February is a good month for Tenerife: around 21.5 °C (71 °F) in the afternoon and 15 °C (59 °F) at night in Santa Cruz, sunshine in the south and, often, the Santa Cruz carnival, one of the biggest in Spain. It is one of the coolest months of the year, the sea is cool, and winter holidays plus carnival make accommodation pricier and scarcer.
Here is the weather in Tenerife in February, the differences between the island’s regions and what to do during the month. For the other months, see our page on the best time to visit Tenerife.
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Tenerife in February: key facts
- Verdict: ✅ mild and sunny in the south, Santa Cruz carnival
- Santa Cruz: 21.6 °C (71 °F) in the afternoon, 15.4 °C (60 °F) at night, 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, about 3 to 4 rainy days
- Driest: the south of the island
- Teide: cold, snow possible
- Crowds: heavy (winter holidays, carnival)
- Booking: 3 to 6 months ahead for carnival and the holidays
Weather in Tenerife in February
| Month | Max | Min | Rain | Rainy days |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 21.5 °C (71 °F) | 15.5 °C (60 °F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) | 4 |
| February | 21.6 °C (71 °F) | 15.4 °C (60 °F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) | 4 |
| March | 22.4 °C (72 °F) | 15.9 °C (61 °F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) | 4 |
February is very similar to January: with it, it is the coolest month on the coast, yet afternoons around 21.5 °C (71 °F) are a rare mildness for Europe at this time of year. It rains about three to four days in the month in Santa Cruz, and even less in the south. Trade-wind clouds more often cover the north; above them, Teide is frequently clear but cold. For a drier, flatter island, the weather in Lanzarote in February lets you compare rain, wind and temperatures with Tenerife.
North, south or Teide: where to go?
- South (Costa Adeje, Los Cristianos, Playa de las Américas): the driest and sunniest; the Tenerife South airport station receives only about 119 mm (4.7 in) of rain a year, against 209 mm (8.2 in) in Santa Cruz. The safest choice for winter sun.
- North-west (Puerto de la Cruz, La Orotava, Garachico): cloudier and greener, with historic towns and gardens. More character, fewer guarantees of sun.
- Santa Cruz and La Laguna: the capital and the World Heritage town; La Laguna, at altitude, is clearly cooler and damper.
- Teide National Park: often above the sea of clouds, but cold in winter; snow can close roads and wind can stop the cable car.
Can you swim in Tenerife in February?
Yes, if you are hardy: the Atlantic is at its coolest. Heated pools and the sheltered beaches of the south make swimming more pleasant. For warmer sea, aim for July to October.
Things to do in Tenerife in February
The Santa Cruz carnival
The Santa Cruz de Tenerife carnival usually takes place in February, sometimes early March, with parades, contests and street parties. Its dates change every year and are published by the city: check the official calendar before booking, as accommodation in and around Santa Cruz is snapped up.
Hiking and Teide
February suits walking on the coast and at mid-altitude: the Anaga massif, Teno and Masca. Trails can be slippery after rain and some require a permit. On Teide, winter is cold: snow can close roads, wind can stop the cable car, and the summit trail requires a permit booked in advance.
Sun, towns and stars
- Enjoy the sheltered, sunny beaches and promenades of the south
- Visit La Laguna, La Orotava and Garachico, with their wooden-balconied houses
- Watch the sky from Teide on a clear night, with warm clothes
Sample week in Tenerife in February
- Days 1 to 3: base in the south (Costa Adeje or Los Cristianos), beach and promenade, a boat trip from Los Gigantes if the sea allows.
- Day 4: Teide National Park on a clear day, checking that the roads and cable car are open; warm clothes essential.
- Day 5: north-west, with La Orotava, Puerto de la Cruz and Garachico.
- Day 6: La Laguna and a hike in the Anaga massif, if the weather is dry.
- Day 7: Masca and Teno, or a rest day or a carnival evening in Santa Cruz.
Renting a car makes getting between the south, Teide and the north much easier. Keep one day flexible: if the north is under cloud, swap the plan and stay in the sun in the south.
What to avoid in February
- Booking late during carnival or the winter holidays
- Heading up Teide without checking whether the roads and cable car are open
- Choosing the north if sun is your priority
Crowds and prices
February is part of the winter high season. European school holidays, added to carnival, push up demand and prices, especially in the south and in Santa Cruz during the festivities. Book 3 to 6 months ahead for these dates. Most international visitors arrive at Tenerife South or Tenerife North airport.
What to pack
- Light clothes and a sweater or jacket for the evening
- A light rain jacket for the north
- Warm clothes for Teide (down jacket, hat)
- A costume if you want to join the carnival
- Sunscreen and sunglasses, essential at altitude
If February does not suit you
Neighbouring months: March is a little milder (22 °C, 72 °F) and excellent for hiking; Tenerife in December offers a festive atmosphere; Tenerife in November is warmer and often cheaper.
Other destinations in February: compare with Lanzarote, the other Canary Islands, Madeira in February or, for more warmth, Cape Verde in February. All our ideas: where to go in February.
To plan your stay, see our Tenerife travel guide.
Frequently asked questions
What is the weather like in Tenerife in February?
Mild and often sunny: around 21.5 °C (71 °F) in the afternoon and 15 °C (59 °F) at night in Santa Cruz, with 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain and 3 to 4 rainy days according to the AEMET WMO 1991-2020 normals. The south is drier.
Is it warm enough to swim in Tenerife in February?
The water is at its coolest. Many travellers swim anyway, but heated pools and the sheltered beaches of the south are more pleasant.
When is the Tenerife carnival?
Usually in February, sometimes early March: the dates change every year. Check the official Santa Cruz de Tenerife calendar before booking.
Where should you stay in Tenerife in February?
In the south for sun (Costa Adeje, Los Cristianos), and in or near Santa Cruz if you are coming for the carnival.
Can you go up Teide in February?
Yes, in good weather, but it is cold and snow can close the roads. The cable car can stop in wind, and the summit trail requires a permit.
Is February an expensive month for Tenerife?
Rather, because of the winter holidays and carnival. Outside those dates prices are more moderate; May is generally still the best-value month of the year.
Our sources
- World Meteorological Organization: 1991-2020 normals from the Spanish national weather agency (AEMET) stations at Santa Cruz de Tenerife (WMO 60020) and Tenerife South airport (WMO 60025), archive published by NOAA
- Data already published on our page the best time to visit Tenerife
- Our methodology
Updated November 2026.