Best time to visit Tenerife It depends on your criteria…
Here’s our complete guide with details to help you make your decision based on:
- Weather (temperature, rain, wind, etc.),
- Crowds and prices,
- Sea temperature, when to swim in Tenerife,
- Whale and dolphin watching opportunities
- Winter sunshine,
- …
This opinion is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
Content
When to go to Tenerife – Summary
Best month to visit Tenerife
Tenerife is one of the islands of eternal spring. It’s an excellent year-round destination. Our favorite months are September and October, when it’s less crowded and the water is warm for swimming.
Best time to visit Tenerife
It all depends on what you’re looking for:
- Best time for sunbathing: June to September
- Best time to swim in the sea: July to October
- Best hiking season: October to June (avoid summer for Teide)
- The best time to escape winter and soak up the sun: December to March, of course…
When to visit Tenerife – Criteria
If you don’t want to read the whole article, here’s a summary based on what you’re looking for:
- Weather, temperatures, wind, rain…
The climate is subtropical, with pleasant temperatures all year round. Summer temperatures range from 24 to 30°C (75 to 86°F), with little precipitation. In winter, they fluctuate between 17 and 20°C (63 and 68°F), with a few rainy days, but the sun often shines. However, it is cooler at higher altitudes. - Swimming
You can swim all year round. In summer, the water is warm at around 23 to 24°C (73 to 75°F). In winter, even though the water is cooler, it doesn’t fall below 19°C (66°F). - Crowd
In summer, Tenerife is very popular with tourists, especially in the southern coastal areas. In winter, the island is also very popular with those fleeing the European cold, with peaks during the Christmas and school vacations.
Infographic for a quick visual:
WHERE TO STAY IN Tenerife
Our independent picks for the accommodation of your dreams:
- Where to stay in Tenerife
- Our favorite: Hotel Corales Beach
Select by hotel type:
- 5-star hotels
- Best boutique hotels (coming soon)
- Best adults-only hotels (coming soon)
- Best all-inclusive hotels (coming soon)
- Best hotels for families (coming soon)
Select by city:
- Best hotels in Costa Adeje
- Best hotels in Puerto de La Cruz
- Best hotels in Los Gigantes
- Best hotels in Santa Cruz
- Best hotels in Laguna
- Best hotels in Playa de las Americas
- 5-star hotel in Los Cristianos (coming soon)
When to go to Tenerife – Weather and conditions
Climate
Tenerife’s climate is that of eternal spring, like the other Canary Islands.
It rains in winter, but only a little, and hardly at all in summer. You’ll enjoy year-round sunshine.
It’s hot in summer, but rarely too hot.
Winter weather is mild: a t-shirt during the day and a sweater in the evening.
The south is significantly drier and warmer than the north. The difference is more marked than in Gran Canaria due to the Teide mountain, which creates two distinct climatic zones.
Temperatures
Summer temperatures range from 24 to 30°C (75 to 86°F) during the day, and from 19 to 21°C at night.
In winter, temperatures fluctuate between 17 and 20°C (63 and 68°F), and around 14 to 16°C at night.
These temperatures are for the seaside.
If you climb Teide, it can get very cold, even in summer, with temperatures dropping below 0°C at night.
Length of day and sunshine
The Canary Islands and Tenerife are close to the equator, so the days are a little longer in winter than in Europe. The average length of day is:
- 10:20 am, the shortest day of the year, December 21
- 13:56, the longest day, June 21.
In terms of sunshine, Tenerife enjoys an enormous amount: an average of 8.5 hours a day. The south of the island is particularly sunny thanks to Teide, which blocks out the clouds. The north is cloudier but still very bright.
So you can enjoy plenty of sunshine, whether you go there in summer or even winter.
OUR TIPS TO RENT A CAR IN Tenerife
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars – one of the best rated sites.
- If you’re planning to explore the mountains, don ‘t take the smallest cars. A more powerful engine will be more comfortable.
- But don’t take too big a car either, as some roads are narrow.
- There’s a lot of demand and it’s an island, so book early.
Rain in Tenerife
Rainfall in Tenerife varies considerably according to region and season. In summer, from June to August, rain is almost non-existent, especially in the south. In winter, from December to February, the north receives more precipitation, while the south remains relatively dry. The Teide creates a natural barrier that protects the south from precipitation.
To the north, the Anaga rural park with its primary forest is often shrouded in mist and receives more rain than the rest of the island.
Wind in Tenerife
In Tenerife, the wind varies according to season and region.
In summer, the trade winds blow regularly along the north coast, bringing cool breezes. The south is more protected thanks to the Teide.
In winter, the wind is generally less intense, but storms can occur, especially from December to February.
The windy conditions are ideal for water sports, particularly in areas such as El Médano, a well-known spot for windsurfing and kitesurfing.
Crowds and prizes
Summer attracts many tourists, particularly to the southern coastal areas such as Los Cristianos and Costa Adeje, resulting in higher prices for accommodation and activities.
In winter, the island remains very popular with European tourists fleeing the cold, with peak numbers during the Christmas and school vacations. Prices remain relatively high all year round in tourist areas.
A LITTLE MORE patience
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Sea temperatures in Tenerife – when to swim
Swimming is possible all year round, depending on the water temperature you prefer.
Sea temperatures in Tenerife vary:
- January, February, March, April: between 19 and 20°C
- May and June, between 20 and 22°C
- July and August, between 22 and 23°C
- In September and October, between 23 and 24°C
- November and December, between 21 and 22°C
Tenerife offers numerous natural and landscaped beaches, as well as natural swimming pools.
When to watch whales and dolphins
Tenerife is one of the best places in Europe for whale watching. You can watch all year round:
- Pilot whales (pilot dolphins), permanent residents
- Bottlenose dolphins
As a result, you can choose these tours all year round.
Whales are more frequent from November to February, especially humpback whales, which pass through Tenerife’s waters during their migration.
Book your sea excursion to see the island’s dolphins and whales!
To find out more, see our article on dolphins in Tenerife (coming soon).
Best period – other criteria
When to hike in Tenerife
The best periods for hiking are spring and autumn. Summer can be very hot, especially for hikes to Teide. In winter, it can freeze at the summit, but temperatures remain perfect for hiking along the coast and in the forests.
For the Teide, leave early in the morning whatever the season to avoid the heat.
When to surf and windsurf in Tenerife
Surfing is possible all year round, with the best conditions from October to March when the swell is strongest. Summer is ideal for windsurfing, with constant trade winds, especially at El Médano.
When to see Santa Cruz Carnival
Carnival takes place in February and March every year.
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Description of the seasons in Tenerife
Spring in Tenerife
Spring in Tenerife, from March to May, offers mild temperatures, between 19 and 24°C. This is the ideal time for hiking and outdoor activities. The Teide is within easy reach and almond trees are in bloom in the mountains. Tourist numbers are moderate, except during the Easter vacations.
Summer in Tenerife
Summer, from June to August, brings hot temperatures, between 24 and 30°C, sometimes higher during Saharan heat waves. The days are very sunny with practically no precipitation. The beaches are very popular, especially in the south. The trade winds bring a welcome coolness, particularly in the north.
Autumn in Tenerife
Autumn, from September to November, is a pleasant season with mild temperatures ranging from 22 to 26°C. The sea is at its warmest in September and October, after accumulating the heat of summer. Precipitation begins to increase slightly in November, especially in the north, but remains moderate. This is an excellent time to combine beach and hiking.
Winter in Tenerife
Winter in Tenerife, from December to February, is mild and generally sunny, with average temperatures around 19°C. The north sees more precipitation, while the south remains relatively dry. It can snow on Teide, offering the unique spectacle of beach and snow on the same day. The sea remains pleasant for swimming (19-20°C). Sunny days are ideal for visitors escaping the European winter.
Events to see or avoid
Depending on your interests, you should also take into account events that could have a major impact on your trip, and adapt your departure dates accordingly:
- If you really want to see a party
- If you don’t want to be blocked by an event
Festivals in Tenerife (music and culture)
- January: Parades on January 6 (Dia de los Reyes Magos)
February – March: Carnaval de Santa Cruz – one of the world’s biggest carnivals after Rio. - May: Mueca: International Street Arts Festival in Santa Cruz
- August 16: Romería de San Roque in Garachico
- May 30: Canary Islands Festival
- June 23: La Noche de San Juan, with bonfires on the beaches
- July: Canary Islands International Jazz Festival
- September 14: Feast of Christ in La Laguna
- August 15: Feast of the Virgen de la Candelaria
- Christmas markets and end-of-year celebrations
Sports competitions in Tenerife
- Variable dates: Tenerife Blue Trail (trail running)
- August: Tenerife PWA World Cup International windsurfing competition in El Médano
- November: Santa Cruz International Marathon
- Surfing competitions all year round
Best month to go to Tenerife
And if you’re asking month by month, check out our dedicated articles (coming soon):
- Tenerife in January
- Tenerife in February
- Tenerife in March
- Tenerife in April
- Tenerife in May
- Tenerife in June
- Tenerife in July
- Tenerife in August
- Tenerife in September
- Tenerife in October
- Tenerife in November
- Tenerife in December
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO tenerife
- Best of
What to do in Tenerife
Most beautiful towns and villages
Most beautiful beaches
Best natural pools
Most beautiful landscapes
Most beautiful roads
Best boat tours (coming soon)
Secret places, off the beaten track (coming soon)
- Practical advice
25 tips for a successful trip to Tenerife
Getting around (coming soon)
How to rent a car in Tenerife
Driving tips
Best excursions (coming soon)
Where to stay in Tenerife (coming soon)
Itineraries (coming soon)
- The must-dos
Dolphin watching in Tenerife (coming soon)
Teide National Park (coming soon)
Anaga Rural Park (coming soon)
La Orotava (coming soon)
Garachico (coming soon)
Village of Masca
Pyramids of Güimar
