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Weather in Tenerife
Year-round sunshine and a volcano you can drive up
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About Tenerife
Tenerife is Europe's best-kept secret for guaranteed winter sun. The largest of the Canary Islands has a remarkable range: volcanic moonscapes around Mount Teide, lush green north coast, dramatic cliffs, and the resort beaches of the south.
Best months to visit
July, August
Things to do in Tenerife
Mount Teide
Masca village
Loro Parque
Whale watching
Anaga Rural Park
Los Gigantes cliffs
Weather by month
Click any month for detailed weather information and travel tips.
January
7C
Cold, with occasional showers.
February
8C
Cold, with occasional showers.
March
10C
Cool, with occasional showers.
April
11C
Cool, with occasional showers.
May
14C
Cool, and mostly sunny skies.
June
17C
Cool, and mostly sunny skies.
Recommended
July
22C
Mild and comfortable, and mostly sunny skies.
Recommended
August
22C
Mild and comfortable, and mostly sunny skies.
September
17C
Cool, with occasional showers.
October
14C
Cool, with occasional showers.
November
10C
Cool, with occasional showers.
December
8C
Cold, with occasional showers.
Tenerife is a more complex and rewarding destination than its package holiday reputation suggests — Teide National Park's lunar volcanic landscape is one of the most extraordinary environments in Europe, the Anaga Rural Park is ancient laurel forest that feels genuinely prehistoric, and the black sand beaches of the north have a dramatic character entirely unlike the manicured resort strips of the south. It's a year-round destination that offers genuine adventure alongside the guaranteed sunshine.
Best areas to stay in Tenerife
Teide National Park
Spain's most visited national park — the 3,718m Mount Teide dominates a surreal volcanic landscape of lava fields, rock formations, and extraordinary mountain views.
Costa Adeje & Playa de las Américas
The purpose-built southern resort strip — all-inclusive hotels, beach clubs, excellent water parks, and the most reliable sunshine on the island.
Puerto de la Cruz
The most authentic and characterful resort town in Tenerife — the historic old town, Lago Martiánez lido, and the magnificent Botanical Garden.
Anaga Rural Park
Ancient laurel forest in the remote north-eastern hills — dramatically different from the volcanic south, with traditional villages, hiking trails, and extraordinary biodiversity.
Getting to Tenerife
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Flights
Tenerife South Airport (TFS) and Tenerife North (TFN) both receive direct flights from dozens of UK airports; TFS is most convenient for south coast resorts. EasyJet, Jet2, Ryanair, British Airways, and TUI all operate routes.
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From London
~4.5 hours direct from London
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Getting around
Hire car is strongly recommended for exploring beyond the resort area; TITSA buses connect all major towns cheaply; taxis are metered and reliable within resort areas.
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to visit Tenerife?
Tenerife enjoys warm sunshine year-round — the south is reliably sunny in all months. The north can be cooler and cloudier in winter. Spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) are ideal for hiking Teide without summer heat.
Which area of Tenerife is best to stay in?
The south (Playa de las Américas, Costa Adeje, Los Cristianos) has the most developed beach resorts and guaranteed sunshine; the north (Puerto de la Cruz, La Orotava) is more authentic and atmospheric but cloudier in winter.
How do I visit Mount Teide?
A permit is required to ascend the summit (above the cable car top station) — apply free at the official Teide National Park website weeks in advance as spots are limited. The cable car alone (no permit needed) offers extraordinary views.
Is Tenerife good for families?
Extremely — Siam Park (rated one of the world's best water parks), Loro Parque, Teide cable car, and excellent beach resort infrastructure make Tenerife one of Europe's best family sun destinations.
Can I hire a car in Tenerife and drive between north and south?
Absolutely and it's highly recommended — the drive through the Teide National Park from south to north (or vice versa) is spectacular and takes around 90 minutes. Car hire is cheap and road quality is excellent.
Traveler reviews
★★★★★
Tenerife in February felt like the best decision ever — 24°C while everyone at home was in winter coats. We drove up through Teide National Park and the lunar landscape in the snow was genuinely extraordinary.
David B. · February 2024
★★★★☆
Spent a week in Costa Adeje and loved it — Siam Park was outstanding, the beach was beautiful, and the food outside the resort hotels was great value. Teide cable car was a must and those views over the clouds are remarkable.
Sandra K. · October 2023
★★★★★
We stayed in the north near Puerto de la Cruz and it's a completely different experience from the southern resorts — charming old town, the Loro Parque, and hiking in the Anaga forest. The drive across through Teide was the undisputed highlight.
Phil R. · March 2024
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