Tenerife weather by month: what to expect all year round

Tenerife has mild, sunny weather all year: in the south, average daytime highs range from about 22°C in January to about 28°C in August, and rain is rare outside the winter months. The north is a few degrees cooler and much wetter, and the summit of Mount Teide can be freezing at any time of year.

The figures below come from Spain’s state weather agency, AEMET, using long-term averages (1981–2010) recorded at Tenerife South airport, which is a good guide for Los Cristianos, Playa de las Américas and Costa Adeje.

Tenerife weather by month (south)

Month	Avg high	Avg low	Sunshine (hrs/month)	Rainy days	Sea temp (approx.)
January	21.7°C	15.2°C	193	2	19–20°C
February	22.0°C	15.0°C	195	2	18–19°C
March	23.1°C	15.6°C	226	2	18–19°C
April	23.1°C	16.0°C	219	1	18–19°C
May	23.9°C	17.0°C	246	0–1	19–20°C
June	25.4°C	18.8°C	259	0	20–21°C
July	27.7°C	20.2°C	295	0	21–22°C
August	28.4°C	21.1°C	277	0–1	22–23°C
September	27.9°C	21.1°C	213	1	23–24°C
October	26.8°C	20.0°C	214	2	22–24°C
November	24.8°C	18.2°C	193	2	21–22°C
December	22.8°C	16.5°C	195	3–4	20–21°C

Rainy days are days with at least 1 mm of rain. Sea temperatures are typical ranges; see our sea temperature guide for more.

North vs south

Tenerife’s mountains split the island into two climates. The north-east trade winds bring cloud to the northern slopes, which keeps places like Puerto de la Cruz, La Laguna and La Orotava greener and cooler.

AEMET’s averages for Tenerife North airport, in La Laguna at around 600 metres altitude, show highs of about 16°C in January and 26°C in August, with around 64 rainy days a year compared with about 15 at the south airport. Puerto de la Cruz, at sea level, is milder than La Laguna but still cloudier and wetter than the south.

In short: for guaranteed sunshine, stay in the south. For greenery, old towns and a more Canarian feel, the north is worth visiting, but bring a layer.

Month-by-month overview

Winter (December to February)

The south is warm by day, around 21–23°C, with cooler evenings that call for a light jacket. It’s peak season for long-stay visitors escaping northern Europe. Rain is uncommon but can come in short, heavy bursts. Teide can be snowcapped. Carnival usually falls in February; see Santa Cruz Carnival.

Spring (March to May)

Temperatures rise gradually and rain becomes rare. The sea is at its coolest, around 18–19°C, so swimming is refreshing. Easter is busy with Spanish and European visitors.

Summer (June to August)

Hot and dry, with highs in the high 20s in the south and occasionally well above 30°C during a heatwave or calima. Trade winds keep the coast more comfortable than mainland Spain. This is the busiest time for families.

Autumn (September to November)

Often the best time for swimming, as the sea is warmest in September and October. Weather is usually settled, though the first autumn rains can arrive in October or November. Crowds thin out after the summer holidays.

Best time to visit

• For guaranteed warmth and swimming: June to October.
• For winter sun: November to March, when the south is often 10 to 15 degrees warmer than northern Europe.
• For hiking: spring and autumn, when it is neither too hot on the trails nor too cold on Teide.
• For festivals: February for Carnival; see the events calendar.

Calima

Calima is a hot, dusty wind from the Sahara. It turns the sky hazy, raises temperatures and can affect air quality for a few days at a time. If you have breathing problems, stay indoors when it is strong and follow local health advice.

Mount Teide weather

The summit of Teide is 3,715 metres high and has its own weather. Even in summer, it can be cold and windy at the top, and in winter snow and ice can close roads into the national park. Always check the forecast before going. See Mount Teide guide.

Evenings out

Evenings in the south are mild enough for outdoor terraces almost all year, although from December to March you will want a light jumper after dark. Plenty of bars and venues have covered or indoor areas. DoTenerife lists what’s on tonight across the island, and the events calendar shows what’s coming up in each season.

What to pack

Pack for sun first, but add layers for evenings, the north and any trip up Teide. Our what to pack for Tenerife guide has a full list, and our rainy day guide has ideas if the weather turns.