter peak season; snow possible on Teide.
Tenerife in February: Close to January. It is often the month of the Santa Cruz carnival (the date varies): book early.
Tenerife in March: 22 °C (72 °F) in the afternoon, the wettest spring-time month at Santa Cruz (28 mm (1.1 in)), but still few rainy days. Excellent for hiking.
Tenerife in April: Mild (23 °C (73 °F)) and much drier. Holy Week draws crowds; afterwards, crowds drop.
Tenerife in May: 25 °C (77 °F), almost no more rain, prices falling. One of the best months of the year.
Tenerife in June: 27 °C (81 °F), dry, long days. Quiet before the summer holidays, but frequent cloud in the north.
Tenerife in July: 29 °C (84 °F), no rain. The southern resorts fill up; risk of heat spells and wildfires.
Tenerife in August: The hottest month (nearly 30 °C (86 °F)) and the most expensive. Book several months ahead.
Tenerife in September: Nearly 29 °C (84 °F), sea at its warmest, crowds easing. An excellent month.
Tenerife in October: 27 °C (81 °F), first rains (24 mm (0.9 in)). A good balance of warmth, prices and hiking.
Tenerife in November: Mild (24 to 25 °C (75 to 77 °F)), about 5 rainy days at Santa Cruz. Winter visitors return.
Tenerife in December: 22 to 23 °C (72 to 73 °F) in the afternoon, the wettest month at Santa Cruz (37 mm (1.5 in)). Year-end holidays in high demand.
When to book your trip to Tenerife
For Christmas, February, Easter and July–August, book flights and accommodation 3 to 6 months ahead, especially in the south and during carnival. In May, June, September and October, 1 to 2 months is usually enough. Tenerife has two airports: Tenerife South, closest to the beach resorts, and Tenerife North, near La Laguna. If Lanzarote also tempts you, our Tenerife or Lanzarote comparison sets the climate, landscapes and budget of the two islands side by side.
Planning your trip to Tenerife
- Entry requirements: the Canary Islands are part of Spain. For passport and visa rules, see our entry requirements for Spain.
- Currency: the euro.
- Health: protect yourself from the sun, very strong at altitude, and from the heat.
To organize your stay, see our Tenerife guide. To compare with the other islands, see when to go to the Canary Islands and our Canary Islands guide. To compare with the neighboring island, see when to go to Gran Canaria.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best month to visit Tenerife?
May, June, September and October offer the best balance: dry weather, 25 to 29 °C (77 to 84 °F) in the afternoon, and moderate prices and crowds. To escape the winter, December to March are still very pleasant, especially in the south of the island.
Is Tenerife warm in winter?
Yes, for a winter month: the AEMET’s WMO 1991–2020 normals give an average high of 21.5 °C (71 °F) at Santa Cruz in January and an average low of 15.5 °C (60 °F). The sea is cool and Teide can be snow-covered.
Can you swim in Tenerife in winter?
It is possible for many swimmers, but the Atlantic is cool in winter. Heated hotel pools and the sheltered beaches of the south are the most pleasant at this time of year.
Where is the weather best in Tenerife?
In the south: the Tenerife South airport station receives about 119 mm (4.7 in) of rain a year, compared with 209 mm (8.2 in) at Santa Cruz. The north is more often cloudy, but greener.
When should you go up Teide?
From April to June and in September–October, to avoid the cold and snow of winter as well as the strong summer sun. The cable car can close in windy weather, so check conditions before you go.
What is the coldest month in Tenerife?
January and February: at Santa Cruz, an average of about 21.5 °C (71 °F) in the afternoon and 15.5 °C (60 °F) at night, according to the AEMET’s WMO 1991–2020 normals. It is cooler at altitude, particularly on Teide.
What is the cheapest month to go to Tenerife?
May is generally the best-value month: low crowds, low prices and already close to 25 °C (77 °F) in the afternoon. June, September and October remain months of moderate prices.
When is the Tenerife carnival?
The Santa Cruz carnival is usually held in February, sometimes early March: its dates change every year. Check the official calendar before booking.
Our sources
- World Meteorological Organization: 1991–2020 normals for the stations of Spain’s State Meteorological Agency (AEMET) at Santa Cruz de Tenerife (WMO 60020) and Tenerife South airport (WMO 60025), archive published by NOAA (temperatures, rain, rainy days of at least 1 mm (0.04 in), sunshine)
- Deutscher Wetterdienst (DWD), climate tables: average sea temperature at Santa Cruz de Tenerife and Tenerife South
- Our methodology
Updated November 2026.
