The Best Time to Visit Canary Islands

The best times to visit the Canary Islands are spring (March-May) and Fall (September-November). Spring offers warm weather, fewer tourists, and lower rates. Fall also enjoys mild weather with sunny skies and less rain than other times of the year. Summer is hot with higher humidity, more tourists, and higher hotel room rates. The seven Canary Islands (Lanzarote, Fuerteventura, Gran Canaria, Tenerife, La Gomera, La Palma, and El Hierro) are beautiful all year round, but you may prefer to visit each of them at a different time of year. This isolated group of islands is home to bellowing volcanoes, sweeping deserts, and arid landscapes, as well as humid jungles and tropical beaches.

Weather in Canary Islands

The Canary Islands have a subtropical climate with mild winters and long summers that run into October. Temperatures on the islands range from 18 to 24°C throughout the year, with no extremes in any direction. In the summer, you can expect ten hours or more of sunshine every day. La Palma and la Gomera have a subtropical humid climate, which means it rains more than other Canary Islands.  You can swim in the water all year round notwithstanding a few rain showers in the winter.

Average Temperature and Rainfall

With an average high temperature of 28°C and a minimum temperature of 23°C, August is the hottest month of the year. February is the coldest month of the year, with daily highs averaging 20°C and lows averaging 15°C. Canary Islands in June is the driest month, with zero mm of rain and 30 days of ideal sunshine. October is the wettest month, with 11 mm of rain falling on just one day. 

March to May - Best Season

If you want to avoid the crowds, March to May is the best time to visit the Canary Islands. The weather remains pleasant and sunny, and there are fewer tourists around. Spring is ideal for sunbathing, hiking national parks, volcano exploration, coastal riding, and whale watching. Easter is also an exciting time, with many hotels offering activities for children and for egg hunts.

June to August - High Season

The Canary Islands are a popular summer destination for families, college students, and Europeans on vacation. The weather for June - August tends to be scorchingly hot when lovely blue skies accompany highs of 86° F (30°C), but that makes it a great time to enjoy a dip in the ocean or do active watersports from one of the many beautiful beaches. Make the most of your summer vacation to the archipelago's beaches by spending as much time on the beach as possible. However, the UV index is very high during this time, so use a high-SPF sunscreen. Although the odds of rainy days are slim to none, these seasons are not suggested for trekking and climbing because the African heat is even more extreme in locations above sea level. Consider booking your lodgings at least a few months in advance to ensure that they are available.

September to November - Best Season

Another perfect time to visit the Canary Islands is in the Fall, between September and November. The weather is pleasant enough that you can enjoy some outdoor activities. Stay on the beach or hike into the mountains. From August to October is the Canary Islands' harvest time, and many of the vineyards are open for visitors. This is a great time to visit if you're a wine connoisseur. Six of the Canary Islands produce wine, except for Fuerteventura. All of the wine regions are located in volcanic areas. Learn making wine, study viticulture in the volcanic area, and sip some of the finest in the region. Then combine that with a beautiful beach vacation. November is the cheapest time to go to Canary Islands when many resorts have special fall offers that can save you a lot of money on your vacation. However, Canary Islands in November start to see a slight increase in rainfall, so don't forget to pack an umbrella.

December to February - High Season

As a winter destination, the Canary Islands tend to attract European travelers to Canary beaches for one last taste of summer before they go back home to freezing weather. The overall temperature stays between 8°C and 14°C, which is ideal for golfers and swimmers. Cyclists and hikers enjoy routes through hills and valleys. Families spend 12 hours a day outside on their decks, beaches, parks, or anywhere else they can be in the sun. Canary Islands in February is peak season, those wishing to enjoy the lively Carnival of Santa Cruz de Tenerife should expect crowds packed around every event, with restaurants packed every night and hotels booked up months in advance. 


Based on your activities, when is the ideal time to go to Madagascar? That's where our expert Canary Islands trip planners come in!