Wondering what Tenerife weather in Winter is like? Here’s a guide!
Tenerife is a popular winter getaway spot for people in Europe.
However, if you’re visiting this beautiful island for the first time, here’s what you need to remember:
When you travel Tenerife, weather in winter may not be winter-like, but it’s not summer-like either!
As the island of eternal spring, average daily Tenerife temperature in winter ranges from 17°C to 22°C (63°F to 72°F).
So, be sure not to plan the wrong activities, pack the wrong clothes, or get caught off guard by unexpected weather fluctuations!
I’ve lived in Tenerife for a few months, so I know how unique the island’s weather is compared to others.
Let me share everything I know about Tenerife weather in winter so you’ll spend your winter getaway on this island with as much comfort as the locals!
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Table of Contents
Packing List for Tenerife Weather in Winter
1. Overview of Tenerife’s Winter Climate
Tenerife’s weather is classified under a subtropical climate.
This means its temperature all year round, including winter, is typically considered mild.
No extreme summer heat. Similar to how the Tenerife weather in winter has no extreme chilly nights either.
In fact, Tenerife’s weather is renowned for being so “mild” that it earned the nickname of the island of eternal spring.
Yup, just like spring is sometimes hot, sometimes cold, and occasionally rainy, that’s the premise of Tenerife’s climate all year round.
The winter temperature in Tenerife ranges from 17°C to 22°C (63°F to 72°F), which is very similar to the spring temperatures of Spain, Portugal, and Italy.
So, there are always many things to do in Tenerife in the winter! That’s still not the coolest part about Tenerife’s weather, though.
On this island, you can enjoy warm weather along the coast and experience a winter wonderland once you head towards the island’s highest peaks!
Yup—Tenerife has very distinct microclimates due to its geographical structure.
So, while Tenerife weather in November may not be too different from summer, the weather on the best beaches in Tenerife is the opposite of that in the mountains!
2. Average Temperatures in Winter (December, January, February)
Wondering what the Tenerife average temperature by month is during winter? I got you.
With the Tenerife weather in December, temperatures can fluctuate from 18°C to 22°C (64°F to 72°F).
The Tenerife weather in January and February also has similar ranges, with temperatures ranging from 17°C to 21°C (63°F to 70°F).
However, as mentioned, the average temperatures of Tenerife’s winter weather may remain similar between the cold months, but they vary greatly across different regions.
In the beaches in South Tenerife, for example, daytime temperatures typically range from 20°C to 26°C (68°F to 79°F).
But if you head to the mountainous regions of Mount Teide, morning temperatures are as low as 5°C to 10°C (41°F to 50°F)!
If you want to know what to wear Tenerife December, try packing layers like long-sleeved shirts, sweaters, and a light jacket. You may also need shorts and T-shirts for warmer days.
That being said, don’t be too worried about when you visit Tenerife in winter. Think more about where you’ll be staying, as that’ll impact the weather more.
3. Sunshine Hours and Daylight in Winter
During the first year of my stay in Tenerife, I was surprised by how much sunshine it still gets over winter.
I didn’t know then that the island is known for being one of Europe’s sunniest winter destinations.
Tenerife consistently enjoys 6 to 7 hours of sunshine every day in winter.
A bit shorter than its sunshine in the summer, which usually lasts for up to 10 to 12 hours, but still ample time to enjoy a full day of adventures in the sun!
4. Rainfall in Winter
It doesn’t snow on Tenerife in winter (except for the mountainous parts), but, as you’d expect, the island gets more rain than usual instead.
In the summer, the chance of it raining in Tenerife is less than 1%.
However, the Tenerife weather in winter significantly increases the chance of rain on the island.
The average rainfall in Tenerife is 61 mm in December. Tenerife in January then gets 43 mm of rain and 42 mm in February.
Don’t expect gloomy skies and constant rain, though.
Tenerife rains are very light and usually only last for 15 minutes to an hour. Nothing that will get in the way of your fun in the sun!
If you really want to avoid the rain, though, just look for things to do in South Tenerife, as the island’s south side is notably drier than the north.
Still, make sure to pack a light rain jacket, though, as you never know when a quick shower might pop up!
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5. Coastal Weather: South vs. North
The southern and northern parts of Tenerife have very different temperatures, landmarks, and overall vibes.
The southern part is usually sunnier, with peak temperatures ranging from 24°C to 28°C (75°F to 82°F), and as mentioned, it’s less prone to rain!
Understandably, southern spots like Costa Adeje and Playa de las Américas are more popular among tourists.
They’re the go-to spots for beachgoers who want to enjoy summer activities amid winter!
Is the north side still worth the visit? Of course!
In fact, Northern Tenerife is my safe haven whenever I need to relax without the crowded tourism scene.
I usually go to Puerto de la Cruz to unwind and La Laguna, a UNESCO World Heritage site, to hang out with the locals.
The northern part also has beautifully lush and picturesque nature, so if you’re into nature getaways, visit Northern Tenerife.
Take note, though, that Northern Tenerife’s winter temperatures range from 18°C to 22°C (64°F to 72°F), so it’s best to pack a light jacket if you plan to visit.
6. Sea Temperatures in Winter
The average sea temperatures of Tenerife weather in winter range from 19°C to 21°C (66°F to 70°F).
This makes the water refreshingly cool to the touch but still warmer than natural springs.
That said, if you’ve swum in freshwater springs, you’ll surely be able to swim in Tenerife in winter.
In the colder months, it’s very common to see tourists swim, surf, dive, and snorkel in Tenerife.
If you don’t prefer colder swims, you can explore other beach activities like sunbathing, beach volleyball, and picnics.
7. Wind Conditions
Is it windy in Tenerife?
Well, it has some winds, especially if you’re on the north side (due to trade winds).
But I wouldn’t necessarily consider it as a very windy place.
The northern side can definitely feel chilly and windy, but there are no strong gusts of wind.
Just put on a light windbreaker, and you should have zero problems managing North Tenerife’s winds, even at night!
Now, how about the south side of Tenerife?
Well, since it’s more sheltered, it noticeably has lighter winds than the north side! So, you can wear your swimsuit and not worry about getting random chills from the wind.
8. Snow in Tenerife?
I touched on this topic earlier, but just to recap, the majority of Tenerife has no snow in winter, except for the mountainous parts.
Mount Teide, for example, often gets covered with snow in winter, so locals and tourists often hike there from December to February to see its amazing backdrop!
Not much of a hiker? No worries.
You can visit Teide National Park instead and hop on the cable car for a romantic ride up the mountain.
You’ll enjoy the panoramic views of the mount without physically exerting yourself!
Isn’t it pretty cool that you can enjoy spring-like weather, but after just a short drive and one cable ride, you’ll already find snowy mountains?
9. Packing Tips for Winter in Tenerife
It’s time for you to stop worrying about what to pack for Tenerife in winter because I’ll share the must-haves for visiting this island!
Kinda learned this complete list the hard way, but I’ll make sure you won’t have to.
To start, make sure you have the “comfort essentials.”
In other words, things you’ll absolutely need unless you want to feel uncomfortable, inconvenient, or unprepared during your Tenerife trip.
These comfort essentials include:
- Comfortable footwear
- Rainy day gear
- The right currency (if needed)
- Gadgets (don’t forget the chargers!)
- Sun protection kits
- Medication and first aid kits
- Travel document bag (to keep all your documents in one place)
Apart from these, of course, you have to pack your travel pack!
I call these things the travel pack because packing them gets me so excited about my flight to Tenerife.
My travel pack essentials include:
- Swimwear and beach essentials
- Layered clothing and outfits (including a windbreaker)
- Evening attire (if you plan to have a special dinner)
- Outdoor adventure gear
Pro tip: If you’re wondering what to wear in Tenerife, imagine what you would wear in both the cooler and warmer parts of spring, and make sure to pack for both! Don’t forget to include some summer-ready fits as well.
10. Best Winter Activities in Tenerife
Of course, as I’ve mentioned countless times, make sure to hit the beach at least once during your stay in Tenerife.
It’s one of the best things to do in Costa Adeje and other beach towns in the south.
Prefer a laid-back experience?
You can try driving in Tenerife and explore cultural sites in the north like La Laguna or Santa Cruz. Take long, relaxing walks as you enjoy the cool weather.
Or better yet, join whale and dolphin-watching tours in Tenerife!
If you want to get your adrenaline pump going, don’t hold back from going on hikes in Tenerife, including the popular Anaga Rural Park and Mount Teide trips instead!
Traveling has always meant hiking, so I’ve been on many hiking trips to Tenerife!
11. Events and Festivals in Winter
One of my favorite things about winter in Tenerife is its abundance of events and festivals!
Starting with the most obvious event, celebrating Christmas in Tenerife is always a joyful event!
Towns are usually adorned with holiday decorations, with plenty of treats to enjoy!
You can just sense the warmth of loving and giving throughout the island during this season.
Tenerife weather New Year is also a blast thanks to the mild weather. Bars, clubs, and public celebrations party until the clock strikes, so even if you travel alone, you won’t get bored!
In addition to those events, Tenerife also celebrates a huge carnival in Santa Cruz (Carnival of Santa Cruz de Tenerife) in February before winter ends.
Its festive atmosphere and grand parades resemble the Carnival of Rio de Janeiro.
So, if you get the chance to experience the latter yet, you better grab the chance for the same level of fun in Tenerife!
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My final thoughts on Tenerife weather in winter
It’s been over a few months since I last visited Tenerife, but it still feels like yesterday when I lived on this wonderful island.
I’ll be booking another trip to this paradise soon, but for now, I’ll happily wish you the best in your Tenerife winter adventures!
As long as you remember the winter facts about Tenerife mentioned above, it’s impossible not to have a blast while exploring this island!
Your trip may even tempt you to move to Tenerife like I was!
I visited Tenerife in November a couple of years back. Before I knew it, I had already decided to stay for much longer, eventually living on the island with the locals!
Hola! I’m Paulina, a seasoned travelette who crossed the Atlantic Ocean by Boat HitchHiking. On my blog, find expert insights for an extraordinary holiday through outdoor and sustainable travel like hiking, cycling, and sailing. Let’s embark on unforgettable journeys together! 🌍🚀
