Tenerife is a year-round destination, but the weather varies significantly depending on which part of the island you are in.

On the coast, expect daytime temperatures of around 21 to 28 °C. In winter, you can sunbathe in the south, whilst snow may lie on Pico del Teide, which is over 3,000 metres high.

For a beach holiday, the southern and south-western coasts are your safest bet, particularly Costa Adeje, Playa de las Américas and Los Cristianos.

The north is greener, cooler and more prone to cloud cover.

We consider July to November to be the best time for swimming. For hiking, road trips and exploring the whole island, the best times are March to June and October to December.

What do you want to do in Tenerife?	Best times of year
Swimming and beaches	July to November
Winter holidays in the sun	December to March, ideally the south of the island
Hiking and road trips	March to June, October to December
Climbing Mount Teide	May to October
Lush countryside in the north	January to May
The warmest sea	September and October
Surfing and windsurfing	Depending on the location, all year round
Fewest tourists	May, June and November

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South or north of Tenerife?

The mountains in the centre of Tenerife trap the humid north-easterly air currents, creating several distinctly different climatic regions on this small island.

It is therefore not unusual for it to be raining in Puerto de la Cruz, foggy in the mountains, and sunny in Costa Adeje – just an hour’s drive away.

South and south-west: the most sunshine

You can expect the warmest, driest and sunniest weather around the following resorts:

• Costa Adeje
• Playa de las Américas
• Los Cristianos
• Los Gigantes

We particularly recommend this area for winter holidays, swimming and travellers who want the best chance of sunny weather.

What’s more, the beaches in the south and south-west are often sheltered by breakwaters or coves. The sea here is therefore usually calmer than on the open northern coast.

The 10 best beachfront hotels in Tenerife

North: greener, but cloudier

The northern part of the island is cooler, wetter and significantly greener. A typical holiday resort is Puerto de la Cruz, where you’ll find black volcanic beaches, gardens and lush vegetation.

It doesn’t necessarily rain all day in the north, but low cloud cover is more common here, particularly from autumn to spring. The sun may repeatedly disappear and reappear throughout the day.

We recommend the north to travellers who prefer nature, towns and excursions to spending the whole day lying on the beach.

The north-east and Anaga: mist, wind and dramatic scenery

The Anaga Mountains are among the wettest areas of Tenerife. The laurel forests are often shrouded in mist, giving them a unique atmosphere even on days when the sun is shining in the south.

You can start your trip at the Mirador Cruz del Carmen viewpoint and continue on to the wild Benijo beach.

On the Anaga coast, expect large waves and strong currents. For a more relaxed swim, the sheltered Playa de Las Teresitas near Santa Cruz is a better choice.

East coast: windier

The south-eastern coast around El Médana is one of the windiest parts of the island. The conditions are ideal for windsurfers and kitesurfers, but less so for families looking for calm waters.

The nearby La Tejita beach is beautiful and spacious, but also exposed to the wind. Take a look at our guide to the most beautiful beaches in Tenerife.

Teide and the mountainous regions

The weather in Teide National Park is almost nothing like that on the coast.

The lower cable car station lies at an altitude of over 2,300 metres and the upper station at over 3,500 metres. Even in summer, it can be significantly cooler here than by the sea, whilst in winter there is snow, ice and road closures on the access roads.

Always check the following before setting off:

• the current weather and wind speed,
• cable car operations,
• road conditions,
• availability of permits and bookings,
• the temperature at the top station.

We describe the summit itself, the hiking trails and the cable car in detail in the Pico del Teide guide.

If you don’t want to tackle the challenging climb, do at least visit the Roques de García rock formations. Paisaje Lunar is also a pleasant walk at a lower altitude.

Where to stay depending on the weather

This table focuses solely on the weather. You’ll find a detailed comparison of areas, prices and specific hotels in the chapter ‘Where to stay in Tenerife’.

What you expect from your stay	Recommended area
The greatest guarantee of sunshine	Costa Adeje, Playa de las Américas
Calmer seas and beaches	Los Cristianos, Costa Adeje
A winter break by the sea	Costa Adeje, Los Cristianos, Los Gigantes
Lush countryside and day trips	Puerto de la Cruz
Towns and travelling by bus	Santa Cruz, La Laguna
Surfing and wind	El Médano
Hiking	Vilaflor

In winter, I’d choose the south or south-west for a first visit.

If you’re staying in the north, bear in mind that you’ll sometimes have to travel halfway across the island in search of sunshine.

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Air temperatures and when it rains the most

During the influx of hot, dry air from the Sahara, known as the calima, temperatures can rise significantly for short periods.

The air tends to be dusty, visibility is reduced and more demanding hiking is not pleasant.

Weather in January

January is one of the coldest months, but on the south coast you can expect daytime temperatures of around 21 °C. On sunny days, it’s common to sunbathe on the beach, though the sea is cold.

The north of the island is more changeable, with cloud cover or brief showers occurring more frequently. However, this does not automatically mean a rainy holiday.

January is ideal for road trips, exploring towns and hiking at lower altitudes. Snow may fall in the Teide mountains and roads may be temporarily closed.

Weather in February

February is very similar to January. In the south, typical daytime temperatures hover around 21 to 22 °C, whilst the north remains cooler and cloudier.

Conditions are good for city breaks, for example to historic La Laguna or the capital, Santa Cruz de Tenerife.

The summit of Mount Teide may be covered in snow. The temperature difference between the coast and the mountains can therefore be more than 20 °C.

February is ideal for an active holiday, but not for travellers expecting guaranteed warm sea temperatures.

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Weather in March

March offers pleasant temperatures of around 22 °C and excellent conditions for exploring the island.

In the north and in the mountains, clouds and showers may still occur, but the southern coast is mostly dry and sunny.

We recommend March for visiting the Masca Gorge, trips around the north and hiking. In summer, the same routes are significantly warmer and busier.

The sea is around 19 °C. You can go for a swim, but we’d plan a typical beach holiday for later in the year.

Weather in April

April is one of the best months for active travel.

Northern Tenerife is green and in bloom, whilst rainfall is gradually decreasing. Daytime temperatures on the coast reach around 22 to 23 °C.

Conditions are ideal for trips to Anaga, the mountain villages and the viewpoints. It’s mainly the hardier travellers who go for a swim in the ocean.

If you want to combine nature, hiking and road trips, April is better than the hot summer months.

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Weather in May

In my opinion, May is one of the best months for exploring the whole of Tenerife.

Temperatures on the coast hover around 23 to 24 °C, there’s little rain, and the main summer season hasn’t started yet. In the north, the landscape remains green, whilst sunny weather prevails in the south.

The sea temperature is around 20 °C. It’s fine for a quick dip, but most people will find it a bit chilly for a long swim.

May is a good time to climb Mount Teide, go trekking in the Anaga Mountains or visit the Cueva del Viento volcanic caves.

Weather in June

June marks the start of the dry season. On the coast, expect temperatures of around 25 °C and very little rainfall.

The south and south-west are ideal for a beach holiday, whilst in the mountains it is not yet as hot as in July or August.

The sea is around 21 °C. For some travellers, this will still feel a bit chilly, but swimming is already common.

June is excellent for combining beach holidays, hiking and road trips. What’s more, accommodation prices are often more affordable than during the summer holidays.

Weather in July

July is the driest time of the year. Rain is very rare on the south coast and average daily highs hover around 27 °C.

During heatwaves, temperatures can exceed 30 °C, particularly during the calima. You should therefore set off on long hikes in the morning.

The ocean warms to around 22 °C and conditions are good for swimming and boat trips. The Los Gigantes area is a popular starting point for cliff-hugging cruises and whale-watching.

The east coast tends to be windier, which surfers in particular will appreciate.

Weather in August

August is the hottest time of the year. On the coast, expect typical maximum temperatures of around 28 °C, but during heatwaves, temperatures can rise significantly higher.

Rain is rare and sunny weather prevails even in the north. The ocean is around 23 °C.

August is ideal for beaches and water sports. Plan all-day trips to the mountains or long hikes for the morning, and always take plenty of water with you.

It is also one of the busiest months. Book your car and accommodation well in advance.

Book your hotel in Tenerife in advance

Weather in September

September is very warm and dry, offering one of the best combinations of weather for a beach holiday.

Daytime temperatures hover around 28 °C and the sea is a warm 23 to 24 °C. Rain is rare in the south.

On the east and north-east coasts, the wind and waves can pick up. For a calmer swim, choose the sheltered beaches in Los Cristianos or Costa Adeje.

What’s more, once the European school holidays are over, the number of families with children gradually decreases.

Weather in October

In my opinion, October is the best month for combining swimming with exploring Tenerife.

Daytime temperatures hover around 26 to 27 °C and the sea remains a warm 23 to 24 °C. There may be more showers in the north, but the south remains mostly sunny.

Temperatures are no longer as high as in the height of summer, making trips to Mount Teide, Masca or along the north coast more pleasant.

We recommend October to travellers who want to alternate between beaches, hiking and road trips.

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Weather in November

In November, average daytime temperatures hover around 24 °C. The sea is still pleasantly warm after the summer, at around 22 to 23 °C.

In the north, there is increasing cloud cover and occasional light showers. However, the south coast continues to offer a very good chance of sunny weather.

November is one of the best times to escape the European autumn. The island isn’t as crowded as in summer, and conditions are ideal for swimming and day trips.

For some winter sun, we’d once again choose Costa Adeje, Los Cristianos or Los Gigantes.

Weather in December

December is one of the rainier months, but there are significant differences between the north and south.

On the south coast, expect daytime temperatures of around 22 °C and plenty of sunshine. In the north, clouds are more common and showers are likely.

The sea is around 21 °C. Some visitors swim without any problems, whilst others prefer the heated hotel pool.

December is ideal for the beaches in the south, as well as for day trips and hiking. In the Teide area, be prepared for the possibility of snow, ice and cable car or road closures.

Christmas and New Year’s Eve are very popular times of year, so be sure to book your accommodation well in advance.

Sea temperature in Tenerife

Bear in mind that the Atlantic Ocean washing the shores of Tenerife isn’t exactly the warmest and cannot be compared to the warm Mediterranean. On the other hand, the sea temperature remains similar throughout the year, varying by only a few degrees.

The water is almost the same temperature along the entire coast, both in the rainy north and the sunny south; temperatures differ by only tenths of a degree, with the warmer southern half of Tenerife being slightly warmer.

You can expectthe warmest water betweenJuly and November, when it averages between 22 and 23 °C. 

The water is at its coldest betweenJanuary and April, averaging around 19 °C.

How to plan trips based on the weather

A single forecast for the whole of Tenerife isn’t very reliable.

Keep an eye on the south, the north, the Anaga region and Teide National Park separately.

If the north is shrouded in cloud, there’s no need to cancel your entire itinerary. It’s often enough to head south or above the cloud cover to the Teide area.

It is precisely because of these microclimates that hiring a car in Tenerife makes perfect sense. You can check the forecast in the morning and head to the part of the island with the best weather.

You’ll find details on prices, insurance and driving in the section ‘Car hire in Tenerife’.

Without a car, you can use TITSA buses to reach all the major towns, resorts and the Teide cable car. We describe specific routes, prices and tickets in the chapter on Transport in Tenerife.

Tenerife, or another Canary Island?

Tenerife is the best all-round choice for travellers looking for beaches, high mountains, lush forests, towns and a wide range of activities.

However, for a specific type of holiday, another island might be more suitable:

• Gran Canaria offers similar contrasts between its greener north and sunny south,
• Lanzarote is drier, less mountainous and has a distinctive volcanic landscape,
• Fuerteventura has longer sandy beaches but is considerably windier,
• La Gomera often has sunny weather in the south but is rainier in the north, creating a wonderful contrast,
• El Hierro tends to be rainy and misty, but has beautiful natural scenery,
• Tenerife has the greatest variations in altitude and the most diverse microclimates of all the islands.

If you mainly want to lie on the beach in winter, compare the south of Tenerife with the south of Gran Canaria. For surfing and long beaches, consider Fuerteventura. For a road trip through volcanic landscapes, Lanzarote is a strong alternative.