Tenerife in Winter – Should You Visit? Best Things to Do, Weather & Top Tips!

Planning a winter trip to Tenerife but not sure what to expect? Worry not, I’ve got all the answers you need right here!

I moved to Tenerife in February 2021 and after 1.5 years on the island, I’m pretty knowledgeable about winter in Tenerife. The biggest of the Canary Islands, Tenerife is located just 200km off the coast of Africa.

Combined to favourable currents, it makes it a great winter sun destination. In Tenerife in winter you can expect sunny and dry days, as well as warm temperatures.

The island also offers many exciting activities, from black sand beaches to hiking opportunities at 3,700m. In this guide I have listed everything you need to know about visiting Tenerife in winter.

I included information on the average weather you can expect to find around the island, the best things to do in winter in Tenerife, where to stay, what to pack and more.

So without further ado, let’s dive and plan your perfect Tenerife winter trip!

Weather in Tenerife in winter

In general, mild temperatures make Tenerife a great destination for those seeking a slice of European winter sun. But the weather is not always the same everywhere on the island.

There are actually lots of different microclimates. As a rule of thumb, the south of Tenerife tends to be warmer and drier than the north, which sees a little bit more rainfall on average.

The southern coast, from Costa Adeje down to Los Cristianos, is the most popular region of the island amongst tourists, as it sees the best climate.

Regions in the north like Anaga are stunning for hiking, but are wetter and colder.

As winter wears on, the number of rainy days expected for each month tends to go down. February is a drier month than December, but it’s also colder.

You may want to factor these sorts of things when planning your trip to Tenerife, depending on your preferences.

Here is a rundown of the average temperatures per month on the island, although they will often be higher in the south and colder in the north.

From personal experience I can also say that I’ve only seen rain maybe 3 or 4 days in total across two winters in Tenerife.

The good weather all year round make Tenerife a very popular cruise destination, and with all the amazing things to do on the island, they arrange some epic Tenerife shore excursions.

While Spain as a whole is famous for winter sun, Tenerife has much warmer and sunnier climate than mainland Spain and some of its famous destinations like Granada, Malaga, the Alhambra and more.

I have listed below some of the average temperatures and rainfall days you can expect to find in Tenerife in winter.

Tenerife December weather

Average high – 21°C (69.8°F)

Average low – 16°C (60.8°F)

Rainy days average – 5

Average daylight hours – 6

Tenerife January weather

If you plan to visit Tenerife in January, these are the average temperatures and rainfall you can expect to find.

Average high – 20°C (68°F)

Average low – 16°C (60.8°F)

Rainy days average – 4

Average daylight hours – 6

Tenerife February weather

Average high – 20°C (68°F)

Average low – 16°C (60.8°F)

Rainy days average – 3

Average daylight hours – 6

What to pack for Tenerife in winter

Because of the changeable weather that Tenerife experiences in winter, it’s a good idea to pack for (almost) all occasions.

Not only that, but depending on what sort of outdoor activities you’ll be doing once you arrive, you’ll want to pack beyond the usual travel essentials and bring certain clothing and equipment with you.

If you’re thinking of embarking on a Mount Teide hike, for example, you should bring thermals along with you, as well as some sturdy hiking boots.

A sturdy pair of trainers, even if you’re not going on an epic mountain hike, is a must for anyone doing any amount of walking.

And if water sports are your thing (hello surfers), then you’re in luck: it’s a year-round destination for that. Just bring a lycra and/or a wetsuit as the water isn’t exactly warm! Water shoes are also a good idea.

And don’t forget flip flops, sunscreen, a bathing suit and a fast drying towel too! You need to be ready for both the mountains and the beach!

The best approach to packing for Tenerife is to bring clothes that can work as layers. Layering is key, and this will keep you warm when you’re outside, and allow you to strip off a bit when you’re indoors in the warmth.

For one thing, a windproof jacket for windy days is a very good idea, as it can get very blustery on the island. 

Away from clothing, it’s always a good idea to pack a refillable water bottle – yes, even in winter you still need to hydrate. Bringing a refillable one saves on money and saves on plastic at the same time.

Best things to do in Tenerife in winter

There are lots of awesome things to do in Tenerife at any time of year, but these are the ones that will be especially exciting in winter.

Go surfing & windsurfing

Tenerife is a year-round surfing (and windsurfing) destination. But in winter, it’s even better – especially for intermediate and advanced surfers, since the big swells come and they can enjoy the big waves.

There’s also more wind for windsurfers, so everybody’s happy. Between October and February, the waves that crash all around the island are consistently big.

It’s an incredible experience to get out and catch a few waves, but it may not be ideal for those who have never surfed or consider themselves more of a beginner.

One of the most famous spots for windsurfing in particular, is El Medano. Situated close to the airport, this town is well known for its windsurfing credentials. It’s actually the venue for the Spanish Windsurfing Championships.

For surfing, there are multiple hotspots around the island, but one of the most popular is Playa del Socorro. As well as the awesome waves, it’s also a beautiful beach in its own right.

My surfing in Tenerife experience is limited to Playa de las Americas, as it’s in the south and warmer part of the island.

Hike the many trails

Keen hikers should not miss out on the great hiking opportunities in Tenerife.

The island may be better known for its beaches and resorts, but hiking here really is amazing and offers up a completely different side to the island.

Hiking in winter in Tenerife is one of the times of year to do so, thanks to the mild temperatures and generally dry weather.

And you don’t have to tackle big hikes like Mount Teide: there’s a whole host of different trails to enjoy, heading along coasts and into rural regions.

The moderate trail from Igueste to Atalaya de los Ingleses, taking only around two hours, is a good place to start (think amazing views).

There’s also the Roque de Garcia loop trail, which winds its way through Teide National Park through the volcanic landscape.

Even though it starts 2,000 metres above sea level, there’s no mountain climbing necessary.

Chill at the beach

Tenerife has long been famed as a beach destination, and rightly so.

The weather is just about warm enough to enjoy sunning yourself on the shoreline – 20°C feels a lot warmer when you’re basking in sunlight and the wind isn’t too strong.

Generally, the climate lends itself to beach days, and – for those brave enough to enter the water – a splash in the sea. Just make sure that it’s safe to do so and the waves are calm. 

The beaches on the north of the island are more rugged than those in the south, but hide beautiful coves that can be enjoyed year round.

On the south coast, the sandy shorelines of La Tejita and Las Vistas are popular spots for friends and families to relax. 

Note that the weather is still changeable, so if you are heading to the beach in Tenerife in winter, you should check the weather forecast. For example, December is the wettest winter month.

See Mount Teide with the snow

Mount Teide is the iconic peak that towers over much of the island – all 3,715 metres of it.

This is the third-highest volcano in the world, and its shape is thought to have formed around 170,000 years ago after a massive landslide.

The volcano is the crowning glory of Teide National Park, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a popular destination for visitors from around the world.

Visiting here in summer is very different to winter, when it becomes a snow-capped wonder. Visiting the national park is easy, and there are lower miradors (viewpoints) that allow some awesome views of Teide.

Snow starts to fall at the peak in October, but heavy snow doesn’t start to properly settle here until January and February, when temperatures drop dramatically.

Sunrise hikes are very popular in summer, but I wouldn’t personally do that in winter. It’s going to be freezing once you reach the top! Hiking is much more doable during the day, but remember to dress for the occasion.

Many tourists come to Tenerife, spend a whole week in a resort in Adeje and never go outside. Personally, I believe no Tenerife itinerary would be complete without a visit to Mount Teide.

Teide tours worth checking out:

Tenerife: Mount Teide Hiking Tour with Cable Car – This tour is perfect if you want to take the cable car to the peak of Mount Teide, but also have a local guide show you some of the best hiking trails in the area.

From Playa de las Americas: Full-Day Teide Jeep Safari – For the most adventurous who want to properly explore all of Teide National Park!

Tenerife Teide National Park Stargazing – When you’re 3,700m above all light pollution sources, you can rest assured that the night sky views are incredible!

Dolphin spotting and whale watching

Winter is the season to see some majestic marine mammals in Tenerife.

Not only can you spot pods of dolphins, but the island’s beautiful deep waters never get too cold, which means they are perfect for migratory species of both dolphins and whales that pass through this time of year.

Lots of species pass through (26 in total), but usual suspects include short-finned pilot whales and bottlenose dolphins. If you’re particularly lucky, you may even get to catch a glimpse of a blue whale!

You can go on a catamaran whale watching tour, which offers the chance to see these beautiful creatures in their natural environment.

Many tours offer high success rates for sightings (when I went, they told me 99% to spot whales and 60% chance to spot dolphins!), and last anywhere between two and five hours.

They’ll usually also include some snacks and refreshments. It can get quite chilly while you’re out in open water, so you’ll definitely need to dress warmly.

Tours leave from the southwest coast, from Los Gigantes (I prefer this for the picturesque cliffs) and the town of Los Cristianos.

Los Gigantes & boat tours worth checking out:

Los Gigantes Whale Watching Cruise by Sail Boat with Pick-Up – Combine whale watching with a relaxing sailing cruise and admiring these beautiful cliffs!

Dolphin & Whale Eco-Cruise with Food & Drinks – An environmentally friendly experience with dolphins, food and drinks, what more can you ask for?

See the symphonic orchestra in Santa Cruz de Tenerife

The weather isn’t always going to be perfect in Tenerife in winter.

But that doesn’t particularly matter: there’s still plenty of things to do. One option if there’s bad weather in the evening is to spend the night at Auditorio de Tenerife, home to the Symphonic Orchestra of Tenerife.

The orchestra started in 1935 and is made up of a collection of world-renowned musicians.

Located in the city of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, this architectural wonder is an icon of the city. Look online at the Auditorio de Tenerife’s website and find scheduled dates for performances.

There’s an annual program made of 20 different events.

Explore Tenerife’s cute towns

Away from Santa Cruz de Tenerife, there are plenty of attractive small towns and villages to explore scattered across the island.

One option is Masca, a mountain village situated at an elevation of 750 metres above sea level in the Teno Mountains.

The historic village is surrounded by wild nature and is connected by winding picturesque pathways. Seeing Masca should be on everyone’s Spain bucket list!

But a stone’s throw from the capital is San Cristobal de la Laguna. Complete with a UNESCO-recognised historic centre, the town is rich in architecture and boasts colourful buildings, making it a joy to wander around.

Should you visit Tenerife in winter?

Definitely! Tenerife is a great winter sun destination. And as well as its beaches, there’s hiking, exploring charming towns and even surfing to enjoy.

Simply put, it’s a year round destination, but in winter it’s potentially more attractive: the cool weather is perfect for hikes, landscapes are greener, surfing is better and the beaches are less busy. What’s not to like?

Depending on which months you visit, it can also be considerably cheaper.

The high tourist season in Tenerife is in August (when schools are closed) but also around the Christmas and NYE holidays (when people escape winter from mainland Europe).

If you visit in the other winter months you will find less crowds and cheaper prices.

Where to stay during winter in Tenerife

There are lots of great places to stay in Tenerife, and the best one ultimately depends on your personal travel interests.

For example if you like hiking, you might prefer staying in the north, whilst if you want a beach vacation you might prefer staying in the south.

That said, the island is quite small, and you can easily drive from north to south in one hour at most.

That’s why I always recommend staying in the south, even if it’s more touristy and busy it’s the area where you can enjoy the best weather during your trip.

Here are some accommodation options for every budget.

Budget: Banana Surf House – This cute surf house is perfect for those looking for a cosy stay in a great location, without breaking the bank. It also has a huge rooftop with great sea views.

Click here to book your stay at Banana Surf House!

Mid-range: El Dorado Residence  – I spent my first two months in Tenerife in an apartment in this residence, and loved every day of it. My apartment was spacious, in a great location (close to both the beach and supermarket) and had awesome sea and sunset views. I can highly recommend it.

Click here to see the latest prices and availability for apartments in El Dorado residence!

Luxury: Hotel Rural La Correa Del Almendro – This hotel is set in a traditional Canarian barn from the 1720s, and it still retains the rugged look, while having modern comforts like a pool. Located in Arona, it’s perfect for those who want to be close to Las Americas, without being in the heart of the party town.

Click here to book your stay at Hotel Rural La Correa Del Almendro! 

Final thoughts on visiting Tenerife in winter

There you go, the ultimate guide to visiting Tenerife in winter! Have you ever spent winter in Tenerife? How did you find it? Let me know in the comments below!

Personally, I love winter in Tenerife. I had visited other Canary Islands like Fuerteventura before, but I have a special love for Tenerife.

Thanks to its moderate climate, huge range of landscapes and variety of things to do, it’s a place where you’ll never get bored. It should feature on everyone’s Europe bucket list, especially if you visit Europe in winter or autumn.

If you’re looking for a winter sun escape, it’s the perfect place to do so, without going too far from home! I hope this article answered everything you needed to know about visiting Tenerife in winter.

From average temperatures and rainfall, best things to do and what to pack, I tried to include everything you might need to plan the perfect Tenerife winter trip. If you have any questions, just let me know in the comments below!

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