Deciding where you want to jet off to next? When it comes to choosing a holiday destination, the Canary Islands are hard to beat. And it’s not just because of their beautiful sandy beaches, incredible volcanoes and picturesque towns. The weather plays a huge part. After all, there aren’t many places just a 4-hour flight away from the UK that offer sunshine ALL year round. With temperatures never dipping too low, it’s literally T-shirt weather from January to December at this sun-soaked archipelago.  

Whether you fancy spending summer lounging on the beach or winter hiking the peaks, here’s your lowdown on the weather in the Canary Islands. From which Canary Island has the best weather to what the weather is like in the Canary Islands in December, we’ve got you covered. 

The weather in the Canary Islands

The Canary Islands climate is said to be one of the best in the world. And with long hot summers and mild winters, we’d have to agree. Located off the northwest coast of Africa, the climate of the Canary Islands is classed as a sub-tropical climate.  

Just like the rest of Europe, the Canary Islands weather is warmest in the summer and coolest in the winter. The temperatures tend to vary depending on what part of the island you visit though, with the hottest temperatures in the south of the islands. In general, inland tends to be cooler, especially on the more mountainous islands.

You may have also heard of the Canary Island’s dust storms. Due to their closeness to the Sahara Desert, there’s a meteorological phenomenon here known as Calima. Its where warm winds blow from the Sahara, covering the island with a layer of dust. Usually, these dust storms are accompanied by hot air. During Calima, temperatures can rise a lot and it can also become very humid! 

What is the best month to visit the Canary Islands?

Well, the good news is, there’s literally no bad time to visit the Canary Islands. The best month to visit the Canary Islands depends on what kind of weather you prefer. It all comes down to personal preference! Check out our Canary Island hopping guide for more information on each island.

If you’re looking for a hiking or sightseeing break, visiting out of the high summer season might be your best bet to avoid both the crowds and the hot temperatures. But if you’re looking for a lively sun-soaked beach break, July and August make a great choice.

Thanks to the warm weather in the Canary Islands in December, January and February, the winter months are also popular with holidaymakers. If you’re visiting at this time of year, we recommend heading to the south of the island for the warmest temperatures. Out of season, there can also be a big difference between the temperatures in the shade and the sun so it’s best to bring a jacket!

See below for our guide on the Canary Islands climate year-round:

Canary Islands weather guide by month 

 Each island has its own microclimate. However, the islands are all fairly similar in terms of temperatures and rainfall. Below is a general guide to what the weather in the Canary Islands is like each month so you can decide when the best time is to visit. 

Canary Islands weather January

The Canary Islands have become a popular destination for some much-needed winter sun and with highs of around 20 degrees, it probably comes as no surprise. January is definitely one of the cooler months in the Canary Islands, with temperatures dropping to about 15 degrees. There’s also a higher chance of rain in January but more so inland than on the coast.

Canary Islands weather February

The Canary Islands weather in February is similar to January with highs of about 21 degrees and lows of about 15. Temperatures tend to be a lot cooler in the shade. If you’re looking for a sunny beach break, stick to the south of the island.  

Canary Islands weather March

With mild temperatures and little rain, March is a great time to visit the Canary Islands. Thanks to the pleasant weather, it’s perfect for those hiking holidays! 

Canary Islands weather April

Spring in the Canary Islands is beautiful! The weather in the Canary Islands in April is really starting to warm up. The Canary Islands' April climate is warm without being too warm, making it an ideal time to visit for both adventurous and relaxing holidays.

Canary Islands weather May

With temperatures reaching around 24 degrees and little rainfall, May is one of the best times to visit the Canary Islands. The weather is lovely and with it still not being the summer season, you’ll avoid the peak crowds too.  

Canary Islands weather June

June is the start of the summer season which means temperatures are starting to soar. It’s just on the verge of peak season so if you’re looking for lots of sunshine and a very unlikely chance of rain, all without the peak summer crowds, June is a good time to go.

Canary Islands weather July

July is officially peak summer season in the Canary Islands. It’s one of the hottest months with temperatures reaching the high 20’s and beyond, making it a go-to for beach lovers. On some of the islands, July can also get quite breezy.

Canary Islands weather August

August is usually the hottest month in the Canary Islands and no surprise, it’s also one of the busiest. So, if you’re looking for a buzzing atmosphere, endless sunshine, high temperatures and (usually) no rain, this is the month for you.  

Canary Islands weather September

September is still hot in the Canary Islands but with the back-to-school crowds disappearing, it’s not quite as busy as July and August. The sea is also at its warmest in the Canary Islands in September so it’s a great time to visit for a beach break!

Canary Islands weather October

The Canary Islands weather in October is still warm, although temperatures have usually dropped a little compared to previous months. There’s still lots of sunshine though, making it perfect for those looking for a quieter beach break or an adventurous holiday without the unbearable heat. Although low, the chance of rain in the Canary Islands starts creeping up about now.

Canary Islands weather November

With temperatures usually around the low 20s, November is a pleasant time to visit the Canary Islands, especially for sightseeing and hiking holidays. The crowds have also disappeared so it’s a much more peaceful time to visit too. Rain however, is more likely than in the summer months.  

Canary Islands weather December

The weather in the Canary Islands in December makes it the perfect place to escape the cold and celebrate Christmas in the sunshine. Rain may be a little more likely but with temperatures reaching highs of 20 degrees, it makes a very welcome change from the UK. 

Which Canary Island has the best weather?

So, which Canary Island has the best weather? Well, it’s all down to what you prefer. With warm temperatures all year round, you can’t go wrong whichever island you visit.

The western Canary Islands tend to be a little cooler than the eastern islands. Each island’s climate also varies slightly. Across all of the islands though, the southern parts are the warmest.

For the tan-seekers, Lanzarote is said to be one of the hottest and driest islands due to its close proximity to the Sahara Desert. Whereas El Hierro, La Palma and La Gomera are often a little bit cooler, making them a great choice for hiking and exploring. Fuerteventura is also one of the windiest islands, offering a welcome breeze in the summer months and making it a top choice for surfers.

If you’re looking for a cheap winter sun destination, Tenerife makes a great choice. During the low-season months of January and February, it’s the warmest island to visit! Low prices and warm weather = perfection!

Still can’t decide? Check out our Canary Islands weather guide below... 

Tenerife Canary Islands weather

With Tenerife being the largest of the Canary Islands, the temperatures here can vary quite significantly depending on the area you’re staying in.  

The south is the sunniest and warmest spot on the island with places like Playa de Las Americas popular with tourists. The north is usually cooler and is often more humid too. There are also more extreme temperatures inland with snow even falling on the highest points in winter!

With temperatures ranging from around 15 to 22 degrees, many tourists head here during the winter months. Plus, Tenerife is the warmest Canary Island to visit in January and February.  

In summer, temperatures can reach up to about 29 degrees. With sea temperatures between 19 and 24 degrees, it’s a great place for swimming all year round.  

Tenerife can also experience dust storms throughout the year, which usually last a few days.

Fuerteventura Canary Islands weather  

Temperatures in Fuerteventura are usually between 20 to 27 degrees depending on the month you visit. Just like Tenerife, the northern part of the island is usually cooler than the south.  

With very little rainfall, it’s one of the driest islands so it’s great if you’re coming out of season and want to avoid any risk of rain. With temperatures never dropping too much, Fuerteventura makes a very popular winter sun destination.  

One thing to note about Fuerteventura though is that it’s one of the windiest Canary Islands. This makes it a great island for surfing. The breeze also offers a nice relief from the scorching sunshine in summer.  

Whilst you’re there, don’t forget to visit Fuerteventura’s Popcorn beach.

Gran Canaria Canary Islands weather

The weather in Gran Canaria is pretty consistent. Similar to Fuerteventura, the temperatures here can range from about 21 to 27 degrees, with an average year-round temperature of around 24 degrees.

Rainfall here is low, with about 148mm, most of which falls in the winter months and in the northeast of the island. The northeast of Gran Canaria is also milder, with the south – where most of the tourist resorts are located – being the hottest.  

In summer, Calima can cause the temperatures to soar in Gran Canaria. But the good news is, these intense spells of heat don’t last too long.  

Lanzarote Canary Islands weather  

Lanzarote is the easternmost of the Canary Islands. It’s one of the driest islands with very little rainfall. When it does rain, it’s usually in the north or east of the island where it’s a little cloudier. The south and west of Lanzarote often feel a lot hotter.  

Temperatures here usually range from around 20 degrees in winter to the high 20s in summer, with sea temperatures varying between 18 and 23 degrees. Just like the other Canary Islands, there can be dust storms here too.

Although one of the hottest months in Lanzarote, July is also the windest. However, the breeze can often be a blessing at this time of year when the temperatures are so high.  

Although the beaches are amazing here, don’t forget to visit the volcanoes whilst you’re in Lanzarote too! 

La Palma Canary Islands weather

La Palma is usually a bit cooler than some of the other Canary Islands but it’s by no means cold. Temperatures usually range from about 16 to 27 degrees throughout the year. The lower temperatures make it perfect for a hiking holiday and for exploring La Palma’s incredible landscapes.  

The weather can vary quite a lot depending on where you are on the island. Again, the south is the warmest. Inland is usually cooler with snowfall common on the island’s highest peaks.

La Gomera Canary Islands weather

Although nothing compared to the UK, La Gomera is said to be one of the rainiest Canary Islands.

It often rains inland rather than on the coast. This is also where it’s coolest due to the island’s higher altitude.  Like La Palma, the cooler temperatures inland on La Gomera in winter make it a great spot for outdoor adventures.

Summers here are usually very warm and the winters are mild with temperatures in La Gomera usually around 16 degrees in winter, reaching the mid to high 20s in summer.

If you’re looking for warmer and drier weather, it’s best to stick to the coast and the south and west of La Gomera.  

El Hierro Canary Islands weather

El Hierro is the westernmost Canary Island and it tends to have cooler winters and warm summers. Temperatures generally range from around 15 degrees to the mid 20s. El Hierro can also get quite humid.  

Again, the weather tends to differ dramatically depending where you are on the island. The capital of Valverde and the higher altitude areas inland can get quite wet and cold, with rainfall mainly in the winter months. Meanwhile, the south of the island is drier and warmer. 

How to get to the Canary Islands

The Canary Islands is easy to get to by plane from many destinations across the UK. Flight time is usually around 4 hours. You can also get a ferry to the Canary Islands from Cadiz and Huelva, in mainland Spain.  

If you fancy exploring more than one island, there are also plenty of ferries connecting the Canary Islands. Popular ferry routes include:

Day trips:

Lanzarote – Fuerteventura ferry 
Duration: 25 to 35 minutes

Tenerife – La Gomera ferry 
Duration: 50 minutes

Gran Canaria – Tenerife ferry 
Duration: 1 hour 20 minutes to 1 hour 40 minutes

Longer journeys:

El Hierro to Tenerife ferry 
Duration: 2 hours 20 minutes to 3 hours 20 minutes

La Palma – Tenerife ferry 
Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes to 6 hours

Fuerteventura – Tenerife ferry 
Duration: 4 hours 25 mins to 13 hours

Tenerife – Lanzarote ferry 
Duration: 9 hours 45 minutes to 20 hours 30 minutes