Which time is best to visit the Canary Islands?

05.11.2024 - 08:19 / lonelyplanet.com / El Hierro

Nov 4, 2024 • 5 min read

Isabella spent weeks researching Lanzarote and Tenerife for the latest Canary Islands guidebook . Here she shares her top tips on when to book your tip.

The Canary Islands are well known as Europe’s favorite winter-sun destination, yet this beautiful, lava-sculpted Spanish archipelago is a treat to explore year-round. 

The pleasantly warm subtropical climate means there’s never really a bad time to head to the Canaries, with temperatures rarely dipping below 15°C (59°F) in coastal towns during cooler months and most local businesses staying open all year. The region’s dramatic geography and remote Atlantic location off the North African coast mean it also has hugely varied microclimates, sometimes within a single island. Often, southern coasts are basking in the sunshine while northern stretches of the islands feel breezier, chillier and moodier.

With eight islands to pick from, you’re spoiled for choice in any month, whether you’re looking to kick back on the beach, catch a few surf waves, hike out into the volcanic hills or stock up on local produce at a weekly farmers market. No matter the time of year, Canarians will tell you to pack swimwear and beach gear as well as warm jackets and hiking shoes in the car each day. With just about any activity possible, you never know which you might suddenly need. 

Here’s the lowdown on when to visit the Canary Islands.

High season in the Canary Islands kicks in from around mid-December to February, when northern Europeans flock to the sunny shores here as winter weather sets in back home. Daytime temperatures on the coast hover around 20°C (68°F), though it’s usually cooler inland and in the hills. Out in the countryside, pale-pink almond blossoms pop from around mid-January onwards. 

Unsurprisingly, then, winter is when things feel busiest here, especially around the main beach-resort towns on the bigger islands. You’ll want to book well ahead for accommodation, car rentals, excursions and smart restaurants, and expect higher prices anywhere you stay. 

For a quieter high-season trip, consider basing yourself away from the southern coasts of the beach-loving islands – places such as Teguise in central Lanzarote or Garachico in northern Tenerife. Or head to one of the three smaller western islands: remote El Hierro, hiking haven La Gomera or lushly green La Palma. If you’re keen to tackle Tenerife’s El Teide (Spain’s tallest peak at 3718m / 12,198ft) or other restricted hiking route, reserve permits well in advance. Note that the El Teide trail can sometimes close in winter due to snowfall. 

The biggest event on the entire Canarian calendar, Carnaval, usually happens in February, and many people plan trips to attend the festivities (or to