Winter temperatures in the canary islands: A Complete Guide for the Weather in the Canaries

8 Reasons to Escape to the Canary Islands this Winter

Named the “Fortunate Islands” and for good reason, the Canary Islands attract millions of UK holidaymakers every year, particularly during winter! ABTA recently revealed that over 5 million Brits are expected to jet off for Christmas this year, with the Canary Islands named one of the top destinations for those escaping the cold winter weather this year.

Find out why so many Brits are escaping to the Canary Islands this winter…

1 – Christmas Cuisine

Gastronomy is the essence of Canarian culture and the best way to say ‘I love you’ in the Canary Islands is through food! It’s custom for households in the archipelago to contain grandmother’s recipe book, and this tradition has been combined with the revolution of new Canarian cuisine, with chefs who have brought these dishes into the 21st century!

Canary Islands cuisine is traditionally enjoyed with wine and cheese in the archipelago. There are three protected locations of origin for Canarian cheeses: Queso Majorero, Queso Palmero and Queso Flor de Guía, in Gran Canaria. Yet cheeses with unique textures and nuances can be found in all the islands.

Canarian wines are unique in the world. Cultivated in fertile volcanic soil, the islands have more than 80 varieties of grapevines, some of which only exist in this archipelago and have become endemic. Ten types of origin can be enjoyed, with five of them located in Tenerife and the rest from the islands of Gran Canaria, La Gomera, El Hierro, La Palma and Lanzarote.

2 – Winter Sun

The temperatures in the Canary Islands are far from the extreme temperatures of mainland Spain. The sun is almost always shining in the Canary Islands making it a welcome winter escape for UK tourists. The average water temperature is between 18ºC and 22ºC and the archipelago’s 3,000 hours of sunshine per year ensure plenty of lovely warm days, with average daily temperatures between 18 and 24°C.

3 – The Art of Nature

The archipelago is itself a natural beauty that touches hearts. The internationally renowned artist, César Manrique, who hails from Lanzarote, turned this island into a work of art (true “land art”) with its viewpoints and its amazing architectural designs respecting its volcanic surroundings. Manrique brought the art of returning to nature to enjoy life to tourists and locals alike. The Jameos del Agua, a natural area in Haría (Lanzarote), is a perfect example of what nature has to offer those in the Canary Islands. Its magnificence is both striking and soothing.

In the Canary Islands, winter is synonymous with Carnival on all the islands. From the famous and original celebration of the Día de los Indianos in La Palma, a unique carnival in the world, to the international queen and drag queen selection galas and their impressive street parades full of light, colour, art and joy in Tenerife and Gran Canaria!

4 – Winter Sports

The beaches of the Canary Islands never close in winter, nor its mountains, nor its volcanic landscapes, all of which are ideal for training for extreme and long-distance races. It’s for good reason that the islands host world races, including the Transvulcania in La Palma, the Transgrancanaria and the Canary Islands Winter Track and Field Championships.

Athletes from all corners of the world, including the UK, continue to train through the winter outdoors in the Canary Islands. Atheletes in multiple fields, including running, cycling, sailing, surfing, kitesurfing, windsurfing, snorkeling and diving choose the Canary Islands as their winter training base year after year.

5 – Unique Hiking Trails

Breathing. That is the gift of nature getaways in the Canary Islands. The archipelago is home to an abundance of incredible hiking routes suitable for all levels. Cross the forests of the Tertiary Era in Garajonay, La Gomera, or discover the volcanic calderas boasting incredible sea views in Anaga Rural Park, in Tenerife.

The archipelago is part of the E7 Route, a path which starts in the Pyrenees and travels through the interior of Spain, Portugal right down to the Canary Islands, boasting breathtaking views of nature with the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. The Canary Islands are also part of the Camino de Santiago with the Camino de Santiago entre Volcanes, which has approved trails in Gran Canaria, Tenerife, La Gomera and El Hierro.

6 – Nature without end

It is very difficult to find a place in the world that gathers so many natural areas with national, European and international marine and terrestrial protection that can also be enjoyed in winter. World Cetacean Heritage, UNESCO has declared 5 biosphere reserves and 4 World Heritage Sites in the Canary Islands. In addition to these, the archipelago has 147 protected natural landscapes in different categories.

The Canary Islands is home to nature in its purest state also for international research in astrophysics and oceanography with the Institute of Astrophysics of the Canaries and the Institute of Oceanography of the Canaries. It has one of the clearest skies in the world to enjoy the stars and the quality of its waters for bathing is guaranteed.

7 – Fashion to express what you feel

Canarian fashion designs overflow with color and elegance at the Pasarela Gran Canaria Moda Cálida and Isla Bonita Moda, in La Palma. In fact, the outstanding designer Ágatha Ruiz de la Prada uses silk from El Paso, La Palma, in her creations.

But the islands also stand out for their designs of swimwear, hats, jewelry, shoes and all kinds of accessories. Not to mention the Winter Carnival, where even the most creative escapists are surprised by the color and texture of what the Canary Islanders of each island come up with for costumes.

8 – Enough sea for 1500 kilometers of beaches

The Atlantic Ocean in the Canary Islands washes 1500 kilometers of beaches and coves in the sun. And there are countless species of cetaceans! Sailing in the open sea also allows a unique view of the coastline created by the fire of the volcanoes’ life.

The Canary coasts have every beach imaginable: from the secluded and small virgin coves of La Palma, La Gomera or El Hierro to the urban or extensive and familiar beaches, with all the comforts, of Gran Canaria and Tenerife. Not to mention the paradisiacal white sand beaches of Fuerteventura and Lanzarote such as El Cofete, in Jandia, 14 kilometers long.

Spend your winter on the Canary Islands’ beaches | VOLARE MAGAZINE

It’s no wonder that the Canary Islands are known as “

Las Afortunadas”, meaning “the lucky ones”, as it has the best climate in the world. And not just because we say so; numerous studies have confirmed it too. There are so many reasons for coming to the Canary Islands in the winter. If it’s your dream to spend the winter on the beach or in 24°C, this post is for you! 

Our names are Guacimara and Pedro, and we’re both from Tenerife. Through our Tenerifelicidad project, we’ve embarked on an around-the-world trip in a campervan, with no end date planned and are just starting with a six-month tour of the Canary Islands.

The islands perfectly located, where the trade winds play a key role in the enviable temperatures enjoyed all year round.   The trade wind inversion, which prevents cloud formation, means that it hardly ever rains in the summer and it only rains around 3 days a month on average during the winter months. 

This natural phenomenon means comfortable temperatures all year round. This is combined with sun-drenched days, the smell of the sea, infinite natural resources, and the diversity of landscapes, which makes the islands a dream destination at any time of year, but especially in winter. 

Four reasons to visit the Canary Islands in winter 

In winter, it’s spring in the Canary Islands

In fact, they are also known as “the islands of eternal spring”. There are very few places in the world where you can enjoy an average temperature of between 20 and 22°C in winter, with almost no chance of rain. 

These conditions allow for a special kind of tourism, where you can enjoy the outdoors in the unique and wild environment of a volcanic landscape.

Travelling light

One of the main drawbacks of travelling in winter is the amount of luggage involved, but in the Canary Islands you can travel light, as you won’t need a scarf or winter coat.

So, is it never cold in the Canary Islands? Well, of course it is. Despite the extremely mild climate, some of the islands are very high, with significant differences in altitude, such as Tenerife, which also has the highest peak in the whole of Spain. This means that within just over half an hour you can go from wearing a swimsuit on the beach to a snow-capped landscape in Teide National Park. 

Microclimates are a defining characteristic of the islands, so even though you can travel light in the winter, it’s never a bad idea to pop a coat in your backpack, especially if you’re planning on exploring the mountains.

A paradise for outdoor sport lovers

Thanks to the favourable climate, the Canary Islands are the perfect place for enjoying all kinds of outdoor sports, all year round: surfing, windsurfing, snorkelling, driving, trekking, cycling and so on.  

If you love getting close to nature, this is the place for you. With the islands being volcanic, take advantage of the stunning places, landscapes, and environments to have an unforgettable experience pursuing your favourite outdoor sport in perfect temperatures.

Recharge your batteries with some good vibes

A vacation or short stay in the Canary Islands in the winter gives you a chance to unwind.

Part of the islands’ nature has been forged by the warmth of the ground. And if there’s one thing that defines us, it’s that here we live differently, at a slower pace. You’ll find this very easy to get used to!

A winter like no other, in the Canary Islands: 

It’s time for some surfing in Fuerteventura

If you love surfing, you won’t need to wait until summer to enjoy the magic of catching a wave. In Fuerteventura, wintertime is surfing time!

Diving in El Hierro

The “meridian island” boasts one of the best seabeds in the world. A winter submerged in its waters is simply unforgettable. 

Seeing snow-capped Mount Teide from the beach in Tenerife 

This is one of winter’s most beautiful images, as it often snows on Mount Teide. You can even see Spain’s highest peak, situated in the centre of Tenerife, from some of the island’s beaches!

Seeing the world’s third largest active volcano covered in snow, from the beach in 24°C, is a truly unique experience.

From lava to the turquoise waters of Lanzarote’s beaches

Lanzarote is one of the lower islands, with fewer changes in temperature throughout the year. Kick back and relax, enjoying the contrast between its fiery, volcanic landscapes, and its idyllic beaches with their turquoise waters and white sands, for some wintertime magic. 

Playa Papagayo, Lanzarote

La Palma, a Biosphere Reserve

This is one of the islands with the greatest difference in altitude in the world; this means that, whilst lacking Lanzarote’s idyllic, peaceful beaches (the beaches are much wilder), it does feature some fascinating places, such as El Roque de los Muchachos (“the Rock of the Boys”). It also boasts breathtaking natural phenomena, such as the sea of clouds, formed by the combination of the trade winds and the altitude of the island. 

Roque de los Muchachos

La Gomera, wild beaches and fairytale forests

The wild beaches, unspoiled by mass tourism, are one of the gems of La Gomera, which along with its laurel forests, looking as if they’ve stepped straight out of a fairytale, will treat you to a truly magical winter.

Gran Canaria, the island of contrasts 

Gran Canaria has a little something from each of the islands: idyllic white sandy beaches, volcanic landscapes, altitude, desert and dunes, forests, wild beaches, and charming villages.

Each of the Canary Islands is unique and different from the rest. But if you can’t decide on one, then Gran Canaria has a bit of the magic of all the others.

There are so many reasons to visit, but as the song by Bizarrap and Quevedo goes, don’t think twice this winter, and “come to the Canary Islands, with no luggage or return ticket…”.

Weather in the Azores WithPortugal

The Azores are located in the temperate zone of the Northern Hemisphere. Throughout the year, the climate in the Azores can be described as temperate, with the most frequent precipitation between October and March.

Clouds and rains are possible at any time of the year. Although in summer the sun pampers the locals more.

Average temperature

It can get cold in the Azores at any moment, regardless of the time of year, so it’s best to always carry a sweater or jacket with you. nine0003

However, the average air temperature throughout the year does not change much, showing values ​​that fluctuate between 12ºC and 25ºC.

All articles about the Azores can be found here

The temperature of sea water is also fairly constant due to the influence of the Gulf Stream: its average temperatures are 16ºC in winter and 20.5ºC in summer (but it can reach 24ºC – 25ºC).

As a rule, constant humidity makes summer temperatures feel warmer, while winter temperatures can feel colder due to strong winds. nine0003

If you are going to visit the Azores, be prepared for the unpredictability of the local climate: you can get a tan in the winter and wear a jacket in the summer on the beach (it gets chilly after sunset).

Azores High

The Azores High is a subtropical high pressure zone that is always a few hundred kilometers north or south of the archipelago.

Thanks to this anticyclone, the climate on the islands differs from the weather in all of Portugal, because of it the Azores are constantly covered with flowers. nine0003

Weather in the Azores by months:

January in the Azores

In January, the average temperature is +6°C (the average maximum temperature is +10°C, and the average minimum temperature is +3°C). The weather is quite cold (it feels cooler than the thermometer), it is better to wear several layers of warm clothes.

At this time of the year there is a very high chance of rain, so if you are going to the Azores in January, you risk getting a little wet.

This is not the best month to visit the Azores.

Continued below…

February in the Azores

In February, the average temperature will be around +8°C (average maximum +12°C and average minimum +3°C).

The weather is acceptable everywhere, but not as great as it can be 🙂 The sun does not come out so often, but the rains are regular.

But this can also be a plus: if you are interested in hiking, and not relaxing by the pool, maybe February in the Azores is for you? There will definitely be a lot less tourists this month. nine0003

March in the Azores

In March, the average temperature is +10°C (average maximum +14°C and average minimum +6°C).

The weather this month is very similar to the previous one, slightly warmer, but not ideal. There are not many sunny days and every day there is a very high chance of rain.

April in the Azores

In April, everything looks a little different. The average monthly temperature is +12°C, the average maximum temperature is +17°C and the average minimum temperature is +7°C. nine0003

Many consider these two months (April and May) to be the most comfortable for tourism – not very cold and not very hot. You can afford to enjoy not only hiking or visiting museums, but you can even get to relax by the hotel pool.

May in the Azores

The average temperature of the month is +15°C, the average maximum temperature is +20°C and the average minimum temperature is +10°C. For many, May is almost summer. But it’s better to still carry a jacket or sweater with you in case it gets chilly. nine0003

From May 1, the famous “Rope” bullfights on the island of Terceira begin to take place (you can visit the performance until October 15).

June in the Azores

In June, the average temperature is already +26°C, but sometimes it rains.

This month the weather in the Azores is just wonderful. By the way, local religious holidays of Santo António, Sau Pedro and Sau João are held from June 23 to 29. At this time, you can see all the richness of local folklore, the simplicity of the Azores, and all the juiciest of the local color. nine0003

July and August in the Azores

In July and August the average temperature is +29°C and almost no rain.

If you have a free moment between the endless possibilities of great weather tours, try the Walk & Talk Arts Festival.

It takes place every year in July. There you can see the intersection of art, dance, performance, theater, architecture, design, film and music.

In August, Santa Maria Island hosts the annual Mare de Agosto music festival. nine0003

September in the Azores

In September, the average temperature is already +19°C, and again there are precipitations, but not so much yet.

In September, in the village of Madalena on the island of Pico, you can see the Harvest Festival with the theme of growing grapes.

October in the Azores

In October, the average temperature drops to +15°C and, according to statistics, it rains 9 out of 31 days.

At this time of the year, it is recommended to always have warm, waterproof shoes and a jacket with you. nine0003

Our excursions in the Azores can be viewed here

November in the Azores

It rains very often this month. The average temperature is +10°C (ranging from +6°C to +13°C) and it always feels much colder.

December in the Azores

In December, the average temperature is +7°C (the average minimum is +3°C, and the average maximum is +10°C) and of course frequent rains.