Canary Islands
The Canary Islands are called the islands of eternal spring, and the figures show why. But the difference between the islands, and between north and south, is bigger than many think. Here is the weather month by month, based on measurements from Spain's meteorological service.
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In short: what is the weather like in the Canary Islands?
In midwinter daytime temperatures are around 21 to 22°C in the Canary Islands, and around 28°C in August. In winter the south coast of Tenerife is the warmest and driest, while Lanzarote gets the most sunshine. The north sides of Tenerife and Gran Canaria get more cloud and rain than the south.
Our winter pick: Royal Hideaway Corales Suites in Costa Adeje, Tenerife. Check availability and prices
Picolo has been to all the islands. The figures below are 1981 to 2010 climate normals from AEMET, Spain's meteorological service, measured at the airports.
Daytime temperature month by month
Average daily maximum temperature, rounded to whole degrees.
January: Gran Canaria 21°C, Tenerife South 22°C, Lanzarote 21°C
February: Gran Canaria 21°C, Tenerife South 22°C, Lanzarote 21°C
March: Gran Canaria 22°C, Tenerife South 23°C, Lanzarote 23°C
April: Gran Canaria 23°C, Tenerife South 23°C, Lanzarote 24°C
May: Gran Canaria 24°C, Tenerife South 24°C, Lanzarote 25°C
June: Gran Canaria 25°C, Tenerife South 25°C, Lanzarote 26°C
July: Gran Canaria 27°C, Tenerife South 28°C, Lanzarote 28°C
August: Gran Canaria 28°C, Tenerife South 28°C, Lanzarote 29°C
September: Gran Canaria 27°C, Tenerife South 28°C, Lanzarote 29°C
October: Gran Canaria 26°C, Tenerife South 27°C, Lanzarote 27°C
November: Gran Canaria 24°C, Tenerife South 25°C, Lanzarote 24°C
December: Gran Canaria 22°C, Tenerife South 23°C, Lanzarote 22°C
Which Canary Island is warmest in winter?
The south coast of Tenerife. In January the average is 21.7°C at the southern airport, against 20.8°C on Gran Canaria and 20.7°C on Lanzarote. Tenerife South also has the fewest rainy days, with fewer than two days of rain in January.
Lanzarote, on the other hand, gets the most winter sunshine, with around 200 hours in January against 184 on Gran Canaria. It is often windier there, so it can feel cooler than the figures suggest.
Maspalomas
Maspalomas, on the southern tip of Gran Canaria, gets the most sun all winter.
North and south are two different climates
The north-east trade wind brings cloud to the north sides of Tenerife and Gran Canaria. In Santa Cruz de Tenerife an average of 32mm of rain falls in January, almost twice as much as at the southern airport. Stay on the south coast and you can often see clouds over the mountains while the sun shines on the pool.
Where to stay for winter sun on Tenerife: Royal Hideaway Corales Suites
Corales Suites is in Costa Adeje, the driest area in winter. Every suite has a kitchen and a balcony or terrace, the hotel has five restaurants and a spa, and guests rate it 9.8.
Book your stay: Check availability and prices
Where to stay for winter sun on Gran Canaria: Seaside Palm Beach
Maspalomas, on the southern tip of Gran Canaria, gets the most sun on the island. Palm Beach sits in a palm garden by the lighthouse, and guests rate it 9.4.
Book your stay: Check availability and prices
When is the best time to visit the Canary Islands?
Winter, November to March: 21 to 25°C and the most sun in the south. Peak season around Christmas and February half-term.
Spring, April and May: settled and pleasant, almost without rain, and often better hotel prices.
Summer, June to September: warmest and driest, at 25 to 29°C.
Autumn, October: still summer warmth, but the first rainy days arrive.
Frequently asked questions about Canary Islands weather
How warm is it in the Canary Islands in January?
Around 21 to 22°C by day and 14 to 15°C at night, according to the AEMET climate normals.
Which Canary Island has the best weather in winter?
Tenerife South is the warmest and driest. Lanzarote gets the most sunshine, but more wind.
Does it rain much in the Canary Islands?
Very little. At the airports on Gran Canaria and Tenerife South around 30mm falls in December, the wettest month, and almost nothing in summer. The north sides get more rain.
Can you swim in the Canary Islands in winter?
Yes, many people swim all winter, but the sea is coolest in February and March. Heated pools are common at hotels.
What is the difference between the weather in north and south Tenerife?
The south is drier and warmer. The north is greener because the trade wind brings cloud and more rain.