Weather In Tenerife In February: It’s Unpredictable
Tenerife in February? Hmmm. Thanks to its year-round temperate climate, Tenerife has long held the moniker ‘the island of eternal spring’. Although there is certainly some truth to this label, many tourists make the mistake of treating it like a weather forecast. They think it’s a guarantee of gorgeous weather, no matter what time of year they visit the island.
A more realistic, up-to-date description would be closer to:
‘The island of eternal spring-like weather….that has been confused by the unpredictability of climate change, basically we can’t guarantee anything, sorry about that’.
Never seen that one on a postcard, have you?
This isn’t to suggest that Tenerife’s not a pleasant place for the majority of the year, nor does it mean you shouldn’t visit in February. You do however need to get your expectations in order, especially when arriving earlier on in the year.
So what exactly can you expect from Tenerife in February? Read on to find out.
Tenerife Weather in February
How hot is Tenerife in February? The island retains its bright, sunny demeanor for much of the month, though cloudy spells are fairly common. Temperature in Tenerife in February is pleasantly warm. But don’t allow the sunshine to fool you – it is by no means “hot” during February, with average temperatures sitting at 16 degrees celsius.
Daytime temperatures (which is what we really care about, right?) hover between a comfortable 19-21 degrees in the south, with highs of 24 degrees during Calima.
One bonus of coming to Tenerife at this time of year is that there is little difference between daytime and nighttime temperatures – the dropoff being no more than 3-5 degrees once the sun goes down.
Most important of all for holidaymakers, rainfall is usually limited to a very reasonable 2-3 days across the month. There’s little chance of your vacation being a washout at this time.
Regional Weather in Tenerife in February
A lot of tourists make the crucial mistake of typing ‘Tenerife Weather in February’ into Google, which invariably brings up the weather for the island’s capital, Santa Cruz. Sitting in the north of Tenerife, this city tends to have worse weather than the more popular tourist resorts of the south.
It is therefore essential to do localized research when planning your trip.
While Tenerife is a relatively small plot of land, there is some variation in weather across the island. The temperatures in Tenerife in February depend on the region as there are many different climatic zones on the island.
Which part of Tenerife is hottest in February?
Los Gigantes is considered the hottest place in Tenerife in February. This area is protected from the wind by huge mountains, so temperatures here are always at least 2 degrees higher than the rest of the island.
Which part of Tenerife is coldest in February?
La Laguna and other Northern areas such as Anaga, La Laguna and Puerto de la Cruz are the coldest in February. In northern Tenerife, winter temperatures can drop as low as +10°C.
Puerto De la Cruz weather February
Puerto De la Cruz weather in February is often not very warm, but still good enough for visiting the Loro Parque and the city itself. The average temperature in Puerto de la Cruz in February is +15 degrees Celsius.
In the north, it can rain often in winter, bringing increased humidity and a lack of sunshine. In Puerto de la Cruz in February, the sun often shines during the morning but clouds come over the city around 1pm. In the evening and at night it may rain lightly, London style.
Tenerife South weather February
Tenerife South weather in February is usually good and sunny. Although February is officially the coldest month in Tenerife, it’s warm all year round in the southern part of the island and rarely less than 20 degrees Celsius.
Costa Adeje weather in February is good enough for sunbathing with +17 /+20 degrees Celsius during the day. Some days the temperature can be +24 degrees Celsius, and some days it can be cloudy and overcast. In the morning and evening it is +16/+17 degrees Celsius.
Playa de Las Americas weather in February is similar to Los Cristianos weather in February as these two resorts are located close to each other. You can enjoy sun and temperature of around +18 / +20 degrees Celsius.
I would like to draw your attention to the fact that the air temperature in Tenerife, as indicated on the weather website, differs significantly from the REAL FEEL OF THIS WEATHER. From my personal experience, +20 in Tenerife feels like +24 in Paris or Berlin, because here it is the “African sun”.
Swimming in Tenerife in February
Can you swim in Tenerife in February?
Admittedly February isn’t the best time of year to splash around in the island’s coastal waters, but that doesn’t mean it’s off the cards.
After cooling down during the winter months, ocean temperatures sit around 18-19 degrees on average, though again, you can expect slightly warmer water along the southern resorts.
Head to Los Gigantes, Los Cristianos, or Costa Adeje if you’re keen to take a dip. And preferably wait until the afternoon, when the water has received a morning blast from the sun.
It goes without saying: “warm” is a relative term, and whether you can handle the less than perfect water temperatures will depend on where you’re coming from. Visitors from Northern Europe, England, and Russia usually find the ocean comfortable enough to swim in.
Should you be the sort that runs up the beach scream-shivering (shcreamering?) once your pinky toe hits the water, then the February sea probably isn’t for you. And that’s okay!
Instead, why not go for a swim at one of the island’s many heated hotel pools? As is the case in Westhaven Bay Hotel, these pools are typically warmed up to a toasty 26 degrees celsius, and use real ocean water that is changed every day.
Ideal for shiverers and families with children.
Read also this article about the climate in Tenerife.
Things To Do In Tenerife In February
Arguably the most enticing reason to visit Tenerife during February is to experience Carnival.
Second only to the original Rio de Janeiro festival in terms of importance, Carnival attracts one million visitors to the island from across the world. Such is the scale of this event, that it has broken multiple records for outdoor gatherings.
Festivities consume much of the island during the early parts of the month, though the central hub of action is the capital of Santa Cruz de Tenerife.
A memorable party atmosphere awaits visitors. Even if you don’t plan on attending the festival itself, it’s worth examining event dates & details – needless to say, transport and accommodation can be rather busy at this time of year.
Click HERE for next year’s programme.
A slightly less wild (only slightly) but equally entertaining attraction that deserves your attention is Siam Park.
Voted by TripAdvisor as one of the world’s best water parks, Siam is ideal for families, thrill seekers, and really anyone interested in aqua-based fun.
Here you can enjoy a number of different exciting activities and facilities. Most notable are the hair-raising water slides, the wave pool with sandy beach, and a surfing school. Who needs the ocean? Pfff.
All facets of this park are styled with a Thai theme – slides, rides, buildings, restaurants, you name it. In fact, it’s the largest Thai style attraction outside of Thailand itself. So committed is this park to its Thai concept, that the actual Princess of Thailand herself attended the opening.
For more information and to book your tickets for Siam Park, click here.
Should You Visit Tenerife In February?
If your goal is to escape the winter in search of some warmth and sunshine, then Tenerife deserves some serious consideration as a February getaway destination.
The chances are that you won’t be frying any eggs on car roofs this time of year. Bummer, right? Not really – temperatures never reach the sweaty uncomfortable highs of summer, and instead you get pleasant balmy weather.
And then there’s the revelry of Carnival. If you enjoy a lively atmosphere, then this is an event you can’t miss. Just don’t forget to pack your festive headdress.
What do you mean you don’t have a headdress? Better get making, they won’t let you on the island without one 🙂
