The beauty of the Canaries is their indifference to seasons: the subtropical climate is stable year-round. Coastal temperatures range between 18 °C in winter and 26 °C in summer, with sea temperatures between 19 and 23 °C depending on the month.
The peak tourist season runs December to January — northern Europeans flee the cold, prices soar and hotels fill up. Book 3-4 months ahead if you travel at Christmas or New Year.
Spring (March-May) is our favourite window: ideal temperatures (20-24 °C), rising sea temperatures (19-21 °C), moderate crowds and endemic vegetation in full bloom. Perfect for hiking on Teide or through the Anaga.
Summer (June-August) is pleasant on the coasts but the calima (Saharan sand haze) can strike without warning, coating cars and beaches in a fine beige dust. Sea temperatures reach 22-23 °C.
Autumn (September-November) offers an excellent compromise: still-warm sea, post-summer crowds and magnificent photography light.
Read also
- Tenerife, Island of the Teide — Teide National Park, Anaga forests, whale watching and the village of Masca.
- Spain — Complete guide: visa, budget, regions to explore and best time to visit.
- Balearic Islands — Mallorca, Menorca, Ibiza and Formentera — Spain's other Mediterranean archipelago.