The Climate of the Canary Islands: Can You Swim All Year Round? Monthly Weather Guide

What is the climate of the Canary Islands? What is the best time to plan a trip? Is it true that there is an eternal spring and you can go to the beach all year round?

Below are useful information about the temperatures in the Canaries, what to pack, along with tips on when and where to swim. A month-by-month weather guide for each island.

Let's start with an important question: what is the best time to visit the Canary Islands?

From May to September, it's summer in the Canaries: a summer that is never too hot, with almost no rainfall. If you love warm weather and want to go to the beach, these are the best months to visit the Canaries.

The windiest islands are particularly well-suited for visiting during this period.

From October to April, we enter the colder and wetter months. However, this statement is quite relative: the average temperatures do not drop below 68°F (20°C) and rainfall is scarce, though more frequent than in the summer months.

READ MORE: THE MOST BEAUTIFUL BEACHES IN THE CANARY ISLANDS

During this time of year, it is still possible to go to the beach, provided you choose sheltered beaches with little wind.

Month | Maximum Temperature | Minimum Temperature

January | 75°F | 64°F

February | 77°F | 64°F

March | 81°F | 64°F

April | 81°F | 64°F

May | 81°F | 66°F

June | 82°F | 72°F

July | 82°F | 73°F

August | 85°F | 73°F

September | 81°F | 72°F

October | 79°F | 70°F

November | 77°F | 66°F

December | 76°F | 66°F

The climate of the Canary Islands is influenced by the warm winds from Africa and the Gulf Stream, which mitigate the cold ocean waters, providing an almost spring-like climate every month of the year.

The climate of each island is instead influenced by the presence of elevations that block winds from the north, creating different microclimates.

On islands with significant peaks like Tenerife, for example, different microclimates exist: cooler and wetter near the slopes, and drier and sunnier in sheltered areas.

Before you leave, check the weather to pack the perfect suitcase. Let's take a detailed look at the climate and weather month by month in the Canaries to get an accurate idea of temperatures and what to pack to be prepared.

In December, the average temperatures hover around 76°F (24°C). On less windy beaches, it is possible to spend an entire day at the beach, just like in summer.

The hottest island and most sheltered is Gran Canaria.

In January, the average maximum temperatures are around 73°F to 75°F (23°C to 24°C), with minimums around 64°F (18°C).

In January, temperatures are slightly lower than in December but still allow for a beach day.

If you're hiking or out in the evening, it's necessary to dress appropriately as temperatures can be cooler, especially at high altitudes.

In February, average maximum temperatures are approximately 77°F (25°C).

As with the rest of the year, you can find sunny and sheltered spots where you'll feel like it's summer.

In March, temperatures start to rise, with average maximums around 81°F (27°C).

The dry climate prevents you from feeling hot even when temperatures approach 86°F (30°C).

In April, the weather is very similar to that of March. The minimum averages do not drop below 64°F (18°C).

In May, true summer begins, with temperatures that never exceed 86°F (30°C) and do not drop below 66°F (19°C).

This doesn't mean heavier clothing won't be necessary; windbreakers and hoodies are advisable, especially at high altitudes or in windy areas, as it can be cool.

June marks the true high season for the Canaries.

The islands and their most touristy spots will be more crowded, the sky always clear, but the wind will continue to blow in the most exposed areas.

In July, we are in the sea and swimming season. The average minimum temperature does not drop below 72°F (22°C), and the water temperature rises slightly.

Swimming in the Canaries, even in mid-summer, is never like swimming in the Mediterranean since the average water temperature hovers around 73°F (23°C).

The high season peaks in August, as do the temperatures. Averages hover around 73°F (23°C) with peaks of 86°F (30°C).

In September, there is a lesser temperature variation compared to August, and the climate is more consistent day and night. However, everything is quite relative because in the Canaries, there is never significant temperature variation.

In October, temperatures begin to fall slightly, but we are still in full spring with average temperatures of 73°F (23°C).

In November, the climate is quite similar to that of December, with slightly lower temperatures.

The ocean in the Canaries is warmer than elsewhere. Warm water currents moderate its temperatures, and the sea never drops below 64°F (18°C).

The lowest temperatures occur in December, January, and February; in the remaining months of the year, water temperatures hover around 72°F to 73°F (22°C to 23°C).

Especially for those traveling in winter, it's useful to know the less windy spots in the Canary Islands.

Fuerteventura and Lanzarote are the islands for surfers and strong winds. Gran Canaria and Tenerife are the most sheltered islands.

Even on these islands, if you want to swim, it's always best to look for particularly sheltered bays and beaches.

One of these is Playa de Arena in Gran Canaria: it is protected at the back by a high cliff, while to the right and left by rocks that form a deep inlet.

In Tenerife, there are several options, such as Playa Las Teresitas, del Camison, and Las Vistas. Some have a line of artificial rocks that prevent cold water and waves from disturbing the peace of the beach.