When to go to the Canary Islands: a month-by-month guide

The Canary Islands are the only destination in Europe where you can swim even in January. They're called "the islands of eternal spring" for a reason: the temperature stays between 18 and 26°C all year round. But "always nice" doesn't mean every month is the same. This guide tells you what to expect month by month, so you can pick the right time for you.

The climate in brief

The Canaries have a mild subtropical climate all year. The gap between summer and winter is tiny compared to mainland Europe: just a few degrees. What matters more is the wind (the trade winds) and the difference between the north and south of the islands — the south is nearly always warmer, drier and sunnier.

• Sea: between 19°C (winter) and 23°C (late summer). Always swimmable if you don't mind cooler water.
• Sun: an average of 320 sunny days a year.
• Rain: little, and mostly between November and February, often only in the north.

Month by month

January–February. Peak tourist season. This is when Europeans escape the cold: sun, 20–22°C, cool but swimmable sea. Flights and hotels cost more. Great if you want warmth in the middle of winter.

March–April. Perfect spring. Ideal weather, long days, nature in bloom. Watch out for Easter week, when prices climb for a few days.

May–June. The best trade-off of the year. Splendid weather, a warming sea, and prices still low because it's technically "low season" even though the weather is perfect. Highly recommended.

July–August. Summer, but without the scorching heat of the Mediterranean: the trade winds keep temperatures around 26–28°C. This is when Spaniards take their holidays, so there are more people and prices rise. Sea at its warmest.

September–October. Like May–June but with an even warmer sea. One of the best times of all: water at 23°C, stable weather, fewer crowds than summer.

November–December. Winter high season returns. Weather still excellent in the south, a bit more rain in the north. December is expensive because of the holidays, but spending Christmas in the warmth has its charm.

Which time is best for you

• Want to save money with great weather: May, June, September, October.
• Escaping the winter cold: January, February.
• Warmest possible sea: August, September.
• Fewer crowds: May and October (outside the peaks).
• Christmas in the sun: December, accepting higher prices.

North or south of the island?

One detail that applies to all the Canaries: the south is warmer, drier and sunnier (where the resorts cluster), the north is greener, breezier and a little cloudier. If you want guaranteed sun and beaches, head south. If you're after towns, culture and landscapes, the north has its own appeal.

In short

There's no "wrong" month in the Canaries: it's pleasant all year. If you can choose, May–June and September–October offer the perfect mix of weather, warm sea and reasonable prices. Winter remains unbeatable for anyone wanting warmth while it's freezing back home — just budget a few euros more.