Tenerife Weather
Tenerife Weather
When planning your long-awaited vacation, you are surely wondering which month will be the best and what the weather is like in Tenerife overall. In response to your question, Tenerife is an island that guarantees good weather for the majority of the year. The average annual temperature is 21.5°C, although it should be noted that the weather in Tenerife may vary slightly. Depending on whether you have chosen the North or South of the island as your holiday destination.
Tenerife is the largest island in the Canary Islands Archipelago, located in the Atlantic Ocean. On this small piece of land, measuring only 2034 km2, you can encounter a multitude of diverse microclimates. Just a few kilometers in any direction is enough to experience a completely different climate. You may be wondering why this is the case. Well, the culprit is the El Teide volcano (3718 m a.s.l.), situated in the central part of the island. It blocks the humid air coming from the north, thereby dividing Tenerife into two climatic zones.
Weather in Tenerife – Tenerife north
The northern part of Tenerife, as most of you have already noticed, is very green and humid, which is due to the influence of the local winds known as “lower trade winds”. These are cool winds that bring a significant amount of moisture with them. They occur only up to 1500 meters above sea level. However, in the center of Tenerife, the El Teide volcano reigns at a height of 3718 meters above sea level. Due to this, the cool and humid winds from the north cannot penetrate through the center of the island to the south. They can only make their way through the extreme eastern and western sides. This is also why an incredibly lush vegetation exists in the Anaga mountain massif (home to a unique ecosystem called the Canary Laurel Forest) and in the Teno mountains (where Masca is located).
The northern part of the island is known for its beautiful tropical vegetation and extraordinary tree specimens. The abundant flora contributes to lower temperatures, higher air humidity, cloudier skies, and a greater likelihood of rainfall. Therefore, when visiting Puerto de la Cruz, it’s important to keep this in mind.
Weather in Tenerife – Tenerife south
The south of Tenerife is primarily characterized by a dry climate. Those landing at the southern airport have the opportunity to observe the desert-like areas from a bird’s-eye view. This part of the island lacks fertile soil for cultivation, unlike the northern regions. However, on the other hand, the south offers its residents sunshine almost 365 days a year. It’s no wonder that the largest and most popular tourist resorts have emerged in the southern part of the island, such as Costa Adeje, Las Americas, Los Cristianos, Playa Paraiso, and Los Gigantes. Of course, there is no shortage of palm trees and other flowers here. The island authorities have taken care of artificial irrigation of the area, allowing us to enjoy incredibly beautiful landscapes while vacationing in the south of Tenerife.
Precipitation in Tenerife
The average annual rainfall on Tenerife is approximately 150 mm. By comparison, in France, it is 622 mm, while in England, it is 1002 mm. Interestingly, during the winter season, on the highest peak of Spain, Mount Teide, which is a volcano, we can observe snow at altitudes above 2000 meters above sea level, while still enjoying the warmth on the local beaches.
Dark clouds over Roque del Conde mountain (Costa Adeje)
Roque del Conde is a mountain with a height of 1001 meters above sea level, located above Costa Adeje. Often, unappealing-looking clouds gather around this mountain. However, there is no need to worry as these clouds do not bring rain. They are dark but dry clouds. The lack of moisture in them is due to the magnificent Canarian Pines that surround the El Teide volcano. One of the distinctive features of these unique trees is that they absorb water through their needles. As a result, the clouds reaching the south of Tenerife are already devoid of any moisture. Rain in the southern part of the island usually occurs from the ocean side, which happens extremely rarely. It is not without reason that it is said that there is always sunshine in Tenerife!
Tenerife Weather in winter
Tenerife Weather January
January is the coldest month in Tenerife. The average daily temperature in the northern part of the island, in the city of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, is around 19°C. Meanwhile, in the southern part of the island (Playa de Las Americas), it reaches 21°C. However, during the day, the temperature can rise up to 25°C. We recommend bringing warmer clothes as the evenings and nights can be cool, around 16°C. It is dry and sunny, with rainfall occurring rarely, around 4 days per month. For sea bath enthusiasts, we have good news too – the water temperature in January is around 19°C.
Tenerife Weather February
The temperature is similar to that which occurs in January. Around 19°C in the north of the island and 21°C in the south. The sun rises around 7:45 am and sets at 6:58 pm. If you have any doubts about the possibility of enjoying the beach, we assure you that you will return home with a tan because the perceived temperatures are definitely higher. Also, keep in mind that it is carnival month in Tenerife. With such a lively celebration, even a slight drop in temperature shouldn’t bother anyone!
Tenerife Weather March
March in Tenerife falls within the last winter months. The temperature begins to rise, and if you’re lucky, you can experience truly holiday-like weather. In the northern part of the island, for example, in the noteworthy city of La Laguna, the average air temperature is around 20°C. Meanwhile, on the southern coast of the island, temperatures can reach above 25°C. In the first half of the month, there is a slight chance of rainfall, but it still occurs at most 3 days throughout the month.
Tenerife Wather in spring
Tenerife Weather April
For those planning their vacation in Tenerife in April, we have good news – spring is already in full swing here. The sun starts to shine intensely, and the likelihood of rainfall is minimal. Higher temperatures can be expected in the southern part of the island. With an average daytime temperature of around 23°C, but there are also days when the thermometers reach 30°C! The nighttime air temperature doesn’t drop below 18°C. April in the northern part of the island is slightly cooler. With an average daytime temperature of around 21°C, while at night it drops to around 16°C. The water temperature is around 20°C.
Tenerife Weather May
May in Tenerife, thanks to the influx of hot air masses from Africa, is very warm, but one should not expect true summer heat just yet. The daytime air temperature in the south of the island (Playa de Las Americas) is around 25°C. The nights are pleasant with temperatures not dropping below 18°C. For beach and sea lovers, the water temperature in May is around 21°C. There are 9 hours of sunshine per day. The weather in the northern part of the island is more reminiscent of a Central European spring. With an average air temperature of around 22°C, and tourists can admire picturesque, green landscapes.
Tenerife Weather June
June is the perfect month for various attractions in Tenerife, especially mountain excursions in the northern part of the island. The average temperature in this region is 24°C, with clear skies and minimal chances of rainfall. Southern part of Tenerife is warmer, with an average temperature of 26°C, but thermometers often reach over 30°C during this period. Nights are very warm with an average minimum temperature of around 20°C. The water temperature in the ocean is 21°C, making it a great time for water activities in Tenerife.
Tenerife Weather in summer
Tenerife Weather July
July is the ideal month for those who love heat and want to return from vacation with a beautiful, tan complexion. The average air temperature in the southern part of the island this month is around 30°C, with sunny and clear skies. Similar weather can be found in the north of Tenerife, where temperatures are just a few degrees lower. The water temperature in July is 22°C, and we can enjoy about fourteen hours of sunshine during the day.
Tenerife Weather August
August is a very hot and dry month on both the north and south of the island. The average air temperature in Tenerife is 29°C, but during this period, temperatures can reach 35-40 degrees Celsius. It’s worth noting that August often experiences “Kalima” (Spanish: Calima) – an atmospheric phenomenon associated with the eastern wind called Sirocco, blowing from Africa. Traveling over a hundred kilometers across the ocean, it carries hot air masses along with desert sand. The air becomes dry and heavy, and the sky turns gray instead of blue. The water temperature in August is around 22°C.
Tenerife Weather September
September, like other summer months, is full of hot days, beautiful sunsets, and warm evenings and nights. It is also an ideal time to choose attractions in Tenerife such as hiking in the Anaga or Teno mountains. The average air temperature on the island is 28°C, although it’s important to note the difference between the cooler and more humid north and the hotter and drier south of the island. Rainfall is rare in September, and the water temperature in the ocean reaches 23°C.
Tenerife Weather in autumn
Tenerife Weather October
In October, the weather in Tenerife is characterized by very pleasant air temperatures, clear skies, and a low chance of rainfall. During the day, temperatures in the south of the island can range from 25-30°C. While in the north, it’s slightly cooler by about 2 degrees on the thermometer. The nighttime and early morning temperatures do not drop below 20°C. In October, the water in the ocean remains warm after the summer heat. With a temperature of 24°C, and we can enjoy around 10 hours of sunshine.
Tenerife Weather November
In Europe, it’s cold, gray, and rainy, but what’s the weather like in Tenerife in November? The average air temperature in the south of the island is around 23°C, although there will certainly be days in which we feel the true heat in the afternoon. The air temperature in the north of the island is slightly lower, at around 21°C. Evenings and nights are still very warm, at around 19°C. In November, there may be occasional showers, but they are more likely to occur in the north of Tenerife.
Tenerife Weather December
Are you wondering if December is a good month for a vacation in Tenerife? The answer is YES! The southern part of the island is definitely a better choice. Where the average air temperature is around 20°C, and during midday, the thermometers can reach up to 25°C! We can expect some rainfall, but keep in mind that they usually last only a few minutes during the day. The number of rainy days in the month doesn’t exceed 5. December is an ideal month to combine beach time with walks and sightseeing. The northern part of the island is significantly cooler (the air temperature can drop even to 15°C), and rainfall is more frequent and intense. The water temperature is around 20°C.
Tenerife Weather – summary
The temperature range in Tenerife throughout the year is very low, which has allowed the imported Asian plants, such as the Canarian bananas, to acclimatize excellently, as they do not tolerate large temperature changes. Summer months often reach temperatures of 33°C, while winter months show around 21°C during the day. That’s just a 12°C difference over the course of the year! However, since temperatures drop significantly at night in winter, even reaching 15°C, in summer it remains at 20°C and above.
Remember, though, the climate differences between the north and south of the island, as well as the varying altitudes at which you stay. The temperatures we provide are for areas located up to 300 meters above sea level. If you choose an apartment or hotel at an elevation of 800 meters above sea level, expect much lower temperatures. We are well aware that the highest peak in Tenerife is as high as 3,718 meters above sea level. You can even drive up to 2,200 meters above sea level, which is only 300 meters lower than the highest peak in Poland, Mount Rysy, which stands at 2,503 meters above sea level.
If you haven’t chosen a place to stay for your vacation yet, check out our article “Towns of Tenerife – Where is best place to stay?”. It will help you choose the best destination for your vacation in Tenerife. Once you have selected your dream vacation spot, make use of our tips and accommodation search engine on the “Accommodation in Tenerife” website.
On the Windy.com website, you can check for yourself how the air masses around Tenerife are moving.
