Weather in Tenerife in October: Still Summer?!
In today’s mailbag, reader Jennie asks: “I travelled to Tenerife last October, and the departure gate at London Stansted Airport felt like I was participating in a jailbreak. Is this normal?”
Yes, Jennie, yes it is. Tenerife is a popular travel destination in October, and for one especially clear reason: the weather is frickin’ glorious.
While much of Europe edges towards hat and gloves territory, our small Spanish Island screams no gracias, and keeps those summer vibes rolling with beautiful, warm temperatures.
The million euro question is: how warm? Warm enough to sunbathe? Warm enough to lay on an inflatable unicorn and sip a Mojito? Or just warm enough that you only need the single pair of socks?
If you’re thinking about heading to Tenerife in October, then you’ll likely want a more comprehensive overview on what to expect, weather-wise.
You’ve come to the right place. Here’s everything you need to know:
Is Tenerife Hot In October?
Hot is a relative term. Should you already live in a balmy climate, then you won’t find it uncomfortably warm. But coming from a cold, rainy country like England? Well, October temperatures in Tenerife may have you on the all-ice cream diet, and taking 3 naps a day. (Hey, there’s nothing wrong with either.)
That is to say, the weather is certainly warm enough for beach holidays and outdoor excursions. It is also not uncommon for nightime temperatures to match that of the daytime.
Additionally, there is a 64% chance of having a clear sunny day, with an average of only 8mm rainfall expected during the month. There’s no shortage of sunshine – so bring your shades and sunblock!
(As if you wouldn’t.)
Weather Differences Across Tenerife in October
Despite being a relatively small chunk of land, Tenerife does experiences slight geographical variations in weather:
Northern Tenerife Weather in October
Santa Cruz experiences average highs of 25 C during October, with average lows sitting at 19 C. There are 7 days of rain per month.
The city of Puerto de la Cruz is slightly warmer this month, reaching average highs of 26.3 C (79.3 F), and average lows of 19 C. 32mm of rain can be expected, covering 7-8 days.
Southern Tenerife Weather in October
Sitting on the southwest coast, Los Cristianos sees average highs of 26.2 C (79.2F), with an average low of 20 C (68 F).
5km north, Costa Adeje has seen daytime air temperatures of 25-27 C in recent years, with only marginally cooler night time temperatures of 23-25 C. Due to its proximity to Mount Adeje, the town often experiences cloud cover from midday.
Playa de Las Americas experiences similar weather to Los Cristianos and Costa Adeje, though it tends to be windier. As such, this area welcomes giant waves, and is a surfing hotspot on the Island.
If you’re a real heat junkie, then you might want to get yourself across to Los Gigantes – the resort is the warmest in Tenerife with an average daily maximum of 29 C, and average minimum of 20 C.
Water Temperature in Tenerife in October
Is it possible to go swimming in the ocean in October? Yes. Without catching hypothermia? Absolutely!
October can be a particularly good time of year to go splish-splashing off the coast, with water temperatures sitting at a pleasant 22-23 C. As the month draws to a close however, waters do cool off to less inviting temperatures. This – coupled with the fact that October is quite a stormy, windy month in Tenerife – means frolicking in the ocean at this time might not be for all.
As not to spoil one’s vacation, swimmers, holidaymakers with children, and fish-humans (you know, the kind that are in the water before they’ve even unpacked) might consider staying at a hotel with a heated pool. A lot of aquatic creatures – myself included – don’t like chlorinated pools of water, but here’s the great thing: numerous hotels in Tenerife use water straight from the ocean!
A couple of my favorite hotels with heated pools in Tenerife:
Adrián Hoteles Roca Nivaria 5* (Adeje)
A very nice hotel by Playa Paraiso, offering wonderful ocean views. On site facilities include: tennis courts, paddle tennis, giant chess, archery, and a spa center. Oh yeah, and an outdoor pool that is heated to ~ 29 C year round!
Europe Villa Cortes 5* Grand Luxe (Las Americas)
This is the only hotel with it’s own private beach. There is a heated saltwater swimming pool, cascade and children’s area, a spa center, and a mini club for children aged 4-12 years old (game consoles are allowed). Babysitting services are available for children aged 3-14 years old.
Other Things To Do in Tenerife in October
Had your fill of swimming and sunbathing for the day? Then it’s worth throwing on a few more items of clothes and exploring the other sights and activities that this amazing island has to offer.
If you’re interested in seeing a range of unusually colorful parrots and orcas, then I recommend visiting the spectacular Lora Park Zoo – voted one of the best in Europe!
Looking for a more romantic outing? Or just something with less squawking involved? A night excursion to watch the stars on Teide volcano is a truly unforgettable experience!
(As in, the twinkly kind in the sky. Not like Brad Pitt, or the Kardashians. That’s be weird, wouldn’t it? But you never know, so don’t forget your camera.)
