What to Wear in Tenerife [Every Season!]

Here’s a thorough guide on what to wear in Tenerife for every season you visit!

Every traveler knows that one of the most important things to prepare for whenever visiting a different place, aside from packing the essentials, is what clothes to wear! 

Believe me: what you’re wearing can make or break your trip.

So, you must choose the right ones depending on where you’re headed.

If you’re planning a trip to the largest of the Canary Islands, you’re in luck because we’re going over what to wear in Tenerife so you can have a comfortable trip. 

From sun hats to comfortable shoes, even accessories, I want to share my list of things to consider when you travel Tenerife!

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Pssst…??!! You can’t get enough Tenerife? Have a look at my other posts:

• Things to do in Tenerife
• What To Pack For Tenerife in Winter
• Best Beaches in Tenerife

Overview: What To Wear in Tenerife

• Swimwear
• Dresses
• Dressy Shirt
• Walking Shoes
• Jacket

Tenerife Climate Essentials

One of the things that can be extremely helpful as you put together a Tenerife packing list is knowing the island’s climate. 

Known as the land of eternal spring, you can enjoy mild temperatures year-round with pretty stable weather conditions! 

What I love about the island is how pleasant it is most of the time with lots of sun—and as someone who enjoys many outdoor activities, this is close to perfect! 

You’ll want to figure out what to wear in Tenerife in September because this is one of the best months to visit the island. 

There are two main seasons to take note of: 

Summer (May to October)

• Weather. With minimal rainfall, Tenerife is dry and sunny during this period, ideal for beachgoers and outdoor enthusiasts.
• Temperature. 25 to 30 degrees Celsius in the day and 18 to 24 degrees Celsius at night. 

Winter (November to April)

• Weather. Compared to summer, winter in Tenerife is cooler and more humid. There can also be more chances of rain, especially north of the island.
• Temperature. 18 to 24 degrees Celsius in the day and 10 to 16 degrees Celsius at night. 

Based on my experience living on the island, there are relatively small temperature variations between night and day throughout the year. 

This means what to wear in Tenerife in February, for example, wouldn’t be drastically different compared to May when it’s summertime. 

Of course, places near the coast tend to have milder temperatures than inland or mountainous regions, so this will still affect the types of clothing you’ll want to bring and wear. 

But what I love is how the temperature differences aren’t extreme, daytime or night, and it makes for a comfortable climate that will give you an easier time deciding what to wear in Tenerife. 

Don’t let the pleasant climate fool you into thinking you don’t need sun protection because you do. 

Since there’s a lot of sun anywhere on the island, use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. 

Beachwear and Swimwear

When selecting beach attire on the island, it’s important to consider how diverse the beaches are. 

The time of the year also plays a role: for example, when you decide what to wear in Tenerife in October.

Think about how this is the tail end of summer, the seasons transitioning to winter, which should affect your clothing choices.  

From touristy areas filled with other vacationers to the more secluded coves along the coast, consider the destination when choosing what to wear in Tenerife. 

• You’ll want more vibrant and trendy swimwear that complements the lively atmosphere of Playa de las Américas if that’s where you’re headed. 
• Going to El Duque? Since it’s a more upscale location, opt for stylish and sophisticated beach attire: think chic one-pieces, tasteful swim trunks, and trendy accessories! 
• Don’t forget to choose lightweight, breathable fabrics like cotton to stay comfortable, especially for when it gets warm. 
• Want to reflect the vibrant energy of Tenerife’s beach culture? Go for bold patterns and colors!
• If you plan to stay at the beach all day or for an extended visit, invest in swimwear with UV protection. 
• It’s a good idea to use quick-drying beach clothing if you have other island activities lined up aside from visiting the beach! 
• As for cover-ups, sarongs, and lightweight kaftans are excellent choices for a visit to nearby beachside cafes or eateries. 
• Consider the following accessories: a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses, both of which will protect you and add style to your overall look. 

These are some general guidelines on what to wear in Tenerife in June, which is summertime on the island. 

Remember these as you visit the best beaches in South Tenerife while having a comfortable time by sand and sea! 

If you need a slight change in scenery, visit one of these water parks in Tenerife.

Buy swimwear online.

Exploring Tenerife’s Outdoors

Regarding what to wear Tenerife February or any month you visit, it depends on the weather and the activity, too! 

To enjoy myself, I’ve found that choosing the right activewear and footwear can make a difference in comfort. 

When doing outdoor activities in Tenerife, like hiking and exploring outdoor trails, here are some things to take into consideration: 

• Activewear: choose either breathable or moisture-wicking fabrics and, for different kinds of terrain, from cliffside faces to the beach, quick-drying materials are also ideal. 
• Footwear: Go for sturdy hiking boots with good traction and choose ankle support for more challenging routes; also, ensure your shoes are broken in before embarking on hikes in Tenerife.

Buy activewear here.

If you’re visiting Teide National Park, one thing to consider is the varying altitudes affecting temperatures, so layering will be a good idea. 

• Base Layers: To help regulate body temperature, I prefer a moisture-wicking base since temperatures may drop as you ascend higher altitudes.
• Outer Layers: Pack a light jacket or fleece for cooler temperatures at higher elevations, and be prepared for weather changes while exploring different areas within the park.

Also, consider what to wear in Tenerife when it’s most likely to rain in November and February and adjust your clothing appropriately. 

Don’t forget to wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses to protect yourself from the sun, which can be intense at higher elevations.

Regarding clothing choices, I recommend choosing eco-conscious outdoor gear that uses recycled materials or organic cotton so we can do our part to take care of the world. 

This includes backpacks made of recycled materials or sustainable water bottles to minimize environmental impact.

You may also want to consider renting or borrowing gear, which I typically do during these trips, as these can reduce my overall carbon footprint. 

Aside from visiting Mount Teide, here are more things to do in North Tenerife. 

Plus, since you’re already in the area, add these things to do in Puerto de la Cruz to make the most of your trip. 

City Chic: Exploring Tenerife’s Urban Areas

 When exploring urban areas, there are many things to do in Santa Cruz, Tenerife, or other places like La Laguna. 

To enjoy strolling through these cities and more, focusing on style and comfort is key.  

• Lightweight and breathable fabrics – go for cotton or linen to stay cool, especially in the daytime. 
• Loose-fitting shirts or flowy dresses for a chic look on top of keeping the heat away.
• Fabrics with vibrant colors or bold patterns – this matches Tenerife’s lively atmosphere! 
• Sneakers or walking shoes are top footwear choices to ensure all-day comfort.
• Sandals –  choose one with good arch support and cushioned insoles.
• Backpack – something stylish and compact for carrying around all of your essentials. 
• Canary accessories – support local businesses and pick-up accessories on the island to add a touch of authenticity to your outfit. 
• Handmade accessories or garments – purchased from local artisans that reflect Tenerife’s rich cultural heritage.

Is your itinerary filled with many walking tours and daytime excursions? 

Consider these Spa Hotels in Tenerife, Spain, so that you can relax and pamper yourself after a long day spent outdoors. 

If you need a break from the more touristy areas, head west and add these things to do in Los Gigantes, Tenerife, to your itinerary.

Buy sustainable shoes here.

Dining and Nightlife

What to wear in Tenerife depends on the season and the type of place or establishment you’re headed to. 

Whether you’re going for a beachside option or one of the more upscale restaurants on the island, your choice will dictate your evening wear. 

Regardless of the season, what to wear in Tenerife at night is almost always the same: the temperature can drop significantly.

• Cardigan, jacket, or a thick coat – to keep you warm in the evenings. 
• Smart casual or sophisticated evening dresses – for dining out at high-end restaurants, make sure to check dress codes on places you’ll be visiting.
• Chic sundress or well-fitted shorts paired with a stylish top – for women at beachside bars or more casual eateries. 
• Button-down shirt, tailored trousers, and loafers – for men looking to elevate their outfits while keeping them relaxed but polished. 
• Swimwear – elegant and simple, meant for more upscale beaches. 
• Cover-up and a hat – add a nice, stylish touch to your swimsuit. 
• Accessories – bold earrings or a statement necklace to add to your daytime wear as you transition to a night out
• Watch or leather bracelet – something nice to complement and complete a man’s attire.
• Scarf – to ward off the cold at nighttime

You’ll need something for warmth, especially during winter, so add it to your list of what to wear in Tenerife in March since it’s still cold this time. 

Remember to be practical—aside from being fashionable, make sure pieces of your outfit have functional purposes! 

Changing in and out of your outfits, especially if you want to be close to the water, is so much easier if you stay in these hotels in Tenerife on the beach.

Buy outfits here.

What to wear at Cultural Events and Festivals in Tenerife

 There’s no shortage of festivals and events on the island, and it’s the best time to dress up! 

If you’re looking for what to wear in Tenerife in December, you bet it will be wildly different for events scheduled for another month. 

• Colorful attire perfectly reflects the festivities! 
• Vibrant shades and bold patterns represent the unique energy of the celebrations
• Traditional Canarian attire
  • Brightly colored dress with intricate embroidery for women
  • Crisph, white shirts with colorful sashes for men
• Avoid revealing clothing when visiting religious or cultural sites.
• Dress out of respect for local customs, depending on where you go.
• Go for closed-toe shoes, as some places may have rules regarding footwear. 

Even when incorporating a modern twist to outfits, fashion on the island still draws inspiration from traditional Canarian elements. 

Don’t be shy about asking the locals how you can honor the local traditions by way of dressing up as they do—based on my experience living in Tenerife, more than one person will love to help you out! 

Want to be closer to where certain events are taking place? 

Make sure you choose where to stay in Tenerife based on the festivals you want to see including some of the best hotels in Puerto de la Cruz if you’re up north.

Walking on Tenerife: 45 walksNew Balance Walking ShoeTenerife T-ShirtSun Visor HatRough Guide Tenerife & La GomeraNeutrogena Face Sunscreen SPF 70+

 

Practical Packing Tips

 When putting together your packing list for Tenerife, since you can’t possibly take everything you want with you, it’s best to be practical. 

My packing list includes versatile pieces in neutral colors or classic styles that I can mix and match—go for staple items!

You can also choose lightweight layers for flexibility in changing temperatures. 

• Denim jeans – you can’t go wrong with a trusty pair of jeans!
• White shirt – easy to pair with anything.
• Dress – for day or night use; just change your accessories!
• Shawl or scarf – can be added to a simple outfit while keeping you warm.
• Sarong – multipurpose and can be used as a beach cover-up, dress, or head scarf.
• Light cardigan or jacket – simply add or remove more breathable clothing items across the day depending on the weather

Don’t forget pieces that can help keep you warm; these should be in your list of what to wear in Tenerife in January, which is still winter on the island. 

In general, choose clothes that can be dressed up or down by adding or taking away other items so you can adapt to different activities and settings in Tenerife.

When saving space when packing so you can bring more, good organization plays a key! 

• Packing cubes – reduce clutter and the need to unpack everything since you can pack certain items together
• Roll clothes like shirts and dresses to save space.
• Fold bulkier items like sweaters and the like.
• Better yet, invest in compression bags! 

These are especially helpful if you plan to drive around the island yourself—you’ll need my Driving in Tenerife: A Practical Guide so you’re all set for an island road trip! 

When it comes to what to wear in Tenerife, use these packing tips to bring the clothing you want. 

Sustainability in Fashion

 Whether you’re deciding what to wear in Tenerife in November or any other month, try choosing sustainable and eco-friendly clothing for your wardrobe. 

By choosing certain things, we can help minimize environmental impact and promote sustainable practices in the fashion industry.

• Organic cotton
• Tencel
• Recycled fabrics 

Plus, you can support locals, too—purchase from small businesses, local markets, designers, and artisans! 

Do your research in advance and buy from businesses focusing on sustainability. 

• Unique handmade accessories
• One-of-a-kind pieces for reuse

This option helps the local community and ensures that your fashion choices have a lower carbon footprint.

Investing in sustainable travel accessories can also help! 

• Reusable water bottles
• Bamboo or metal straws
• Eco-friendly travel bags

These simple and conscious decisions while shopping and traveling can help you enjoy the island’s fashion while minimizing your impact on the planet.

Buy repurposed clothes here

My final thoughts on what to wear in Tenerife

Though it may seem like there’s so much to consider regarding what to wear in Tenerife, it all boils down to several key things! 

Simplified, and it’s all about dressing for the weather, season, venue, and most importantly, to ensure your comfort! 

Have you decided on what to wear in Tenerife? Whether you visit in February or the rest of winter, while slightly different from other seasons, still calls for specific clothing items. 

Keeping these critical things in mind for an enjoyable time on the island will ensure you only have the best and most comfortable time in Tenerife while looking stylish!