Tenerife has one of the world’s most stable climates thanks to the trade winds and the Canary Current. The island sits at 28°N latitude off the coast of Africa but stays comfortable year-round with coastal temperatures rarely dropping below 15°C (59°F) or rising above 32°C (90°F). The north-south mountain divide created by Mount Teide (3,715m / 12,188ft) produces two distinct microclimates: the north is greener and wetter with 350-550mm annual rainfall, while the south is sunny and arid with just 100-200mm. Sea temperatures range from 19°C (66°F) in February to 24°C (75°F) in September, making swimming possible year-round with a wetsuit recommended in winter. For the complete Tenerife travel guide covering all resort areas, weather data, and things to do, browse the full collection of articles below.
Tenerife Weather in January
January is the coldest month on Tenerife with daytime highs of 21°C (70°F) at coastal resorts and overnight lows of 15°C (59°F). The south (Los Cristianos, Costa Adeje) averages 5 rainy days and 180 sunshine hours. The north (Puerto de la Cruz) receives 10-12 rainy days with passing showers. Sea temperature is 19°C (66°F). Mount Teide often has snow at the summit , you can sunbathe on the beach in the morning and play in snow at 3,500m in the afternoon. Pack a light jacket for evenings. Read more in the best time to visit guide.
Tenerife Weather in February
February is similar to January but slightly drier. Coastal highs reach 21°C (70°F) with lows of 15°C (59°F). The south gets 4 rainy days, the north 8-10. The Carnival of Santa Cruz de Tenerife (second-largest in the world after Rio) takes place this month, and weather is typically sunny for the parades. Sea temperature stays at 19°C (66°F). This is almond blossom season in the mid-altitude regions around Santiago del Teide , temperatures at 600m are 14-17°C (57-63°F). Read more in the things to do guide.
Tenerife Weather in March
March brings warming trends with coastal highs of 22°C (72°F) and lows of 16°C (61°F). The south averages 3 rainy days with 210 sunshine hours. The north gets 7-8 rainy days. This is an excellent hiking month , Anaga Rural Park trails at 600-1,000m see temperatures of 16-20°C (61-68°F) with wildflowers blooming. Sea temperature rises slightly to 19°C (66°F). Calima events (hot, dusty wind from the Sahara) can occur any month but become more common from March onward, pushing temperatures to 30°C (86°F) for 2-3 days. Read more in the events and festivals calendar.
Tenerife Weather in April
April is a transition month with coastal highs of 23°C (73°F) and lows of 17°C (63°F). The south sees 2-3 rainy days and 230 sunshine hours. The north averages 5-6 rainy days. Sea temperature warms to 20°C (68°F). Easter week (Semana Santa) brings Spanish mainland visitors and reliably good weather. This is the last month before the summer tourism peak , prices are still reasonable. The Teide National Park is accessible with daytime summit temperatures around 8-12°C (46-54°F). Read more in the resort area guide.
Tenerife Weather in May
May sees coastal highs of 24°C (75°F) and lows of 18°C (64°F). The south gets just 1-2 rainy days with 270 sunshine hours. The north averages 4 rainy days. Sea temperature reaches 21°C (70°F). This is one of the best months to visit: summer crowds haven’t arrived yet, prices are moderate, and the weather is warm without the intense heat of July-August. Hiking conditions are still good in the morning before midday heat builds. Read more in the where to stay guide.
Tenerife Weather in June
June brings coastal highs of 26°C (79°F) and lows of 20°C (68°F). The south averages 0-1 rainy days with 290 sunshine hours. The north gets 2-3 rainy days. Sea temperature is 22°C (72°F). The “panza de burro” (donkey’s belly) cloud layer can sit over the north coast at 600-1,000m, but the south stays clear. This cloud phenomenon actually keeps the northern vegetation lush while the south bakes. UV index hits 10-11 , SPF 50 is essential. Read more in the travel tips and FAQ.
Tenerife Weather in July
July is the driest month with coastal highs of 28°C (82°F) and lows of 22°C (72°F). The south gets effectively zero rainfall (0-1 days) with 310 sunshine hours. The north averages 1-2 rainy days. Sea temperature is 23°C (73°F). This is peak tourism season with highest prices and fullest hotels. Calima events can push temperatures to 35-38°C (95-100°F) for 3-5 days. Air conditioning is essential in accommodations. The south coast breeze from the northeast trade winds provides natural cooling along beachfront promenades.
Tenerife Weather in August
August matches July for heat with coastal highs of 29°C (84°F) and lows of 23°C (73°F). The south remains virtually rainless with 300 sunshine hours. The north gets 1-2 rainy days. Sea temperature peaks at 24°C (75°F). This is the busiest month , book accommodations and rental cars 3-4 months ahead. The RomerÃa de San Roque festival in Garachico (August 16th) draws large crowds. Afternoon temperatures in inland towns like La Orotava can reach 32°C (90°F) with no sea breeze.
Tenerife Weather in September
September maintains summer warmth with coastal highs of 28°C (82°F) and lows of 22°C (72°F). The south gets 1-2 rainy days (first rains after summer) with 250 sunshine hours. The north averages 3-4 rainy days. Sea temperature remains at 24°C (75°F) , the warmest water of the year. This is a sweet spot for visitors: summer crowds thin after the first week, prices drop 15-20% from August peaks, and the weather is still excellent. Occasional tropical storms passing near the Canaries can bring 2-3 days of cloud and swell.
Tenerife Weather in October
October brings coastal highs of 26°C (79°F) and lows of 21°C (70°F). The south averages 3-4 rainy days with 210 sunshine hours. The north gets 6-7 rainy days as the wet season begins. Sea temperature is 23°C (73°F). The first proper Atlantic swells arrive on the north shore, bringing surfers to Playa del Socorro and Punta Brava. October 12th (DÃa de la Hispanidad) is a national holiday. Late October can see the first significant calima of autumn.
Tenerife Weather in November
November marks the start of the cooler season with coastal highs of 23°C (73°F) and lows of 18°C (64°F). The south averages 5 rainy days with 180 sunshine hours. The north gets 9-10 rainy days. Sea temperature drops to 22°C (72°F). This is the second-wettest month in the north. However, the south often stays dry for stretches of 10-14 days. Hotel prices are at their lowest (30-40% below August). The San Andrés wine festival in Icod de los Vinos celebrates the new wine harvest in late November.
Tenerife Weather in December
December has coastal highs of 22°C (72°F) and lows of 16°C (61°F). The south averages 6 rainy days with 170 sunshine hours. The north gets 10-12 rainy days. Sea temperature is 20°C (68°F). Christmas and New Year’s are peak season , book 4-6 months ahead for the best rates. The south remains pleasant for beach days while the north is greener and wetter. Teide summit temperatures drop to -5°C to 2°C (23-36°F) with occasional snow. December 25th and January 1st see limited public transport (guaguas run reduced Sunday schedules).
Tenerife Weather: Monthly Comparison Table
| Month | High °C (°F) | Low °C (°F) | Rain (South mm) | Rain (North mm) | Sea °C (°F) | Sun Hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 21 (70) | 15 (59) | 15 | 60 | 19 (66) | 180 |
| Feb | 21 (70) | 15 (59) | 20 | 50 | 19 (66) | 190 |
| Mar | 22 (72) | 16 (61) | 15 | 40 | 19 (66) | 210 |
| Apr | 23 (73) | 17 (63) | 8 | 25 | 20 (68) | 230 |
| May | 24 (75) | 18 (64) | 5 | 15 | 21 (70) | 270 |
| Jun | 26 (79) | 20 (68) | 2 | 15 | 22 (72) | 290 |
| Jul | 28 (82) | 22 (72) | 0 | 5 | 23 (73) | 310 |
| Aug | 29 (84) | 23 (73) | 2 | 10 | 24 (75) | 300 |
| Sep | 28 (82) | 22 (72) | 10 | 25 | 24 (75) | 250 |
| Oct | 26 (79) | 21 (70) | 20 | 45 | 23 (73) | 210 |
| Nov | 23 (73) | 18 (64) | 30 | 65 | 22 (72) | 180 |
| Dec | 22 (72) | 16 (61) | 25 | 75 | 20 (68) | 170 |
