Tenerife Climate Guide
Month-by-month conditions, sunshine hours, sea temperatures and microclimate breakdowns for the whole island.
Understanding Tenerife's Climate
Tenerife enjoys one of the most remarkable climates in the world - nicknamed the “Island of Eternal Spring” for good reason. The island sits at 28° North latitude, just 300km from the coast of West Africa, and benefits from the cooling influence of the Atlantic Ocean and the Northeast Trade Winds.
However, Tenerife's complex terrain - from sea-level resort beaches to the 3,715m summit of Mount Teide - creates dramatically different microclimates across the island. The south enjoys 320+ days of sunshine per year, while the north is noticeably greener, cooler and cloudier thanks to the trade wind cloud layer.
Monthly Climate Data - South Tenerife
Data represents typical conditions in Playa de las Américas / Los Cristianos area.
January
High / Low
20° / 14°
Sunshine
6h/day
Rainfall
35mm
Sea Temp
19°C
February
High / Low
21° / 14°
Sunshine
7h/day
Rainfall
30mm
Sea Temp
18°C
March
High / Low
22° / 15°
Sunshine
7h/day
Rainfall
25mm
Sea Temp
18°C
April
High / Low
23° / 16°
Sunshine
8h/day
Rainfall
15mm
Sea Temp
19°C
May
High / Low
25° / 18°
Sunshine
9h/day
Rainfall
5mm
Sea Temp
20°C
June
High / Low
27° / 20°
Sunshine
10h/day
Rainfall
2mm
Sea Temp
21°C
July
High / Low
30° / 22°
Sunshine
11h/day
Rainfall
0mm
Sea Temp
23°C
August
High / Low
31° / 23°
Sunshine
11h/day
Rainfall
1mm
Sea Temp
24°C
September
High / Low
29° / 22°
Sunshine
9h/day
Rainfall
8mm
Sea Temp
24°C
October
High / Low
27° / 20°
Sunshine
7h/day
Rainfall
25mm
Sea Temp
23°C
November
High / Low
24° / 17°
Sunshine
6h/day
Rainfall
45mm
Sea Temp
21°C
December
High / Low
21° / 15°
Sunshine
5h/day
Rainfall
50mm
Sea Temp
20°C
Microclimates by Region
Tenerife's four main climate zones - each with distinct characteristics.
South Tenerife
Sunny
The driest, sunniest part of the island. Sheltered from the trade winds by the central mountains. Perfect for beach holidays year-round.
North Tenerife
Sunny
Lush and dramatic thanks to the trade winds. Morning cloud usually clears by midday. The Orotava Valley is one of Tenerife's most beautiful spots.
East Tenerife
Sunny
Famous for its constant wind - world-class kitesurfing and windsurfing. Santa Cruz, the capital, is also here with great shopping and dining.
West Tenerife
Sunny
Sheltered and warm even in winter. The dramatic Los Gigantes cliffs rise 600m from the sea. A quieter alternative to the busy south.
How Altitude Changes Everything
0 – 400m
Coastal Resorts
18–30°C
The resort belt - warm, dry and sunny year-round in the south. Trade-wind influence in the north creates more cloud and humidity.
400 – 1,800m
Cloud Layer
12–20°C
The trade wind cloud forms here, creating the lush laurel forests of Anaga and the Orotava Valley. Misty, cool and strikingly beautiful.
1,800m+
Above the Clouds
-5–15°C
Teide National Park sits above the cloud layer in permanent clear sky. Temperatures drop dramatically - snow possible on the summit October–May.