Climate In Tenerife: Weather & The Best Time To Visit
Tenerife is the largest and the most popular of the Canary Islands. With tourism to the island increasing, especially among European visitors, it’s clear that Tenerife’s year-round warm & sunny weather provides an irresistible getaway at any time of the year. But how much does the weather really change over the course of a year?
1- What Is Tenerife’s Climate Like?
Tenerife is known as the “Island of Eternal Spring” because of its moderate climate, which changes depending on the region. In fact, the climate in Tenerife is in the sweet spot for people of all ages – in winter, it never gets too cold, and in summer, you won’t have to suffer from the sweltering heat. This is because in the winter, the warm currents near the coast keep the air cool, while in the summer, the continuous tropical winds, the trade winds that sweep across the Atlantic Ocean, provide freshness.
What’s the weather like in Tenerife?
From August to October, the weather in Tenerife is mild and sunny along the island’s coastline. It also rarely rains between March and October, so there’s no need to worry about bringing jackets and coats. However, you do need to pack the outwear such as light jackets and puffer jackets for the evenings if you visit Tenerife from October to March.
The temperature in the inland, on the other hand, fluctuates with elevation.
You’re more likely to get a little rain in the north-eastern slopes, whereas the lack of rain on the rest of the island adds to a more arid terrain along the southern slopes’ beaches.
Average Temperatures In Tenerife
Tenerife is the only European resort where you can bask on the beach all year round because even in January, the air here warms up to +22 ° C. The average temperature in Tenerife during the warm season is around 26°C and during the winter season it is +17.5°C, at which time a light jumper may still come in handy in the evening.
Thus, the average weather in Tenerife is what many people consider ‘ideal’.
2 – Climate Difference Between the Northern and Southern Parts of Tenerife
The sleeping volcano Teide, the third largest volcano in the world and Spain’s highest peak at 3718 metres, lies at the island’s center. Mount Teide is frequently covered with snow and has cooler temperatures in the winter. In general, it often rains in this area of the island. Tenerife’s mountains provide respite from the heat and offer magnificent itineraries for hikers, cyclists, and climbers.
The volcano Teide has a strong influence on the climate in Tenerife. It divides the island into two zones: the drier, hotter south side and the cooler northern part with a milder climate and richer scenery.
The southern region of Tenerife, which is home to the majority of the tourist attractions, is hot all year. The warm air from Western Sahara influences this area of the island, therefore temperatures rarely drop below 20°C. The weather in South Tenerife is always pleasant and warm. The mountains simply block cold air from the north-east, and rainfall is recorded only a few times a year.
The weather in the north of the island is less stable. During the winter, the northern section of Tenerife is more humid and colder, whereas the rest of the year has comfortable average temperatures. The northern shore is hot in the summer, yet it is frequently cloudy.
Even though Santa Cruz de Tenerife and Puerto de la Cruz are popular tourist destinations, tourism in this area is not as established as it is in the South of the island. Water sports enthusiasts will find the north of Tenerife to be a paradise. It is excellent for surfing because there are areas suitable for all experience levels.
Thanks to its unique climate, the north of Tenerife is home to a variety of landscapes, fjords, mountains, lush greenery, and forests.
3-Tenerife Microclimates
Tenerife is known to have a subtropical climate, which means that summers here can be humid, and winters are usually dry. According to some reports, there are up to 28 microclimates on the island. Tenerife’s nature is so rich and varied that you’ll be amazed by the variety of climate zones.
But what exactly are microclimates? They can be defined as concrete zones with climatic conditions that differ from those of the surrounding zones.
As a result, climatic changes are noticeable depending on where you are on the island. The climates of Tenerife south and north, for example, are vastly different. The southern slope is hotter, drier, and has more daylight hours, while the northern slope is humid.
It is interesting to know that microclimates influence the natural landscapes of Tenerife. Green colors predominate in the north, thanks to the lush mountains. The landscapes in the South, on the other hand, are arid. In some areas, it looks like a desert.
It’s worth visiting ALL the gorgeous landscapes of the island, both in the North and the South. Driving around the island will allow you to soak in the tropical nature of the island through these contrasts.
Because Tenerife has an incredible number of microclimates that even support an exotic range of vegetable species, you can expect a nice breeze owing to the trade winds if you’re staying in the north, whereas the coastal sections enjoy a pleasant average temperature of 19 to 23 ºC.
The air becomes cooler, and the humidity stimulates the growth of grain and potato crops at altitudes of 600 to 1500 m above sea level. The air becomes drier as you climb higher in altitude, and snowfall is possible in the winter at these altitudes, with temperatures varying dramatically from day to night.
Because of Tenerife’s unique tropical environment, several species of plants only grow in Las Cañadas del Teide, which is 2,700 metres above sea level.
Thanks to the unique climate of Tenerife, you can witness such a phenomenon as the ‘Sea of Clouds’.
It’s literally lots of clouds gathering under the tops of the mountains in Tenerife and resembling a sea. It is one of the most beautiful phenomena in Tenerife. Passive winds lift the clouds until they are gently stopped by the mountains on the northern side of the island at altitudes of between 600 and 1,800 metres. It looks like a light white down blanket.
4 -Tenerife weather by month
Let’s take a closer look at Tenerife’s climate by month. From May to October, the summer season is in full swing. Tenerife may get quite hot during these months, with daily highs of 28°C ranging from June through September and occasionally reaching a scorching 30°C -33°C in August. If this is exactly what you’re looking for, you can enjoy this sunny and hot weather on the island’s south coast in resorts like Los Cristianos, Playa de Las Americas, Costa Adeje, and Playa Paraiso.
The constant winds cool things down a little for people who don’t like it too hot, and temperatures dip in the evening but remain in the low twenties.
Winter in Tenerife is often regarded as the finest season to visit, and with good reason: not only is it warm, but you can save a little bit of money travelling outside of the busy summer season. November and late January are some of the cheapest months to get some excellent deals on flights and accommodation. Temperatures in the South are still nice, averaging about 20°C, and while the occasional light shower may occur, it keeps things cool and does not persist long at all. The weather is significantly cooler on the North Coast, but rain is still uncommon. When it comes to the night, temperatures can drop to around 14°C.
You may be wondering, “what is the coldest month in Tenerife?” The coldest months are January and February, with temperatures of 17-20°C.
July and August are the hottest months in Tenerife.
Another popular question is ‘how hot is it in Tenerife?’ Temperatures reach 30 °C degrees in July and August, and can often be around 33°C degrees. In addition, Tenerife has an ‘African sun’, and the temperature often feels higher than that indicated by the thermometer.
Monthly Weather Tenerife | Tenerife Climate By Month
If you want a month-by-month breakdown of average temperatures, here’s what to expect:
January — 19°C
February — 20°C
March — 22°C
April — 23°C.
May — 24°C
June — 26°C
July — 28°C
August — 29°C
September — 28°C
October — 26°C
November — 24°C
December — 21°C
If you want to know in detail about the weather in Tenerife by month, as well as the climate in specific resorts, read these articles:
5 – Swimming in Tenerife
If you’re planning to go swimming in Tenerife, the weather at all times of the year makes it ideal for open water swimming, with average air temperatures ranging from 17 to 24°C and sea temperatures rarely falling below 20°C. The water temperature can fluctuate from 19 °C in the winter and early spring to 23/24 °C between August and October. Even in the cooler months, you may enjoy the waves. However, rough seas often break out in storms during November and the winter months, and occasionally a red flag is flown up, signaling that swimming is prohibited.
In the colder months like December, you’d be better off in the South as it is sunnier and warmer than the Island’s North. Some of the popular resorts to consider are Playa De Las Americas and Costa Adeje. The South is warm enough to spend your time at the beach and go for a swim, but the ocean water is certainly cooler than in the warm summer months.
If you want a guaranteed swim in the calm and warm sea water in Tenerife, you can always stay in one of the hotels with a heated pool. Most hotels in Tenerife use seawater to fill the pool, allowing travellers to get all the benefits of seawater.
Read next: The Best Hotels With Heated Pools In Tenerife
6 – Is There Rain in Tenerife?
You can generally expect the weather to be consistent throughout the year and relatively predictable depending on the season and region.
Only the northern region of Tenerife, which is influenced by the trade winds in the winter and spring months, receives more rainfall. There are up to 15 wet days throughout this season, but temperatures are around 18°C.
Tenerife South, on the other hand, remains dry and warm, with temperatures averaging 19 – 23°C and rains nearly non-existent.
However, Tenerife does sometimes experience rain in the southern part of the island. Rainfall in Tenerife is heaviest during the winter months, mainly at night. Rain in Tenerife is often light and short, and it rarely rains heavily.
Heavy rainfall occurs only during the changing seasons. The weather in Tenerife is dry between April and October. Also, most rain falls in the highlands, and you won’t notice it.
In fact, it’s not the rainstorms you have to look out for, but the dust & sand-laden storms frequently referred to as Calima.
7 – What Is Calima in Tenerife?
During your holiday, you may encounter a calima, which is a sandstorm. All the Canaries as a whole are prone to this natural occurrence. Calima has been occurring more regularly on Tenerife in recent years, almost once a month. With a moderate to a strong hot wind blowing from Africa, temperatures increase swiftly and visibly, humidity declines, and a grey cloud takes over the sky. It’s not a pretty sight.
The sand and dust make the air hard to breathe. It’s as if you’re standing next to a massive bonfire with hot air blowing directly in your face. The calima can persist anywhere from two to seven days, and although it may be tiring, and you can get a headache, the wind poses no serious health risk.
Most travellers are unaware of the сalima and don’t notice it.
But sensitive people and those with respiratory illnesses are better off limiting their time outside on days when the сalima hits Tenerife.
Read more about the calima in Tenerife.
8 – What Is The Best Month To Go To Tenerife?
You’ve decided you’re definitely visiting Tenerife, and you want to make sure you avoid the coolest month. So, when is the best time to visit Tenerife?
Well, with a destination like Tenerife you’re pretty much spoilt for choice with guaranteed heat every month of the year. So, there’s no ‘bad’ time to visit.
The сlimate of Tenerife is so unique that even on cloudy days the sun is bound to shine. So don’t forget to put on SPF protection and headgear. It’s easy to get burnt by the sun even on a cool, windy day.
The best time to visit Tenerife for a beach vacation is from May to mid-October. It’s hot, sunny, dry, and the ocean is warm enough for swimming.
In the first period (May-June), the air temperature is slightly lower, and the sea is slightly colder, but the days are longer. Summer days in the Canaries are shorter than in Europe (although winter days are longer), but the sun sets late enough due to the time zone adopted.
April, May, and the first half of October are also quite good months for a beach vacation.
During the rest of the months, you can also sunbathe and swim at Tenerife’s southern resorts.
The period from October to the end of March is ideal for island tours and hiking.
Although we cannot rule out a few days of severe weather in the winter, you will appreciate the warm temperatures and the opportunity to sunbathe. You can combine a morning expedition up Mount Teide, perhaps in search of snow, with an afternoon on the beach if you choose.
The Tenerife Island offers an amazing variety of landscapes, and you can decide what type of weather you’d like to experience simply by travelling between the northern and southern regions!
