Tenerife in winter: a good idea?
Absolutely! Here’s our guide to help you decide and plan your trip:
- Tenerife’s winter sun, temperature and weather,
- Reasons to visit between December and March,
- Winter attractions in Tenerife,
- Christmas and New Year in Tenerife
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
Is Tenerife a winter destination? Short answers
What should you expect when visiting Tenerife in winter?
Tenerife has a lot to offer all year round. When it comes to winter, you can expect the following:
- The days are long
the shortest day of the year still has 10 hours of sunlight (sunrise around 7:30am and sunset around 6pm). - The climate remains very sunny with little rain.
- The winter sun is warm – It’s not hot like summer, but it’s warm. Especially when the sun is out. Daytime temperatures between 20°C and 25°C (68°F and 77°F) at the seaside
- Sea temperature between 19°C and 21°C (66°F and 70°F)
- Beautiful beaches, a little less crowded than in summer (except at Christmas and Easter)
- The summit of Teide may have some snow
- Almost everything stays open in winter
So, is Tenerife a good winter destination?
Absolutely.
If you’re looking to escape the winter chill, enjoy a bit of warmth and breathtaking scenery, traveling to Tenerife is a great idea.
Enjoy longer days, warmer temperatures and plenty of activities.
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
- Best hotels for families
- Best hotels in Seaside
- Best adults-only hotels
- Best all-inclusive hotels (coming soon)
Select by city:
5 reasons to visit Tenerife in winter
#1. Climate
Tenerife offers a warm climate in winter, ideal for escaping the cold.
Temperatures are similar to spring – around 20 to 25°C during the day by the sea (cooler in the mountains).
There’s a little rain, and it doesn’t last long.
#2 – The tours and activities don’t stop
As a year-round destination, you can enjoy most visits and activities in winter too, including whale watching, which is excellent at this time of year.
#3 – Fewer people (more or less)
Tenerife is popular, especially in summer (high season).
In winter, it’s always popular (it’s a year-round destination), but you can more easily find quieter spots.
However, the Christmas and Easter vacations are also very busy!
#4 – The contrast between snow and beach
Winter is the only time when you can enjoy a unique contrast: the chance to see snow on the summit of Teide in the morning and swim on the beaches in the afternoon. But that’s no guarantee This experience is truly special and unique to the Canaries.
#5 – Whale watching
Winter is the best season for whale and dolphin watching off Tenerife. Cooler waters attract more cetaceans, offering better sightings.
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.
Tenerife in winter – Sun, heat, weather
Is it warm in Tenerife in winter?
In winter, the temperatures to expect at the seaside are..:
- around 20 to 25°C during the day (68°F and 77°F)
- 14 to 18°C overnight (57°F and 64°F)
This makes it one of the warmest places in Europe in winter.
Temperatures are a little lower in the mountains, and it can even freeze on the summit of Teide.
Winter sun in Tenerife – how much sun can you expect?
With the climate, nothing is guaranteed.
But due to the island’s geography, most days offer beautiful blue skies.
It may rain, but not as much as the rest of Europe, and mostly in small patches. All you have to do is wait a little.
The weather is normally a little nicer and warmer in the south of the island.
In winter, you have:
- at least 10 hours of daylight,
- 6 to 8 hours of sunshine on winter days out of these 10 hours.
Is it possible to sunbathe in Tenerife in winter?
Absolutely.
As previously written, in December, January and February, daytime temperatures at beach level are around 20 to 25°C (68°F and 77°F).
When the sun is out, due to the island’s low latitude, it’s quite warm.
And don’t forget to use sunscreen!
A LITTLE MORE patience
All the photos, maps, information and addresses you need to make your stay in the Canaries a success will soon be available in a single ebook!
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Visiting Tenerife during the winter months – Tips
All my usual advice about Tenerife also applies to winter.
But here are a few special tips to keep in mind.
Best moment
There’s no better month. Just avoid the European school vacations of Christmas and Easter to avoid the crowds.
Find out more about:
Getting around Tenerife in winter
In winter as in summer, I think renting a car is the best way to explore the island.
This gives you the freedom to see the most beautiful sights and stop whenever you like.
There are buses, but the frequency is not ideal.
Roads are in excellent condition but can be winding in the mountains.
See our guides to renting a car and driving in Tenerife.
How long can I stay?
It depends on what you want to do.
To visit the main part of the island and relax on the beach, allow a week. To explore the whole island, allow 10 days to 2 weeks.
But if you just want to enjoy the winter sun, 5 days to a week will give you the boost you need to get through the rest of winter.
See our itinerary suggestions: 3 days – 4 days – 5 days – 6 days – 1 week – 10 days
Where to stay in winter
The south of the island generally enjoys a sunnier climate in winter.
The major seaside resorts are:
- Costa Adeje, the upmarket seaside resort
- Playa de las Americas, famous for its lively atmosphere
- Los Cristianos, combining charm and beach
- Puerto de la Cruz to the north – note that it rains a little further north in winter
Winter activities in Tenerife
What is there to do in Tenerife in winter?
Almost the same things as in summer. Here are just a few of the highlights:
- The different beaches of black and golden sand – see our favourites
- Traditional towns and villages such as La Orotava and Garachico decorated for the festive season
- Teide National Park, sometimes covered in a blanket of snow contrasting with the mild coastal climate
- Los Gigantes cliffs
- Whale and dolphin watching
- Amusement and water parks offering special holiday entertainment – see the list
- …
See our list of Tenerife’s top attractions.
HAVE FUN IN TENERIFE: activities
Christmas in Tenerife
What’s Christmas like on Tenerife?
Tenerife is a popular Christmas destination. The island offers a unique blend of festive traditions, cultural events and warm weather.
What are the official vacation dates around Christmas?
Tenerife has the following public holidays:
- December 25
- January 1st
- January 5 / 6, Twelfth Night
On these days, many shops are closed.
Christmas vacations start before Christmas and end after January 1. Dates vary from year to year.
Is it warm in Tenerife this Christmas?
The weather’s not hot, but it’s warm. You can wear a t-shirt during the day (around 22°C).
All you need is a sweater for the evening.
On average, there are 6 hours of sunshine out of the 10 hours of daylight.
There’s little rain in the south.
Christmas decorations
Tenerife is decked out in its finest Christmas decorations. Santa Cruz and La Laguna are particularly festive, with spectacular illuminations and traditional decorations. The Plaza de España in Santa Cruz is home to a large illuminated Christmas tree.
Christmas events – Epiphany
The festivities begin in early December with the lighting up of Christmas decorations in every town. One of the most popular events is the Santa Cruz Christmas market, where you’ll find handicrafts and local specialties.
The Three Kings parade on January 5 is particularly spectacular in Tenerife. The kings usually arrive by boat before parading through the streets, handing out sweets to the children.
Food
At Christmas, Tenerife offers a blend of Spanish and Canarian culinary traditions. Don’t miss out:
– Turron (Spanish nougat)
– Polvorones (Christmas cookies)
– Bakalao (cod prepared in the traditional way)
Hotels often offer special menus combining international cuisine with local specialties.
New Year in Tenerife
New Year’s Eve in Tenerife
New Year’s Eve is celebrated with great enthusiasm on Tenerife. The tradition of twelve grapes at midnight is followed throughout the island. The fireworks are spectacular, especially at Playa de las Americas and Puerto de la Cruz.
The best places to party
You’ll find parties in every major resort and city:
- Santa Cruz de Tenerife
- Playa de las Americas (the liveliest)
- Costa Adeje
- Puerto de la Cruz
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
Amusement parks
Best boat tours (coming soon)
Secret places, off the beaten track (coming soon)
- Practical advice
25 tips for a successful trip to Tenerife
How to get around
How to rent a car in Tenerife
Driving tips
Best excursions (coming soon)
Where to stay in Tenerife
Itineraries: 3 days – 4 days – 5 days – 6 days – 1 week – 10 days
- The must-dos
Dolphin watching in Tenerife (coming soon)
Teide National Park
Anaga Rural Park (coming soon)
La Orotava
Garachico
Village of Masca
Pyramids of Güimar
