Destination
When should you visit Tenerife?
Tenerife, the largest of the Canary Islands, is warm all year, which makes it Europe's go-to winter sun destination. That is also when it is busiest and most expensive. Summer is hot and dry, with European holiday crowds. Late spring and early autumn are warm, calmer and cheaper. The figures below are for Santa Cruz in the northeast; the south coast is usually sunnier and drier. Here is how all twelve months compare for weather, crowds, prices and events.
By Daan · Last reviewed October 2026 · Spain guide
My recommendation
May & October
May and October are warm and dry, with the sea at a comfortable temperature, and you avoid both the winter-sun peak and the summer holidays. Prices are lower too.
Best for winter sun
December–March
Around 21°C by day, but the busiest and priciest season.
Best for Carnival
February or early March
The Carnival of Santa Cruz, one of the world's biggest.
Best for swimming
August–October
The warmest sea of the year.
Best value
May–June & September–October
Warm weather between the busy seasons.
May scores
Plan around
What to know before you book
- Winter-sun peak
- Northern Europeans come for the warmth. Book flights and hotels early, especially around Christmas.
- Calima
- Hot, dusty air from the Sahara can bring haze and poor air for a few days.
- Teide access
- The cable car sells out and the summit trail needs a free permit. Book ahead and check for closures in high winds.
December–March
Any time, more often in winter
All year
Tenerife travel tip
Pick your side of the island. The south around Los Cristianos and Costa Adeje has the most sunshine, while the greener north around Puerto de la Cruz and La Orotava is cooler and cloudier. Go up to Mount Teide early in the day, and book the cable car or the free summit permit well ahead.
Month by month
All twelve months, at a glance
Tap any month for full scores, temperatures and planning notes.
- Temperature
- 15–21°C
- Mild to warm, with some rain.
- Crowds
- High
- Busy with winter-sun visitors.
- Prices
- €€€
- High-season rates.
Stay in the south for the most sunshine.
- Winter sun
- Hiking
- Temperature
- 15–21°C
- Mild and fairly dry.
- Crowds
- High
- Very busy around Carnival.
- Prices
- €€€€
- Peak rates around Carnival.
Check the Carnival dates, which move with Easter.
- Carnival
- Winter sun
- Temperature
- 16–22°C
- Mild and warming, the wettest spell ending.
- Crowds
- High
- Busy.
- Prices
- €€€
- High rates.
Hike in Anaga on a clear morning.
- Hiking
- Beach
- Temperature
- 17–23°C
- Warm and dry.
- Crowds
- Moderate–High
- Busy around Easter.
- Prices
- €€€
- Rates ease after Easter.
Avoid Easter week for better prices.
- Hiking
- Beach
- Temperature
- 18–24°C
- Warm, dry and sunny.
- Crowds
- Low–Moderate
- Quieter.
- Prices
- €€
- Good value.
Go up Mount Teide early, before the clouds build.
- Beach
- Hiking
- Temperature
- 20–26°C
- Warm, dry and sunny.
- Crowds
- Moderate
- Prices
- €€
- Good value.
Check the Corpus Christi date if you want to see the carpets.
- Culture
- Beach
- Temperature
- 21–29°C
- Hot and dry.
- Crowds
- High
- Busy.
- Prices
- €€€
- High summer rates.
Book whale and dolphin trips from Los Cristianos early.
- Beach
- Families
- Temperature
- 22–29°C
- Hot and dry, the warmest month.
- Crowds
- High
- Very busy.
- Prices
- €€€€
- Peak summer rates.
Plan Teide and hikes for early morning.
- Beach
- Families
- Temperature
- 22–28°C
- Hot and dry.
- Crowds
- Moderate
- Prices
- €€
- Good value.
Snorkel on calm mornings in the south.
- Beach
- Snorkeling
- Temperature
- 20–26°C
- Warm, mostly dry.
- Crowds
- Moderate
- Prices
- €€
- Good value.
Combine beach days with a hike in the Teno mountains.
- Beach
- Hiking
- Temperature
- 18–24°C
- Warm, with more rain.
- Crowds
- Moderate–High
- Busier as winter sun starts.
- Prices
- €€€
- Rates rise.
Book early for late-November trips.
- Beach
- Hiking
- Temperature
- 17–22°C
- Mild to warm, the wettest month.
- Crowds
- High
- Very busy over the holidays.
- Prices
- €€€€
- Peak rates at Christmas and New Year.
Travel in early December for lower rates.
- Winter sun
- Holidays
Climate
Tenerife weather by month
| Month | High | Low | Precipitation | Wet days |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 21°C / 70°F | 15°C / 59°F | 32 mm | 4 |
| February | 21°C / 70°F | 15°C / 59°F | 35 mm | 4 |
| March | 22°C / 72°F | 16°C / 61°F | 38 mm | 4 |
| April | 23°C / 73°F | 17°C / 63°F | 12 mm | 2 |
| May | 24°C / 75°F | 18°C / 64°F | 4 mm | 1 |
| June | 26°C / 79°F | 20°C / 68°F | 1 mm | 0 |
| July | 29°C / 84°F | 21°C / 70°F | 0 mm | 0 |
| August | 29°C / 84°F | 22°C / 72°F | 2 mm | 0 |
| September | 28°C / 82°F | 22°C / 72°F | 7 mm | 1 |
| October | 26°C / 79°F | 20°C / 68°F | 19 mm | 3 |
| November | 24°C / 75°F | 18°C / 64°F | 34 mm | 5 |
| December | 22°C / 72°F | 17°C / 63°F | 43 mm | 5 |
Climate data: AEMET (Santa Cruz de Tenerife, 1981–2010). Temperatures are averages of daily highs and lows.
Ready to book May & October in Tenerife?
Find hotels in TenerifeKeep exploring
Related destinations
Other places I’d time carefully — and when I’d go.
FAQ
Planning a trip to Tenerife
What is the best month to visit Tenerife?
May and October are warm and dry, with fewer crowds and lower prices than winter or summer.
Is Tenerife warm in winter?
Yes. Average highs in Santa Cruz are around 21°C in January, and the south coast is usually sunnier.