Weather in the Canary Islands

Canary Islands Weather: A Complete Year-Round Guide

Clear sunny weather around Mount Teide with blue skies — The Canary Islands are known for warm, sunny, and stable weather throughout the year.

The Canary Islands enjoy one of the best climates in the world — warm, stable, and sunny for more than 300 days a year. Located off the northwest coast of Africa, the islands benefit from Atlantic breezes, subtropical positioning, and protective trade winds. These unique conditions create what many call “The Islands of Eternal Spring.”

Whether you want a winter escape, summer beach holiday, hiking adventure, or surfing trip, the weather in the Canary Islands guarantees ideal conditions all year long. This guide explains monthly temperatures, rainfall, microclimates, winds, sea conditions, UV index, and the best time to visit each island.

Climate Overview

The Canary Islands have a subtropical climate with mild winters, warm summers, and minimal rainfall. Thanks to the Atlantic Ocean and the Canary Current, temperatures remain comfortable even during European heatwaves.

Average annual temperature: 22°C (72°F)
Winter (Dec–Feb): 18–21°C (64–70°F)
Summer (Jun–Sep): 25–28°C (77–82°F)
Sea temperature: 20–24°C (68–75°F)
Sunshine: 3,000+ hours per year

Sunny golden beach in Fuerteventura with turquoise water — Warm, dry, and sunny — the typical weather across the Canary Islands.

Best Time to Visit the Canary Islands

The truth is simple: there is no bad time to visit the Canary Islands. But the best season depends on your travel style:

December to March: Ideal for winter sun and hiking.
April to June: Fewer tourists, mild temperatures, great for outdoor exploration.
July to September: Warmest months — best for beaches, swimming, and festivals.
October to November: Perfect for diving, calm seas, and pleasant temperatures.

What Travelers Usually Choose

Beach lovers: June–September
Surfers: October–March
Hikers: February–May & October
Families: April, June, September

For travel tips and seasonal advice, see also: Travel Tips for the Canary Islands.

Regional Weather Differences

Although the islands share similar temperatures, each one has its own microclimates influenced by altitude, ocean exposure, volcanic landscapes, and trade winds.

Tenerife: The north is cooler and greener; the south is sunnier and drier — perfect for beach resorts such as Costa Adeje.
Gran Canaria: Often called a “mini continent” due to its deserts, beaches, forests, and mountains.
Fuerteventura & Lanzarote: The driest and sunniest islands — great for water sports and desert-like beaches.
La Palma & La Gomera: Cooler highlands, with lush forests and frequent mist — ideal for hikers.
El Hierro: Mild, windy, and quiet — excellent for eco-tourism and diving.

Sunny volcanic scenery in Lanzarote — Lanzarote and Fuerteventura are the sunniest islands with very little rainfall.

Monthly Weather Chart

Here is an easy overview of average temperatures, rainfall, and sunshine hours across the Canary Islands:

Month	Avg Temp (°C)	Rainfall (mm)	Sunshine Hours
January	20	22	6
February	20	19	6
March	21	15	7
April	22	6	7
May	23	3	8
June	25	1	9
July	26	0	10
August	27	0	10
September	27	3	8
October	25	8	7
November	23	17	6
December	21	25	6

Rainfall & Sunshine Patterns

Rain in the Canary Islands is light and seasonal — most common from November to February, especially on the northern slopes of Tenerife and La Palma. Even then, showers are usually brief and followed by sunshine.

Driest islands: Lanzarote, Fuerteventura
Wettest regions: Northern Tenerife, La Palma highlands
Sunniest areas: South Tenerife, South Gran Canaria

For more destination details, explore Top Destinations in the Canary Islands.

Winds, UV Index, and Sea Conditions

The islands are influenced by steady northeast trade winds, creating breezy, fresh air even in summer. These winds make the weather pleasant, but also explain why surfing and wind sports are popular on certain islands.

Wind strength: 15–25 km/h on average
Sea temperature: Warm enough for swimming year-round
UV index: High year-round — sunscreen is essential

Surfer riding Atlantic waves in Fuerteventura under bright sun — Trade winds create ideal surfing and windsurfing conditions on Fuerteventura.

Best Islands by Season

Depending on when you travel, certain islands offer better conditions for specific activities:

Winter (Dec–Feb): South Tenerife & South Gran Canaria for stable sunshine.
Spring (Mar–May): La Palma & La Gomera for hiking and nature.
Summer (Jun–Sep): Fuerteventura & Lanzarote for beaches and water sports.
Autumn (Oct–Nov): Tenerife North & Gran Canaria for festivals and cooler adventure days.

Weather Tips for Travelers

Pack layers — temperatures change quickly with altitude.
Bring swimwear and hiking gear; you’ll likely use both on the same day.
Use reef-safe sunscreen to protect marine life.
Check local forecasts via AEMET, Spain’s meteorological agency.
Beware of calima — warm winds from the Sahara that cause temporary haze.

Where to Go Next

With warm temperatures, bright sunshine, and microclimates for every travel style, the Canary Islands are truly a year-round destination. Whether you're visiting for beaches, hiking, diving, or relaxation, perfect weather is almost guaranteed.