Canary Islands holiday weather

In terms of temperature alone, the Canary Islands experience a subtropical climate which means that temperatures and mild and stable throughout the year within the range 18 – 24 °C.

Summer in the Canary Islands

Summer in the Canary Islands sees consistently high temperatures in the high 20's with only traces of rainfall on any of the islands.

Despite their southerly location, temperatures do not become unbearably high due to the cooling influence of the surrounding waters of the Atlantic Ocean.

The consistent temperatures and sunshine hours averaging between 9 and 10 hours a day through June, July and August, which for many make the summer months the best time to go the Canary Islands.

The hottest days occur when easterly winds cause hot dry air from the Sahara desert to sweep across the islands, often laden with dust.

Winter in the Canary Islands

Winters in the Canaries are mild, Tenerife for example still sees average maximum temperatures of 21 °C in January despite being the coldest month.

In winter Atlantic depressions can cause infrequent stormy periods with disturbed weather and higher rainfall.

Winter rainfall varies between islands and is higher in the northern parts of the archipelago which are more exposed to the northeast trade winds. Las Palmas on the exposed northern side of Gran Canaria sees 46 mm rainfall during February while the sheltered Arrecife on Lanzarote sees just 14 mm.