Tenerife—the largest of the Canary Islands—rightfully bears the title “Island of Eternal Spring.” In winter, when all of Europe is covered in snow and temperatures drop below zero, the southern coast here enjoys dry, sunny weather with temperatures ranging from 19°C to 22°C. This makes Tenerife one of the most popular winter destinations for travelers from the United Kingdom, Germany, Scandinavia, and Russia.
Contents
- Winter Climate: What to Expect
- The Sea in Winter: Is Swimming Possible?
- Prices and Seasonality
- Winter Events and Holidays
- Teide in Winter: Snow on the Volcano
- What to Pack
- Best Places to Stay in Winter
- Things to Do in Winter
- FAQ
Winter Climate: What to Expect
Winter in Tenerife is a rather relative concept. The island’s climate is determined by its geographic location (28° north latitude) and the constant northeasterly trade winds, which divide the island into a humid north and a dry, arid south.
Monthly Air Temperatures
| Month | South (day/night) | North (day/night) | Hours of sunshine/day |
|---|
| December | 21°C / 16°C | 18°C / 13°C | 6 hours |
| January | 20°C / 15°C | 17°C / 12°C | 6 h |
| February | 21°C / 15°C | 18°C / 13°C | 7 h |
| March | 22°C / 16°C | 19°C / 14°C | 7 hours |
Rain is rare in the south of the island during the winter: annual precipitation does not exceed 150 mm.
The Sea in Winter: Is It Possible to Swim?
- December: 20°C
- January: 19°C
- February: 18°C (the coldest month)
- March: 18–19°C
18–20°C — most Northern Europeans enjoy swimming. Most large hotels in the south have heated pools.
Winter Events and Holidays
Santa Cruz Carnival
One of the largest carnivals in the world—second only to Rio de Janeiro. It takes place in February. The carnival queen is crowned, thousands of participants march in parades, and music fills the squares.
Christmas and New Year’s
Christmas markets and lights. The “Three Kings” tradition (January 6)—a procession of the Magi through the city streets.
Whale Watching
Winter is a great time. Pilot whales live near the coast year-round; in winter, you can spot humpback whales. Tours cost ~€30–40.
Teide in Winter: Snow on the Volcano
Mount Teide (3,718 m) is often covered in snow during the winter (December–February). Tropical palm trees at the base and a snow-capped peak at the top—one of Tenerife’s most photogenic scenes.
- The cable car operates year-round but may be closed due to wind or icy conditions
- The trails in Teide National Park are ideal for hiking in winter—there’s none of the summer heat
What to Pack
- To the beach: swimsuit, sunscreen SPF 30–50
- For walks: lightweight pants, a light sweater, a windbreaker
- For Mount Teide: a fleece jacket, a coat, gloves, a hat
- Evening: a light shirt; no down jackets needed
Best places to stay in winter
- Los Cristianos / Las Américas / Costa Adeje (south): plenty of sun, minimal rain—the best choice for a beach vacation
- Puerto de la Cruz (north): cooler, but more picturesque and authentic
- Santa Cruz: the business and cultural center, great for Carnival
Things to Do in Tenerife in Winter
- Beach vacations on the southern beaches
- Hiking trails: Teide, Anaga, Masca Gorge
- Diving and snorkeling (5 mm wetsuit)
- Whale watching
- Mountain biking
- Golf: 8 courses on the island; winter is the best season
FAQ
Is it cold in Tenerife in the winter?
In the south of the island, winter daytime temperatures average +19…+22°C. It’s cooler in the evening (+15…+17°C), but a light jacket is sufficient.
Can you swim in the ocean in winter?
The water temperature in January–February is 18–19°C. For hardy swimmers, it’s quite comfortable. Most major hotels have heated pools.
When is the best time to visit Tenerife in winter?
January is the best choice: prices drop after the Christmas surcharges, the weather is mild, and there are fewer tourists.
