Best Travel Time & Climate
The special thing about the Canaries: There is no bad travel time. The "Islands of Eternal Spring" offer mild to warm temperatures year-round, as the Canary Current and trade winds create a unique climate — never too hot, rarely cold.
Climate Table: Coast (South of the Islands)
| Month | Air °C | Water °C | Sun Hours | Rain Days |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 18–21 | 19 | 6 | 3 |
| February | 18–21 | 18 | 7 | 2 |
| March | 19–22 | 18 | 7 | 2 |
| April | 19–23 | 19 | 8 | 1 |
| May | 20–24 | 20 | 9 | 0 |
| June | 22–26 | 21 | 10 | 0 |
| July | 24–28 | 22 | 10 | 0 |
| August | 25–29 | 23 | 10 | 0 |
| September | 24–28 | 24 | 8 | 1 |
| October | 23–26 | 23 | 7 | 3 |
| November | 21–24 | 21 | 6 | 4 |
| December | 19–22 | 20 | 6 | 4 |
Understanding the Microclimates
Each island has two fundamentally different sides:
- South & West: Dry, sunny, warm. This is where the tourist centers are. Almost always beach weather, even in winter 20–22°C.
- North & East: Wetter, greener, cloudier. The trade winds push clouds against the mountains (Mar de Nubes). Lush vegetation, but fewer hours of sunshine. More authentic and less touristy.
On Tenerife, it can happen that it's 28°C and sunny in the south, while it's 18°C and raining in the north. That's not a bug, it's a feature — because that's what makes the islands so green and diverse.
Seasonal Recommendations
Winter (December–February): THE reason why Germans fly to the Canaries. While Berlin is freezing, you have 20–22°C here, sun, and can swim in the sea (19°C). High season for Northern Europeans, but much quieter than Mediterranean summer destinations.
Spring (March–May): Wildflower bloom, pleasantly warm, perfect for hiking. The almond trees bloom on Gran Canaria (February/March). Water is getting warmer.
Summer (June–August): Hot in the south (up to 35°C), but bearable due to the trade winds. Water temperatures rise to 22–24°C. High season for Spaniards (August!). Calima heat periods possible (Sahara dust, up to 40°C).
Autumn (September–November): Warmest sea (24°C), still lots of sun, falling prices. The best time for hiking and beach combinations. October/November: occasionally heavy rainfalls.
💡 Tipp
Calima Warning: Several times a year, the hot east wind brings Sahara dust to the Canaries. Temperatures rise to 35–45°C, and the sky turns milky yellow. It usually lasts 2–5 days. More frequent in summer. Drink plenty, avoid hiking, stay away from the beach!
